Awhile back, I was reflecting on all of the decisions I have made over the course of my life. Big ones, small ones, good ones and honestly, some not-so-good ones. At some point, I realized that our capacity to make choices is one of the most powerful elements of our lives. In reality, we make hundreds of choices every single day – what to eat, what to wear, who to spend time with, etc… Many of these choices are somewhat inconsequential, but there are a few that have the power to re-shape our lives.
One of the most important decisions I ever made was to link myself relationally with others who were passionate about God. It has allowed me to experience what God is doing in other people’s lives, which has been both motivating and clarifying about what God is doing in me. I have found that other people are often asking the same questions that I am, struggling with similar insecurities and experiencing God in ways that help me understand how He is leading me. Small groups have also been a place where I have been able to share what is going on in my life in a safe environment where I can be encouraged to move forward or challenged to slow down and reconsider where I’m headed.
During the past 15 years of leading a church, I have found that the decision to be part of a small group is one of the most pivotal decisions a Christian can make. In my experience, to choose relational isolation is to choose spiritual immaturity. The reason is, we need each other. It is difficult for any of us to navigate the complexities of life without each other’s input. To see clearly without other people’s perspectives. To stay motivated without the encouragement of others. To make difficult changes without one another’s love.
Christians who choose to walk the path of faith alone often find it to be an overwhelming and confusing journey. As a pastor, I have had the opportunity to watch thousands of people navigate this decision firsthand and can say that with very few exceptions, people who make community a part of their lives tend to grow and thrive with God – and people who don’t, generally tend to struggle and have a more anemic experience of God. This isn’t a judgment, just an observation.
I’m curious. What has been your small group experience? How important has it been in helping you grow?
Jennifer B posted on September 25, 2009
I could not agree more with this decision being so crucial. This was certainly hammered home even this morning for me as we started a new group today. As a group, we ladies were together years ago and have just reunited and started a study. Our study years ago was amazing as we walked the journey with a friend who had been diagnosed with cancer. It was a hard time, but such a time of growth for all of us as we depended on God and cried out to Him for our friend. It was one of the best times of growth and being in the presence of God I have ever experienced. It is amazing how God orchestrated bringing us together again for this time. I don’t know why we stopped meeting-jobs, busyness, or what the reason was. I read recently in Crazy Love, or maybe it was something I heard at church that “busyness” or “hurry” is the greatest enemy to spiritual transformation-how true that is! I had an anticipation of excitement for our time this morning and now I see why. God chose this time in our lives to bring us together to support, pray for, and love eachother. I have had contact with these women, but not as much in this intimate way of slowing down and drawing near to God together. Oh how I have missed it! I am so excited about how God will show Himself to us this year and how we all will grow. I pray that everyone will join a group and experience this incredible gift of doing life together the way God intended!