5 Small Things
Discipleship is at the core of the Father’s will for us, the thrust of Jesus’ commission to us, and the heart of the Spirit’s work in us. It sparks mission, fosters community, and becomes the catalyst for holiness of heart and life. To be and make disciples is our calling.
In many local churches, small groups play a crucial role in our discipleship strategy. They are one key step in a clear path toward growth in grace. But sometimes we struggle to find the right balance between structure and open creativity. Here are 5 shared commitments to help groups align with a common mission, journey together with the church body, and encourage creative expression at the same time.
5 Challenges for Every Small Group
1. GATHER TOGETHER.
Choose a consistent time for meeting and make that time a protected priority in your week. Choose a time and place that best fits the members and mission of your group. If your group is designed for more intimate connection, choose an environment like a living room. If your group is built around discussions of engaging culture with the Gospel, choose a restaurant or coffee shop in the heart of the community. Make sure your time is consistent and your space is conducive.
2. SHARE TOGETHER.
Small groups play a vital role in fostering community within our church. Each week, take intentional time to share and pray together. Share your joys and deep struggles. Be authentic. As the leader, pave the way and set the tone. Lead with vulnerable courage and let your group share in your burdens. Create a safe place for them to do the same. After you offer an opportunity to share honestly, spend time praying for the specific needs mentioned. Bind your group together through prayer.
3. GROW TOGETHER.
Small groups are designed to spur us on toward growth in Christ in the context of community. Your group should do more than just hang out. Being together is important and meaningful. But be sure to orient your time together around the purpose of discipleship. Welcome and encourage diverse expressions of this goal—Bible studies, prayer groups, accountability groups, topic studies, discussion groups, service groups—but each one should be rooted in and directed by discipleship.
4. WORSHIP TOGETHER.
Encourage your group members to stay connected to the larger church family. Come to church and worship together. We are on a journey with each other, walking in step with the Spirit. He is shaping us as the body of Jesus, a collective expression of the Kingdom in this specific place. Lead your group in joining that journey.
5. SERVE TOGETHER.
Although discipleship is the central thrust of small groups, they will not be complete unless they fully integrate mission into their shared experience. This is who we are, it is a crucial part of active discipleship, and any expression of the Church that does not integrate both is not whole. Envision your small groups as micro-movements-- the dream tanks and creative incubators for furthering the mission. In these fertile settings, ideas and ingenuity will give birth to the next (and better) Love Missions into the community. The potential here is unlimited. Mobilize your groups to serve the community for the sake of the Kingdom. Require every group to design and carry out at least one love mission (creative, tangible expression of God's grace) together each semester.
In many local churches, small groups play a crucial role in our discipleship strategy. They are one key step in a clear path toward growth in grace. But sometimes we struggle to find the right balance between structure and open creativity. Here are 5 shared commitments to help groups align with a common mission, journey together with the church body, and encourage creative expression at the same time.
5 Challenges for Every Small Group
1. GATHER TOGETHER.
Choose a consistent time for meeting and make that time a protected priority in your week. Choose a time and place that best fits the members and mission of your group. If your group is designed for more intimate connection, choose an environment like a living room. If your group is built around discussions of engaging culture with the Gospel, choose a restaurant or coffee shop in the heart of the community. Make sure your time is consistent and your space is conducive.
2. SHARE TOGETHER.
Small groups play a vital role in fostering community within our church. Each week, take intentional time to share and pray together. Share your joys and deep struggles. Be authentic. As the leader, pave the way and set the tone. Lead with vulnerable courage and let your group share in your burdens. Create a safe place for them to do the same. After you offer an opportunity to share honestly, spend time praying for the specific needs mentioned. Bind your group together through prayer.
3. GROW TOGETHER.
Small groups are designed to spur us on toward growth in Christ in the context of community. Your group should do more than just hang out. Being together is important and meaningful. But be sure to orient your time together around the purpose of discipleship. Welcome and encourage diverse expressions of this goal—Bible studies, prayer groups, accountability groups, topic studies, discussion groups, service groups—but each one should be rooted in and directed by discipleship.
4. WORSHIP TOGETHER.
Encourage your group members to stay connected to the larger church family. Come to church and worship together. We are on a journey with each other, walking in step with the Spirit. He is shaping us as the body of Jesus, a collective expression of the Kingdom in this specific place. Lead your group in joining that journey.
5. SERVE TOGETHER.
Although discipleship is the central thrust of small groups, they will not be complete unless they fully integrate mission into their shared experience. This is who we are, it is a crucial part of active discipleship, and any expression of the Church that does not integrate both is not whole. Envision your small groups as micro-movements-- the dream tanks and creative incubators for furthering the mission. In these fertile settings, ideas and ingenuity will give birth to the next (and better) Love Missions into the community. The potential here is unlimited. Mobilize your groups to serve the community for the sake of the Kingdom. Require every group to design and carry out at least one love mission (creative, tangible expression of God's grace) together each semester.
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