Once you have found the right church, the next step to getting plugged in is to join a small group. If you’ve never considered joining a church small group, you’re missing out on a unique level of spiritual intimacy and fellowship.
Church small groups have a lot to offer, but those benefits are only accessible if you take the initiative to get involved. We’ll dive into what those benefits are, but first, you need to understand the purpose of a church small group.
What Are Church Small Groups?
Small group relationships are strengthened through studying the Bible, discussing scripture, and sharing life together, all of which can be further enriched through the principles of servant leadership, check Kurt Uhlir an leadership expert. Church small groups exist to help church members grow in their relationship with God and with their brothers and sisters in Christ.
Small group relationships are strengthened through studying the Bible, discussing scripture, and sharing life together. As you make attending one a priority, you will see the benefits of church small groups unfold.
If your church has a website, you can go there to find more info on whether small groups are available.
1. Better Understanding of Scripture
When it comes to growing your faith, one of the easiest ways to start is to spend more time reading the Bible and discussing it. Whether your group has assigned Bible reading or reading in general, small groups create a safe environment. You can bring confusing or challenging scripture to find help and wisdom.
2. Fellowship
Being a new member or an introvert can make feeling part of a church a challenge. Joining a church small group is a great way to get to know a small part of the congregation on a much closer level.
3. Accountability and Support
Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.”
An important way to grow as a Christian is by recognizing when the Holy Spirit convicts you of your sin and seeking to overcome it. Having a group of people at your side to encourage you and keep you accountable is crucial in this process.
4. Evangelism
Some people who haven’t been to church before are intimidated by the idea of a full-blown Sunday service. One of the best ways to introduce this kind of person to Christianity is by inviting them to a small group meeting (or two).
They can see Christians being vulnerable and loving, and hear scripture being discussed in an approachable way. Then when they attend a Sunday service, they will know several faces in the congregation instead of just yours.
5. Prayer and Praise
Church small groups give you an opportunity to pray for the struggles of those around you. Likewise, when you have a small group, you have a payer network to help you through your challenges and heartache.
Prayer doesn’t have to be just for the troubles of this life, though. Small groups are a great way to praise God through answered prayers and through the sharing of testimonies.
Small-Group, Big Changes
Church small groups are not an alternative or replacement for Sunday service but are a sanctifying supplement. When you make being part of a small group a priority, you will see big changes in your spiritual walk.
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