|
King's Grant Baptist is about discipleship, helping you
become a devoted follower of Jesus. Small groups are the key
in this growth process. Here you will find some positive
reasons to become involved in a small group.
1. You will build
authentic relationships
Most people who have been a part of a small
group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships
and friendships that develop. You'll also discover that
your needs and feelings are not unique - we're all in the
same boat. It helps to know that others are facing the same
difficulties, or have lived through them and learned
spiritual principles in the process. The Bible instructs us
to pray, love, encourage and accept one another. The best
way to do this is in a small group! We really do need each
other. God never meant for you to go it alone in life. If
you're lonely, the answer is to join a group. In a small
group, you can belong before you believe.
2. The Bible will make more sense in your
life
In a small group setting, you can ask
questions, participate in discussion of the text, and hear
others share insights and illustrations of the truth your
group grasps. The Bible must be applied to your own personal
situations and that happens best in small groups.
3. You will discover the
benefits of prayer
No one is pressured to pray, but as you
become comfortable, you will be able to pray sentence
prayers and join in. There are many promises in the Bible
related to group prayer. In praying with others, we are
drawn together and we find answers to the needs in our
lives. Prayer draws you into a deeper relationship with God.
4. You will be able
to handle stress and pressure better
Small groups provide excellent support in
times of crisis, change and stress. You will experience a
sense of stability and security knowing there are people who
really care and support you when you need it the most.
5. You will have a natural way to share
Christ with others
It may be that some of your friends who
don't have an intimate relationship with God would not be
caught dead in church. They have a preconceived idea and
just the thought makes them defensive. But these same people
may be open to an invitation to a casual Bible discussion in
a home. In a small group, your friend can ask questions and
express honest doubts without feeling "put on the spot."
When your friend sees the love and warmth and honesty of
those in your small group, it will make him or her more
receptive to the Good News.
6. You will develop leadership skills you
never knew you had
The Bible teaches that every believer is
given certain talents or "gifts" to benefit others in
the family of God. As you share and participate in a relaxed
small group setting, you will discover your confidence and
self-esteem rising. This will help you at work, at church
and in every other relationship.
7. You will deepen your understanding of
worship
Worship isn't something that can only
happen on Sunday morning. Worship happens anytime we focus
on God. Sometimes that happens best in a smaller group
praying or singing together. In fact, all five purposes of
the church can be experienced within the small group
setting.
8. You will be a New Testament Christian!
The book of Acts is very clear about how God
intends for his people to grow and have their needs met in
the church. We will never be able to hire enough
professional ministerial staff to meet all of the individual
needs within our church family. But God never intended for
it to work that way! Consider the following verses:
- "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching
and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to
prayer. All the believers were together and had
everything in common. And they continued to meet
together; they broke bread in their homes and ate
together; and the Lord added to their number daily
those who were being saved." (Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47)
- "Day after day, in the temple courts and from house
to house they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the
Good News that Jesus is the Christ." (Acts 5:42)
- "Greet also the church that meets at their house."
(Romans 16:5)
- "Aquilla and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord
and so does the church that meets in their house." (I
Cor. 16:19)
- "Give my greetings to Nympha and the church in her
house." (Col. 4:15)
So, now what?
Small groups offer the eight benefits shared
above that no believer can afford to give up. If you are not
participating in a small group, why not join one? If you have any
questions or concerns, please
contact our pastor of
discipleship, Scott
Chafee.
* Adapted from "Eight Reasons to Join
Small Groups" at www.saddleback.com.
|
