In the Great Commission and the Great Commandment, Jesus describes five things for his followers to do: worship God, join with other believers in fellowship, grow to become more like Christ, minister to others, and reach out to a lost and hurting world.
Just like most believers, most small groups tend to favor one or two of these "purposes" to the exception of the others. But health comes from balance - a balanced diet, a balanced work-rest schedule, a balanced perspective on life being some examples. How do you balance five different purposes in your life? And, taking a step up from there, how do you balance them in your small group?
We'll share a few thoughts over the next couple of blog posts to help your small group have a "balanced" view. Here's the thought for today:
Don't try to do every one of the five in every meeting. That's a formula that can lead to a mechanical and less fulfilling small group. Instead, try to do each of the five in roughly equal amounts over a month, or a quarter. So,
- Intentionally schedule activities for your small group for social activities. That's the easy one, we all like to get together and fellowship.
- Make sure that your group includes discipleship activities - studying God's Word, learning more about what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
- Plan times when your group will serve others. Maybe someone in your own group is struggling and needs some help with their car, their house, their resume. Or, take your group to help rebuild Compton or Santa Ana on the days when those serving opportunities are available.
- Intentionally plan to develop the ability for people in your group to share their faith in others. Maybe have Horace Willard come speak to your group (949.713.6332) or have your group serve in some low risk outreach opportunities like the "Breakfast Together" part of the motel ministry or include a good small group study like Andy Stanley's "Go Fish" curriculum in your group's study plan.
- And lastly, look for ways for your group to include worship in your group activities. Worship is shown to God by how we live our lives, but there are very worshipful activities that can help our minds and hearts reflect on God and our desire to worship Him. Maybe it's going as a group to the monthly Night of Worship, or adding communion into your group meeting, or buying some praise music and getting people singing or having one small group meeting where all you do is pray.
In the next post we'll bring another "balanced" thought to you.
Thursday
February
18
2010
12:00 AM
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