How important are small groups?

[Unclaimed Treasure]

That is precisely what our pastor asks us to do when we come to church, Aquila.

[Aquila]

That is precisely what our pastor asks us to do when we come to church, Aquila.

Ok, I thought you were struggling with 'outside sources.' By my observations over the years most small groups that are spin-offs of a larger church will use some kind of work book or program. One of the latest that I witnessed was a small group that started and used a workbook on the gifts of the Spirit. Then when they finished that it was on to another study. Lots of information. It's kinda hard to talk about this without sounding critical, I hope I'm not, but just to maybe make people think that there might be something outside of a routine. Or to have a gathering where there is room to step out in the gifts so that faith can be used. One question that challenges me personally is - what is faith for? An airplane is not made to sit in a hangar and a ship is not made to sit at the dock.

This comes to mind:

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
(Luk 17:20-21 KJV)


The difference between an observer and a participant. But the lines have become very blurred. Many now consider participation to be the observance of something. It's like people going to a football game have participated in the game just by being a cheering crowd. Or a cheer leader. But the kingdom is getting in the game, in the race.

[Being Conformed]

I'm frustrated with outside resources having to buy a Beth Moore book or some other book.

[dave]

HighBeams
I have a similar problem. I'm really busy. I have been to numerous small groups over the years, men's early morning 6:00 AM groups, church groups, private groups, mixed groups etc. ... require a night away from home and I am just swamped with work... my challenge is the time crunch. .

Hope I didn't detract from your meaning by abbreviating...but I can identify with this as well. My opinion is that, for me in particular, I'm a husband and a dad...that's the vocations, so to speak, that I chose, and those are my priorities (second to God). I can give myself to God in many ways...one is by dedicating myself to my family. Small groups are definitely an important way to learn more, to serve others, to live the Faith...but they are not the ONLY way...therefore my priorities need to be set before I decide to engage in small group activities (and as hb mentioned...that includes coming to the forums) so I know whether I actually have the time to dedicate to them.

I read a good book that delves into this topic recently called "Boundaries" by Drs. Cloud and Townsend. (And just so you don't think I'm trying to push a Catholic agenda on anyone here...the authors are NOT Catholic. ) Anyway, they do a good job at bringing Scripture into our daily lives in regards to what we are, and are not, called to do in the Christian life...and show what it means to set "boundaries"...and what "boundaries" are and are not, etc...

[JesusLovesYou]

I love our small groups. I think any ministry you are involved in is a small group. I have been a part of a few like my Sunday School group, our worship team, and Wed. prayer group. I like how we share what God puts on our heart through scripture, needs we have, challenges, prayer...it's good to see eachother grow in their walk, sharpen eachother, God work in situations, and Him getting glory from the church body walking with Him. I like how the ladies get together, and share how God is working in their heart, or when my husband gets together with the guys. My son get together with Youth. There seems to be a special bonding, fellowship, peace, and the Lord is glorified.

[JesusLovesYou]

I'm frustrated with outside resources having to buy a Beth Moore book or some other book.

Agreed. It can get costly. I either go to a thrift type bookstore & get them there, or friends hand them down. It gets costly, and a bit much. Yes, the bible is good to study all by itself. It is nice to get people we admire's take on things, but the most importan't person's take is the Lord. I've found some items cheaper at CBD or Amazon. If there are some women willing to share, and do a loan/borrow exchange would be nice.