What is a small group?
It’s a group of people, not more than 8 or 10, who meet one evening during the week either in the church building or in one of the group member’s homes for one and a half to two hours. It’s a small group of FRIENDS.
What happens when they meet?
There’s a time for tea and coffee and getting to know each other. A time of focussing on God in prayer, by reading a psalm or by singing. Then there’s a time of Bible study. Some churches use this time to study the Sunday sermon in more depth. We use study guides to help us study Bible passages in more depth, asking
- What does it say?
- What does it mean?
- What does it mean to me, today?
There’s also a time to discuss helping each other (and others) both in prayer and in practical ways.
Why should I join a small group?
Firstly, because we all need friends! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us:- “Two are better than one, … If one falls down his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” And our groups are essentially groups of friends.
Secondly, in order to become an active part of ‘the church’, which is not just a building but a body of believers. Up until AD 300 the church was primarily a small group movement. While believers often met in large numbers for worship and teaching, they also met in house groups.
Thirdly, once you have made the commitment to follow Jesus Christ, which is a decision that ONLY YOU can make, you will find a need to be growing more like Him.
Fourthly, in order to enjoy community. What is community? It’s the ‘one anothers’ of the New Testament. 57 times in the New Testament we read ‘love one another, serve one another, pray for one another’ etc. That is community. Being together with one another.
Also, in order to grow our knowledge of, and our love for God.
Finally, in order to serve others.
Are you serious?
Are you serious about your relationship with God?
A faith that costs nothing and demands nothing, is WORTH NOTHING.
