Eight Reasons to Join
A small group is a great place to develop friendships. 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. Small groups are a place where you can live out these principles. We really do need each other. God never meant for you to go it alone. Small groups not only will help you build lifelong friendships, but experience true community the way God intended it to be.
2. You will find a fun, safe place to explore principles from the Bible.
If you’ve ever listened to a pastor's message and wanted to stop that person and say, "But what about...?" or "I don’t understand," then a small group is for you! Large group teaching is one-way communication that is great for gaining knowledge, but in a small group you can ask questions and participate in discussions on the relevance of God's word to your life.
3. You will find support in difficult times.
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, a family member has an extended illness or a mother needs a babysitter - these are practical needs that can naturally be taken care of through your small group. Many people will tell you that they could not have made it through a difficult time if it hadn’t been for the support of their group.
4. You will begin to understand the importance of prayer and how to pray for each other.
Get the “thees” and “thous” out of your head – what we’re talking about here is a REAL conversation. When we grasp that prayer is simply having a conversation with God, the way we approach prayer really begins to change. There are also many examples in the Bible of groups turning to God in prayer. In praying with others, we are drawn to connect to God and we find answers to the needs in our lives…together.
5. You will learn natural ways to share Christ with friends, relatives and work associates.
For most of us, the idea of a serious discussion about God with our unchurched friends is scary. But those same people may be only one invitation away from a step that will change their spiritual destiny. In a small group, you and your friends can learn ways to open the door to conversations with seeking friends, relatives and co-workers that help them take the next step in their spiritual journey.
6. You will begin to discover your unique gifts and talents.
The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain talents or "gifts" to be used for God's purposes. Unfortunately, many people never get to experience the joy of finding out how God has wired them up. 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 people mistakenly believe that worship can only happen in a large group service with music and a sermon. Worship happens anytime we focus on God. Sometimes that happens best in a smaller groups as we spend time in praise together.
8. You will live like God describes the New Testament.
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. He wants us to care for each other.
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
"Greet also the church that meets at their house."
"Aquilla and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord and so does the church that meets at their house."
I Cor. 16: 19
"Give my greetings...to Nympha and the church in her house." Col. 4: 15
Small Groups have these eight benefits that are hard to pass up. If you are not participating in a group, why not give one a try this week?
