Often times we think of the church as a building we visit on Sunday mornings. We gather for coffee, visit with friends in the foyer and catch up on the week. Then we worship in the sanctuary, listen to the pastor preach, shake hands with a few people and head home until next week.
That’s not church.
Church is what I experienced last night..
I sat around the living room with my small group. If you’re not familiar with that, a small group consists of various people, most of the time from the same church, that meet once a week to fellowship, do a Bible study, etc.
We do life..
Something was on my heart and I needed to process. They listened. They nodded. They smiled. They listened. Then they shared. Some of us had different opinions. We talked about religion and no one got mad and stomped off. See.. it is possible. They weren’t just giving feedback to hear themselves talk. They were sharing their opinions and feelings, as well as Scripture because they cared for me.
It was church…
If you aren’t involved yet, here are four reasons why you should be in a small group:
- Building Relationships – I attend church with 1200 other people. There is no way I will get to know everyone. But I have the opportunity to build deeper relationships with those inside my group. Because we grow together, I believe we can do greater things for the Kingdom of God.
- You Can Be Real – As time goes on and you continue to get to know those in your small group, you can be you. Too many times we put on our “Sunday Personalities” when we walk into the church door because people can’t really know we have issues in our life. Not so with a small group. The longer you’re part of the group, the more you come to know about each other.
- You Become Part of a Spiritual Family – I am closer to some of the peeps in my small group than I am my own family. I trust them. I feel free from judgment. I know they would be there for me when I need them.
- You See Scripture Lived Out – We are to be disciples of Christ. We challenge each other to live God’s Word and we have the blessed opportunity to see those truths come to life in each other.
Here’s what my friend Jennifer says about why we should be in a small group:
“So that you can hear how Jesus interacts with other people. To be encouraged that He is real and interacting with people. To help discount the discouragement that the world/enemy throws at us.
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
If you’re in a small group, what are some of the other benefits I didn’t mention above? Comment below…