Are you in a small group?
That’s the question we are asking around our church. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the question. While it may appear fairly general and almost ambiguous, it is loaded with theological, practical and life transforming significance. Being in a biblically grounded and intentional small group is one of the most spiritually enriching decisions you will ever make and you can take that to the bank.
Sadly we live in an independent, self-sufficient and overly introverted society. It is rare that we really, I mean really share our lives with others, taking things deeper than the surface level conversations that are so prevalent. Our lives are closed books and the church has allowed this type of thinking to creep into her midst. Even as Christians, it’s rare to find and experience relationships that move to that more intimate level where we open up to one another sharing our struggles, pains, fears, victories and questions.
It’s time that we rid ourselves of our cultural independence and embrace the biblical view of bodily dependence. Scripture is clear that all parts of the body are intended to function together (1 Cor. 12:18-20). Beyond that, all parts of the body are called to care for one another both physically and spiritually (Gal. 6:1). We cannot do that if we do not know the physical and spiritual needs that exist within our body. This is not possible without authentic biblical fellowship that produces God honouring relationships. It is true biblical fellowship that will promote spiritual health and growth in the body.
The question is, how do we foster such relationships? While there are many ways relationships form in the church, one of the primary and most effective ways to build and cultivate godly relationships is through small groups. It is here that we are encouraged and afforded the opportunity to have regular interaction with a group of believers. Here we will not just meet at the social level but at the spiritual level. Consider the following Scripture:
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24–25 ESV)
This is perhaps the most foundational text in Scripture to support what we do in our small groups. The goal is not to simply hang out and socialize! God desires so much more! The goal is to be mutually ministering to one another, spurring each other on toward godliness and spiritual growth.
We see the concept of Small groups forming in the early church. Sure they didn’t use the same terminology, but they had the same concept! Just look at acts 2:42 for example. Throughout the book of Acts the church was growing rapidly and they meeting together in large numbers (Acts 5:12). But, we also have records of them meeting at homes and being taught in home settings (Acts 8:3; 12:12). Paul himself spoke of how he went from house to house instructing and teaching God’s Word (Acts 20:20). It is impossible to develop the close knit relationships we so desperately need in the hour and a half we spend together on Sunday mornings - small groups make these relationships possible.
We are intentional about what we do and how we do it. While there are many ways to do a small group, we believe that God’s Word must be at the centre of it all. Discussion and teaching of God’s Word is critical to growth as a believer (1 Peter 2:2; John 17:17), and our goal is to learn how to apply that together. We also focus on real accountability that is intended to cultivate a culture that deals with sin (James 5:16; Proverbs 27:17), builds one another up (1 Thess. 5:11), and promotes transparency for the sake of growth. It is through this accountability time that we can pray specifically for one another and help meet practical needs.
Our desire is to see everyone at Harvest Durham actively participating in a small group. As we give ourselves to sharpening one another in the context of biblical fellowship and community, we will experience the power of God as he continues to transform us into the image of Jesus Christ. The Christian life was not meant to be lived alone, join a small group and find out what you’ve been missing!