I confess up front that this post is largely a free-form of thought…to think through something by writing about it. Hopefully it helps my thought process. And feel free to add to the discussion; I value your feedback, thoughts, and ideas.
For the past few days I have been thinking about the objective for small groups. Don’t get me wrong…I absolutely believe in small groups. But what are they all about—really? What’s the purpose of a small group? What’s the goal, the objective? Why do we do small groups?
Most of the groups I’ve been involved in seem topically focused. They are about a specific topic or series the group is working through. This might be a book of the Bible, a marriage series, et al. Relationships are part of the group, but they seem secondary. If “I” don’t like the study then I sit out a series or two until something comes up that I like…that speaks to me. (Note: I have not actually done that…but I know of others who have and I have certainly done it mentally).
I don’t think that’s what small groups are supposed to be about. They are supposed to be about relationships. Community. Walking through life together…spiritual life and life in general. Which might mean on of two things: 1) The study we do should be secondary (like it or not) or 2) Maybe the study should get tossed out the window and we spend time with each other…getting know one another, learning about each other, sharing God stories, etc. The answer probably lies somewhere in the middle of these two.
In any discussion on this topic I am drawn to the early church. How did they do it? What model(s) do we have in Scripture? The Acts 2 church is our model:
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
They ate together. The learned together. They prayer together. God did great things in their midst. They shared their lives (spiritually and literally). They worshipped together. They grew.
That’s what I call community. And I don’t think they were too worried about what lesson plan they were following. They loved on one another. They walked through life together…and God blessed them for it.
That’s what I want our small group to be. I need to be a better leader and focus on this more and on the other “stuff” less. Maybe we need to put down the lessons and the series and focus on building community. Maybe we just need to be authentic, transparent, and share our God stories (and if we don’t have them figure out why). Just maybe…
Post Tags: Acts, Community, Small Groups
I whole heartedly agree, you are on the right pathway I believe. Be brave, open up, be real, be authentic. People need that, most people want that but some people do shy away from that. But what does the Bible say? Come as you are (warts, sins and all). No hiding, no covering up. Great topic, we all need this in our small groups.