My struggle with small groups
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- Published: Tuesday, 19 July 2016 13:29
- Written by James Dean
I have an ongoing love-hate relationship with small groups at church, and I sense I may not be alone in this.
On the one hand I love the fact that at times it can be an uplifting and edifying time where we share the difficulties of life and turn to prayer and exalt God together for his care and love. I delight when we read a passage of the Bible and as we talk about what it means a little sparkle appears in our eyes as we realise something amazing and learn something we'd never known before or remember a truth we'd forgotten.
On the other hand there are some weeks when everything really does feel like pulling teeth. No one wants to talk or open up; everyone seems downright grumpy; and I wonder if it was worthwhile getting together in the first place.
I've thought this over many times and wondered whether perhaps we're just doing it wrong. Perhaps we need to sing or not sing; perhaps the groups should be larger or smaller; meet earlier or later; meet more often or less often. Surely other churches that have seen huge benefits to this model of meeting together have a secret they're not letting on?
But what I'm coming to realise is that we're not doing it wrong at all. What we might perceive as being "wrong" about the groups is actually right. It's just a reflection what real life is like and the only thing we need to do is to understand that simple fact. Sometimes people have just all had a "bad day" on the same day; that doesn't make the group itself not work - but it does mean that the group has some work to do!
Our small groups, home groups, whatever you like to call them, are there not to create or reinforce cliques but for us to disciple one another. The idea is that in these groups we build relationships with one another and encourage and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). That means there will be times when we're going to have to roll up our sleeves, get to work and that may get a bit messy from time to time as we deal with real life issues. But the goal is to grow together in our faith and spur each other on (Hebrews 10:24).
Yes, some weeks will be tough; others will be easier. But every time we meet together it should be enriching and joyous to the glory of God.
