Pastor’s Pen
September 2024
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” – Romans 12:4-5 (NIV)
Have you ever been part of a small group in a church setting?
I have discovered that small groups have shaped, guided and benefited my life in many ways over the years. I have grown and become a disciple of Jesus Christ through small group ministry. Witnessing the transforming power of a small group ministry warms my heart. The idea of small groups is simple. It can be difficult to establish or deepen relationships and connections in a larger group setting, like in a church. But if you create smaller groups of people (6 – 12 people), those groups of people can foster meaningful, growing and life-changing relationships with each other.
Small groups build and strengthen relationships and community. An active small group ministry brings together people who have the same interests, challenges, or they are at the same life stage. Small groups create a shared bond that can strengthen one another, which in turn strengthens the larger church. Members of a small group can develop close relationships with each other and provide emotional support and accountability within the small group setting.
Building community within a church through small groups can be a powerful tool. For example, the intimacy of a small group setting allows for open discussion, prayer, and meaningful conversation. This time together builds bonds and grows relationships. Some of the most meaningful friendships I have were formed in small groups.
Small groups can also serve to reach out to people who are not yet part of the church community. Small groups are designed to promote outreach and evangelism. Groups done well have members who invite friends and neighbors to join them.
Small groups also provide a level of accountability for members who are striving to live a life consistent with their faith. Members can help each other create positive changes in their life. This is done in a safe and caring environment where people can share their challenges, difficulties and joys. The group provides encouragement and support. Small groups are beneficial in so many ways.
Types of small groups:
- Bible Study: Small group Bible studies and Sunday school play an essential role in the life of any church. Bible studies and Sunday school provide a safe and positive atmosphere for expanding your knowledge of God and supports a growing relationship with God through spending time in his Holy Word.
- Support groups (Grief, caregiver, recovery, etc.): These types of groups not only educate and provide tools but are a source of tremendous support and encouragement.
- Ministry groups (Outreach groups, prayer, worship team, craft groups, men’s group, women’s groups, etc.): These types of small groups gather like minded people and provide a space for these ¨ people to be in ministry together.
It is essential to create a sense of belonging in our church. Small groups can create a non-threatening, welcoming and belonging environment. Small groups can create an atmosphere to grow connections between people. When you have a thriving small group ministry in your church, members are being equipped, encouraged and sent out into the community.
Throughout September you will hear about some of the current and new small group ministries at UMC of Casa Grande. If you have a small group idea, please share it with me as we work to grow our small group ministry over the next five years.
Blessings, Pastor Steve