Top 7 Reasons to Join a Small Group
1. You'll begin to really feel like a part of God’s family.
Most people who have been a part of a group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and friendships that develop. They will frequently telephone each other during the week to share an urgent prayer request or an exciting answer. You’ll discover that your needs and problems 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 God’s truth in the process.
Over and over again in the New Testament the phrase "one another" is used to describe our relationship to other followers of Jesus. We are instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, accept one another, bear one another’s burdens, and build up one another. The best way to practice these is in a small group! We really do need each other. God never meant for you to be alone in your God-journey.
2. You'll be able to handle stress and pressure better.
Groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You will have a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care for you and who are committed to standing with you.
When someone loses a job, or a family member has an extended illness, or a mother needs a babysitter — these practical needs can naturally be taken care of through your group. Your group may coordinate the sharing of hot meals to be brought in when your family is in need. Many people in our church could testify that they would not have made it through a difficult time if it had not been for the support of their group.
3. You'll understand the Bible better in a group.
If you have ever listened to a pastor and wanted to stop that person and say, "But what about...?" or "I don’t understand," then a group is for you! Preaching and teaching is one-way communication. You listen while the speaker speaks. It is fine for imparting God’s truth but not as effective for discussion as a group setting.
In a small group, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion of the Bible, and hear others share insights and illustrations of the truth you are trying to understand. The Bible is intended to be applied to your own personal situations and lead us to take next steps. That happens best in groups.
4. Prayer will become more meaningful to you.
Many people are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially in a large church. In a group of 6 to 12, you learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one is pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable, you’ll be able to pray and join in. In praying together with a few others, we are drawn together and find answers to the needs in our lives.
5. You'll have a natural way to share Jesus with friends, relatives, and colleagues from work.
It may be that some of your friends who do not know Jesus would not be caught dead in a church. They have preconceived ideas, and just the thought makes them defensive. However, those same people may be open to an invitation to a casual discussion of the Bible in a home or office setting. In a group, your friend can ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling "put on the spot". When your friend sees the love, warmth, and honesty of your group, it can make him or her more receptive to the God’s truth and offer of grace.
6. You'll develop gifts and skills that you never knew you had!
The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain talents or "gifts" to benefit others in the church body. Unfortunately, many Christians don’t grow beyond being Sunday morning spectators because large group meetings are primarily "sit and listen" situations. As you share and participate in a safe, relaxed group setting, you will discover your confidence and self-esteem rising. This will help you at work, in the church, and in every other relationship.
7. You'll be following Jesus just like they did in the Bible!
The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for his people to grow and have their needs met in the church. As everyone does their part, God's Spirit works resulting in changed lives and greater opportunities!
Consider these 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. Every day 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 5:4
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