8 Reasons for a Small Group
South Bay Community Church -
8 Reasons
Why You Should Be a Part of a
South Bay Community Church
SMALL GROUP
You will understand and apply the Bible to your life better in a small group.
If you've ever listened to a Bible teacher or preacher and wanted to stop that person and say, "but what about...?" or "I don't understand!" then a small group is for you. Preaching and teaching is one form of communication - you listen while the speaker speaks. It's fine for imparting knowledge, but not as effective for personal application as a small group.
In a small group setting, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion of the text, and hear others share insights and illustrations of the truth you are trying to grasp. The Bible must be applied to your own personal situations to accomplish its purpose, and that happens best in small groups.
You will begin to really feel like you are a part of God's family.
Most people who have been a part of a small group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and friendships that develop. They will frequently telephone each other during the week to share an urgent prayer request or an exciting answer to prayer. You'll discover that your needs and problems are not unique - we're all in the same boat. It helps to know that others are facing the same difficulties or have lived through them and learned spiritual principles in the process.
Over fifty times in the New Testament the phrase "one another" is used to describe our relationship to other believers. We are instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, accept one another, bear one another's burdens, and build up one another. The only way you can obey these commands is in a small group! We really do need each other. God never meant you to go it alone in the Christian life. If you're lonely, the answer to your need is to join a small group.
Your prayers will become more meaningful to you.
Many people are hesitant in front of others, especially if a group is large. In a small group of 4 to 15, you will learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one is pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable, you'll be able to pray sentence prayers and join in. There are many promises in the bible related to group prayer. In praying together with a few others, we are drawn together and we find answers to the needs in our lives.
You will be able to handle stress and pressure better.
Small groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You'll have a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care for you and are committed to standing with you.
When someone looses a job, a family member has an extended illness, or a mother needs a babysitter - these practical needs will be naturally taken care of through your small group. Your group will coordinate the sharing of hot meals to be brought in when your family is in need. Many people in our church could testify that they would not have made it through a difficult time if it hadn't been for the support of their church family.
You will have a natural way to share Christ with unbelieving friends, relatives, and work associates.
It may be that some of your friends who have not yet established a relationship with Christ wouldn't be caught dead in a church. They have many preconceived ideas, and just the thought of church makes them defensive. But those same people may be open to an invitation to a casual Bible discussion in a home or office setting. In a small group, your unbelieving friend can ask questions and express ones doubts without feeling "put on the spot". When your friend sees the love, warmth, and honesty of your group, it makes him more receptive to the Kingdom of God.
You will develop leadership skills you may have never knew you had.
The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain "gifts" to benefit others in the family of God. Unfortunately, most Christians remain as Sunday morning spectators all their lives because large group meetings are primarily "sit and listen" situations. As you share and participate in a relaxed small group setting, you will discover your confidence and self-esteem rising. This will help you on your job, at church, in your family and in every other relationship.
You will deepen your understanding of worship.
Many believers mistakenly believe that worship can only happen on Sunday morning in a large group with a sermon, a choir, and an offering plate. But worship happens anytime we focus on God. Sometimes that happens best in a similar group in praying or singing together.
You will be a New Testament Christian.
The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for His people to grow and have their needs met in the church. We will never be able to hire enough professional pastors to meet all the individual needs in our church family. Besides, God never intended ministry to be done by the professionals.
Consider these verses:
"They devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Every day they continued to meet together...broke bread in their homes and ate together... and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:42,44,46-47
"Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 5:42
"Greet also the church that meets at their house." Romans 16:5
"Aquilla and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house." 1 Corinthians 16:19
"Give my greetings...to Nympha and church in her house." Colossians 4:15
To participate in an open small group,
contact the leader of the group, call the church office or check with your Deacon.
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