There are many advantages to joining a small group.
Do you ever find yourself stuck in spiritual rut, wishing for something a little different?
Or maybe you just want someone to talk to who believes the way you do. Maybe you’re new to following Christ, and want to find support.
Or maybe you just want to hang out with people you have a lot in common with to enjoy fellowship, or meet new people.
Maybe God is calling you to be more vocal about your faith, and to witness to others.
If you’ve felt any of these things, it may be time for you to join a small group, or even start one of your own.
Here are 4 reasons you should join a small group:
Self-Care
What comes to mind when you think of the words self-care? It’s a hot topic right now, especially among women.
We want to save time and resources to devote to ourselves, so that we can then be at our best for our jobs, families, friendships, and in all other aspects of our lives.
It’s a really valid concept, and one that women often ignore as we spend all our energy on others, often leaving little left for ourselves.
I think it’s important to do things you like, things that relax you, things that are good for you. Go for a walk, get a pedicure, read a good book while you soak in the tub. Make time for yourself to rejuvenate.
But what about caring for your soul? Taking the time to feed your soul through a small group and fellowship with other believers is an incredibly important part of self-care.
When my relationship with God is strong, I am at my best for my relationships with others.
My small group is one of the things I most look forward to each week, I’ve developed incredible relationships there, and I am better because of my time spent there.
It’s something for me, something to help me refocus on what’s important. My small group is one of the most important ways I take part in self-care, and I am willing to bet you will feel the same!
Fellowship
I don’t know about you, but my life is busy. Between work and my family, there isn’t much time left for my friends.
Sure, we send texts and look at each other’s photos on Facebook, but I really miss that personal connection.
Small groups are a guaranteed way to get that back! It’s a time once a week, or however often your group chooses to meet, that you know you get to have real face to face interaction with people other than colleagues and family!
You get to connect with other believers, and experience life with them. And it’s not just fun, it’s Biblical.
The Bible talks about fellowship with other believers multiple times. Matthew 18:20 says “For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” Hebrews 10 talks about the importance of meeting together as believers. Acts 2 talks about fellowship and breaking of bread with other believers.
Fellowship is fun, and good for your spiritual walk!
Accountability
You know how you’re more likely to get to the gym or get that run in if you do it with a friend?
Your spiritual life is the same! We need accountability to help us through this life, to help keep us on the right path.
A small group is the perfect place to find accountability for your walk with God.
When you develop close relationships with people who share your beliefs it becomes easier to be vulnerable. Which also makes it easier to share what’s going on with you and what you need help with.
Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.”
Encouragement and support from a friend can be the missing ingredients in fighting the battle against Satan. Finding accountability through a small group can help!
We are Called to Spread the Good News
Scripture is very clear about our job as believers. We are here to tell others about Jesus, and to show others who Jesus is through our lives.
Involvement in a small group gives you a great opportunity to do this. At least for me, it’s a lot less intimidating to invite a friend to come hang out at my house and meet some of my other friends, have some snacks and fellowship, and share what’s going on in our lives with each other than it is to outright invite them to church.
Being a part of a small group gives you a great, easy way to shine light into the dark and show others what God’s all about.
Or maybe you’re ready to take it a step further and begin your own small group to spread God’s love and the message of Jesus.
The gospels tell us to share the good news with everyone. Psalms tells us to declare God’s glory and wonders to everyone. Using your small group as an entry point to share Jesus with someone is a fantastic way to spread the good news!
God doesn’t want us to do life alone. He wants us to take care of our spiritual selves, to fellowship with other believers, to have accountability, and to share the good news of Jesus. Trust me on this. You won’t be disappointed.
