Occasionally, one of my daughters complains about growing pains in her legs late at night. As I rub her legs and administer ibuprofen, I also try to encourage her that the pains are necessary for her body to grow. This discomfort changes her body, allowing it to grow in size and maturity. When something goes wrong with this process and growth is halted, the human body can suffer numerous disorders.
This process of growth is also true for the church.
I have spent the last six months consulting with several local churches interested in beginning a small group ministry. This has posed a new challenge for me. My previous experience had taken place in churches with an existing small group ministry. But I have enjoyed the challenge and have learned a lot more about growing pains along the way.
I have learned that introducing the concept of community into a church can be painful. But in massaging these pains, I am more convinced than ever that the pain is worth the rewards of growth. Through small groups the church can continue to grow in size and maturity as each person is given the opportunity to explore their faith, exercise their gifts and personally minister to those within the church and in the community.
I have also realized that there are ways to ease the PAINS of change during this time of growth.
Purpose: Hebrews 12:2 from 'The Message' says, "Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God."
Developing a purpose or vision for small group ministry is necessary before a small group ever meets. A clearly defined purpose marks the finish line and provides the vital encouragement to endure whatever may happen along the way.
Attitude: Speaking affirming words about the importance of small groups gives credibility to the purpose.
- A sermon series on Acts 2:42-47 will describe the lifestyle of the early church, emphasizing the importance of sharing our lives with others.
- A testimony from someone who has experienced the life-changing benefits of being in a small group will make the concept personal.
- Personally building relationships with others in the church will begin to touch each person with the value of living in community (having someone over for dinner, attending an athletic event together, or offering to pray with someone about a challenge in his/her life).
Instruction: It is important to prayerfully gather together a group of 8-12 people who have embraced the vision of small groups. This small group can meet for 6-8 weeks to study a book on small group leadership, such as "8 Habits of Effective Small Group Leaders" by Dave Earley or Joel Comiskey's "Home Cell Group Explosion." Investing the time and money to attend a small group leadership training together is vital. (Find a seminar in your area by looking at SmallGroups.com's Training Calendar.)
Numbers: Each person in the core group should develop a prospect list of people they know through work, sports, school and church. Building relationships with these people in the coming weeks will give each leader several people to ask to be a part of their small group.
Support: On-going encouragement, instruction and inspiration are necessary to maintain a healthy group of leaders and stir up in others the desire to lead. After several small groups are active it's crucial to bring the leaders together monthly for an hour of further leadership training and refreshment.
In the beginning, the process may appear to move slowly, the numbers may be small, and the influence may be undetectable…but I share the hope of my Savior who finished the race because He never lost sight of the finish line. If I walk confidently in my vision of small group ministry, I will experience God igniting the church one heart at a time.
