Have you ever been challenged to think outside the box? Or to quote a recent television ad, think outside the bun? Beyond the soft security of the bun is the tantalizing crunch of the taco shell. Beyond the safe complacency of your small group is the thrill and excitement of shining God's light in a dark world. Outside the parameters of our comfort zone lie the opportunities that dreams are made. As a small group leader, do you ever let yourself wonder, "What if?" What if we invited others to our small group? What if our small group spent time bringing the hope of Jesus to others in our community?
Max Lucado writes a compelling story called The Cave People, in which a stranger confronts a tribe of cave dwellers, living in complete darkness and hopelessness. This stranger enters into their darkness and builds a fire, spraying warmth and light to the far reaches of the cave. The tribe cowers and covers their eyes, quickly rebuking the fire builder. They spew excuses of why they can't come near the fire, but their excuses melt in the rays of penetrating light. One cave dweller, however, dares to step near. She allows herself to absorb the warmth and wills her eyes to see what has been hidden from her for so long. In a dialogue with the fire builder, she expresses her desire to stay near the fire and to not leave her people behind in the darkness. The stranger reaches into the fire and removes a stick, which he hands the woman. He says, "Carry this to your people. Tell them the light is here, and the light is warm. Tell them the light is for all who desire it." With the warmth and power of the light, she steps back into the shadows in search of her people.
Small groups can offer the warmth of God's acceptance and love, the light of God's Word, and the power of healing relationships. But many people don't come near the fire of community. They inadvertently choose to face the cold, hard facts of their life in a sterile environment devoid of true love and healing hope. Some have been invited and declined the offer, yet most have never been told such a place even exists. What if, as small groups, we chose to consistently bring the light of the fire and the warmth of its testimony to those who live in the dark? What if our small groups never closed their doors but left them wide open while we prayed for God to draw the lost to His fire? If we close the door of our small group the fire will eventually go out. Small groups need new life to be healthy, just as a fire needs oxygen to exist.
Consider the following ideas in order to intentionally lead an open small group:
Be intentional by challenging the people in your small group each week to individually touch those outside the group with God's love (see Outreach Options for ideas).
Be intentional by organizing quarterly group outreach activities in your community (see Outreach Options for ideas).
Be intentional by praying together weekly that God would bring people to your group who need a safe place to belong.
Be intentional by modeling what you would like your group members to do. Invite one person to your small group every week. Not all will come, but after a year of inviting you could have enough new members to multiply your group.
Be intentional by constantly talking with your small group about being an open small group. Ask them often, "If you so needed this touch of community in your life, aren't there others who also need it?" Your enthusiasm and vision will be contagious.
Be intentional by validating your small group's needs. If your group is experiencing a tough time, such as a member is dying or someone has lost a child, close your group for a time to minister to one another. However, set a time when you will again open your group.
Be intentional with the warmth and light of God's fire. As you choose to bring the fire of God's love to those in the dark, our whole world will begin to look a little bit brighter.
