The Wagon Wheel Effect
What, exactly, is Small Group Ministry? I've been asked this question and I've asked myself this question. We think it explains itself, but truth is, the title does not seem to fully encompass what this form of ministry can be in the life of the church.
Sure, we can figure out by the title it is made up of small groups of individuals. And, somewhere within this group of individuals there lies a faith aspect. But where do we go from here? Answer: anywhere we want. Small Group Ministries is a plan where people gather around a common interest: a book study, a hobby, a special interest in learning something new, a need for living healthier, etc. The ministry aspect of the title is where small group ministries really gain their strength for congregations.
Small Group Ministries become ministry when these groups of people come together and share their faith stories and begin the discipline of praying for one another. Ministry occurs when groups of people grow closer to one another and to God and begin to act out their faith in the secular world. Ministry occurs when transformation happens from the inside out. Small Group Ministries is a return to a first century church model of living. It's the Wagon-Wheel effect…as people (the spokes) grow closer to one another, they grow closer to God (the hub). When we are close to people and to God, the natural outcome will be joining efforts to create God's Kingdom on Earth!
The book of Acts teaches us how the early church formed and a bit of how they operated within the world they lived. They gathered in homes, so we know the groups were small in the beginning. They performed acts of kindness for those in need in their communities as an act of their faith. (See Acts: 4:32-37) They worked together to build the church (note the little 'c'). They formed bonds based on their common experiences. They sold their possessions and gave to the poor so that all were cared for and received what was necessary to live.
While we may not experience persecution at the hands of an oppressive government, we certainly see within our world a lack of faith and the willingness to work for the common good. Small Group Ministries help individuals live out their faith with friends who share common interests. They provide a loving core of individuals with whom we can draw strength in times of need. And, they provide the outlet necessary to make life more enjoyable and meaningful. No one is asked to sell off their possessions to give to the poor, but you'd be surprised how a compulsion to live a life of faith plays out when groups of individuals come together in the name of God and Jesus Christ! Great things are bound to happen!
Every member of our church should participate in some form of Small Group Ministry and every individual who walks through our doors should be invited to join a small group by as many members as shake their hand on any given Sunday. Learning, Loving and Sharing all have the power to culminate within our lives and transform the lives of those we encounter.
What's holding you back from entering into these special opportunities?
Blessings,
Tracy