Why Small Groups
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. One way communication is fine for imparting knowledge but is
not as effective as a small group for personal application. 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.
It's not unusual for people to say,
"It would really help if I could sit down and talk with some others
and discuss the Sunday message. I get part of it but some of it I
just need help understanding how to apply it to my life." Small
groups allow you to do that.
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.
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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.
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. 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.
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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 some preconceived ideas about
church 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 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.
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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 pastor teaching, and a choir
singing, and an offering basket being passed. But the truth is that
worship happens anytime we focus on God. Sometimes that happens best
in a smaller group where believers can pray or sing together. (At
Fellowship of the Woodlands, we've authorized every trained Shepherd
Leader to serve the Lord's Supper whenever the group wants to have a
communion service.
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 church 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
"Greet also the church that meets
at their house." Romans 16:5
"Aquilla and Priscilla greet you
warmly in the Lord and so does the church that meets at their
house." 1 Corinthians 16:19
We are excited about the incredible
potential of the network of small groups we're building within the
Embassy. Small groups have these eight benefits that no believer can
afford to pass up. If you're not participating in a group, why not
join one this week?
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