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Growing Through Community
I am a life-long participant and advocate of small group ministry. Here’s why:
At Christ Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas I joined my first small group as a young adult; a woman’s Bible study. This was my re-entry into an adult faith in Christ after college years. I made two good friends with professional women like me with whom I still keep in touch. Beverly is one of these women who became the godparent to my son Jeff. I felt connected to the congregation through these friendships and looked forward to seeing my friends at worship on Sundays.
When Jim and I moved to Minneapolis, we were expecting our third child. Oak Knoll Lutheran Church in Minnetonka had a small group for parents called Christians Under Construction. A counselor taught us about child development and parenting, and we organized a marriage enrichment weekend that profoundly blessed all of us. This group helped Jim and I, especially through our failures and mistakes. We laughed together about the chaos life brings raising three pre-schoolers.
At Oak Knoll I joined another women’s Bible study. Most of these women had grown-up children and grandchildren. I found myself among mature Christians. I watched, listened and learned from them about living deeply in daily faith, reading the Bible, and prayer. I was very busy with a newborn and two toddlers, but we met one evening a month. At the end of a year I was surprised by the friendships I had formed Đeven meeting just once a month!
As our children entered elementary school, we joined St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church in Plymouth. I began to lead groups, organize events, and teach Bible studies.
Jim and I led marriage retreats. Now I was growing in serving God and people.
Not all groups I joined or organized were successful. Some never got off the ground. I felt badly when a few people sought the fellowship of a small group, but more people were needed to establish the group. If you are considering what a small group might offer you, please also consider what a gift your presence and participation can mean to others. You might be the difference in whether a small group can make a go!
I have seen another purpose fulfilled by small groups, beyond our own participation. Small groups make a stronger congregation as a whole. People gather and grow in faith and link together - one relationship at a time-to form a common fellowship and mission. St. Paul describes this in Ephesians 4:16.
We must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.
In my life, I’ve experienced the Holy Spirit working through the fellowship of small groups to grow me and build up a whole community into the body of Christ. A Small Group Steering Team is working to form small groups this year; enough for all interests, busy schedules, life circumstances; enough for everyone to join.
In His presence,
Pastor Chris