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GROUPS: Reasons to Join |
Eight Reasons to Join a Small Group
1. You will understand the Bible better in a small group.
If you’ve ever listened to a Bible teacher or preacher
and wanted to stop that person and say, "But what about...?"
or "I don’t understand," then a small group
is for you! Preaching and teaching is one way communication.
You listen while the speaker speaks. It’s fine for imparting
knowledge but not as effective for personal application as
a small group. In a small group setting, you can ask questions,
participate in a discussion of the text, and hear others share
insights and illustrations of the truth you are trying to
grasp. The Bible must be applied to your own personal situations
and that happens best in small groups.
2. You will begin to really feel like 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
spiritual principles in the process.
Over fifty times in the New Testament the phrase "one
another" is used to describe our relationship to other
believers. 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
only way you can obey these commands is in a small group!
We really do need each other. God never meant for you to go
it alone in the Christian life. If you’re lonely, the
answer to your problem is to join a group.
3. Prayer will become more meaningful to you.
Many people are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially
in a large church. In a small group of 6 to 12, you will 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 sentence prayers and join in.
There are many promises in the Bible related to group prayer.
In praying together with a few others, we are drawn together
and we find answers to the needs in our lives.
4. You will be able to handle stress and pressure
better.
Small groups provide excellent support in times of crisis,
change, and stress. You’ll have a sense of stability
and security knowing there are people who really care for
you and 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 are practical
needs that will be naturally taken care of through your small
group. Your group will 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 hadn’t been for the
support of their group.
5. You will have a natural way to share Christ
with friends, relatives, and work associates.
It may be that some of your friends who don’t know
the Lord wouldn’t be caught dead in a church. They have
a preconceived idea and just the thought makes them defensive.
But those same people may be open to an invitation to a casual
Bible discussion in a home or office setting. In a small group,
your unbelieving 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 your group,
it will make him 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.
Unfortunately most Christians remain as Sunday morning spectators
all their lives because large group meetings are primarily
"sit and listen" situations. As you share and participate
in a relaxed small group setting, you’ll 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.
Many believers mistakenly believe that worship can only happen
on Sunday morning in a large group with a sermon, a choir,
and an offering plate! Worship happens anytime we focus on
God. Sometimes that happens best in a smaller group in praying
or singing together.
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 pastors
to meet all the individual needs in our family. God never
intended for it to be that way!
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