If you want your church or small group to grow there is plenty of information available to assist you. There are lists and books by various authors such as, The Ten best…The Seven Ultimate…, The five Essentials. Pastor, Dr. Fred Luter If we’re going to grow we, 1. must be a people of the word; 2. must have leadership accountability, and 3. must be discipling. All of these are good and each one valid for assisting churches in keeping to the plan of God for fulfilling the Great Commission.
One of the essentials that I believe is part of everyone’s list involves building relationships through regular gatherings. These gatherings can take on a variety of faces, fellowships, ministry projects, activities, and mission trips to name a few. In Dr. Luter’s list these gatherings can come under each one of the three essentials. It is biblical and practiced in the New Testament (Acts 2: 42-47). Regular activities builds in friendly accountability, and should be an intentional discipling component.
Over the years I have written about scheduling and planning regularly (monthly) events and activities for the small groups in churches. I have even written about them seasonally giving examples using titles as, Cold Class Convenings for winter, Sizzling Summer Socials, Awesome Autumn Activities, and Sprouting Spring Sharings. No matter what you call them it is important to schedule them. People take ownership where they are accepted. People feel accepted where they can participate where they are comfortable, using gifts and talents they enjoy using.
People feel accepted when they can belong. Belonging and acceptance is the third level of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need and it is where most people enter your church. They are looking for acceptance and a place to belong. When someone first attends your church or small group they need to begin developing one new relationship (with someone in your organization) within 30 days or they will not stay. The more relationships they can foster, the stronger bond of acceptance to the organization. These regular scheduled activities serve as one of the greatest means of fostering relationships.
A new comer or unbeliever working beside a committed believer at a community event, such as cleaning the park, will have the opportunity to interact on a personal level, building a new friendship and seeing Christianity in action. Likewise, a new comer can see more of Christ sitting in someone’s home with ten to fifteen others, sharing a meal and joining in casual conversation than in a year’s worship services or Bible studies. I have lost track of the times I have heard, “That’s when I realized it’s okay to be Christian.” or something similar.
Whether it is fellowshipping over a meal in someone’s home (the Christmas season offers a great opportunity), a cook out, a ball game, raking leaves for the elderly, or other local ministry project, these small group gatherings are essential for establishing and fostering relationships as well as building friendly accountability and growing as disciples of a living God through New Testament living.
Not everyone will attend at first, but don’t give up. As those who attend share with others they will begin and you will see a new excitement and bond within your small group spreading to others in your church and your circle of influence. Don’t put it off. Why not start now? Plan your first one while it is fresh on your mind.
For more on this topic contact George Yates and visit SonC.A.R.E. Ministries.