Last month we committed to a new small-group Bible study that meets on Sunday nights. It’s been very uplifting.
So this week I’m thankful particularly for blessings that come with small groups.
1. Know names
You know everybody. By name. By relationship. By profession. Lots of connecting points. That’s impossible to do with a large group. And when someone new comes, it’s quite obvious and much easier to make them feel welcome.
2. Better food
A minor detail, but hey, food is important. With fewer people, you don’t need bulk quantities, so the likeliness of “homemade” increases. And instead of a snack, you might just have a meal. Next week, one of our ladies is cooking a special meal for us all. I can’t wait.
3. More intimacy
Why do we feel safer to pour out our hearts in small groups? Maybe it’s those multiple connecting points; maybe it’s accountability; maybe it’s the eye-to-eye and heart-to-heart environment. But whatever it is, it’s real. And it blesses.
4. Easier change-ups
Need to quickly change plans? It’s not near the hassle with a small group compared to a large one. Meet elsewhere this week? That’s fine. Substitute one project for another? Not a problem. Flexibility. It’s a good thing.
With fewer people, everybody gets an opportunity to talk. Last Sunday we went around the circle sharing about our week. It was incredibly powerful and intimate to hear how God was at work in the details of each person’s life. And everybody also got a chance to pray. Does it get any better than this?
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If your church divides into small groups but you haven’t tried one yet, I encourage you to give it a test run this week. See if you don’t end up with five blessings of your own!
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Update:
I ran across a nice excerpt about community shortly after I posted this. Where two or three are gathered...
11 comments:
Knowing names is a skill, they say. I like advantages of small groups better than the large ones. Neat faves.
I'm very bad with names, esp. in large groups. And I'm with you on your opinion about the food also! =)
Hope you have a great weekend!
Your small group sounds invigorating, Lisa. Glad you are able to enjoy it with such a bunch of supportive people.
Thanks for sharing about the benefits of a small group. I wish I was involved in one ...
I wonder if I could talk Pastor into cancelling church on Sunday evenings in favor of small groups? ;)
Small groups really are the best for growth and accountability. I love small groups...
I agree with you about small groups. I finally found one and it's great to have a few women who really know you. I appreciate the flexibility of a small group--right now we are changing schedules and meeting places to accomodate a couple of people and it's fairly easy to do.
Your small group sounds wonderful!
Sounds great Lisa.....and you are so creative with your FFF. :)
I am sure it's great to connect with the ladies in your small group. Do they read your blog? :)
Sandy: I don't think anyone in my group reads my blog. :-)
I love small groups. Definitely easier to open and share in them.
I value small groups and good leadership is yet better. Sounds like your groups are going well.
I would not live with out one.
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