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You’ll grow
in your walk with Christ - In a small group setting you
will study Gods word, 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.
 You’ll
begin to really connect with Gods family - Most people
who have been a part of a group say the greatest benefit is the
close relationships and friendships that develop.
Small groups
provide excellent support in many areas of life including 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. You’ll
discover that your needs and problems are not unique ~ were 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. God never meant for you to
go it alone in the Christian life. If you’re lonely or don’t
feel connected, the answer to your problem is to join a group.
You’ll 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.
You’ll develop skills and abilities 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 as you understand more of
who God created you to be. This will help you at work, at
church, and in every other relationship.
You’ll 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!
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 5:42
These are benefits no believer
can afford to pass up. If you are not participating in a group,
why not join one this week? |
