Chapter 3 of Why Small Groups? is a great chapter about taking ownership of your small group. These practical suggestions are also true of your relationship to your local church.
Ownership determines how much (or how little) we invest in our groups.
“Each member is equally responsible for insuring that the group glorifies God.”
What Makes a Group Successful?
Hunger to know God – the single greatest contribution you can make to a group is your own passionate pursuit of God.
Love the church – sooner or later your group leader and other members will do something you don’t like. Will you love the church enough to stick around?
Understand your “job description” – see description on page 37.
Assume your leader is not Sherlock Holmes – Volunteer information about yourself and what you are struggling with.
Share the bad stuff, too – One of the best ways to make your group successful is to confess your own sins.
Have realistic expectations – Give people the benefit of the doubt. Expect these things to take time.
Meet outside the meeting – get to know each other.
Open your home – hospitality.
Open your mouth! – Don’t let pride deprive the whole group of your valuable contributions.
Be constructive, not destructive – care group is not the time to debate theological issues. However, there are times when we need to speak up and share truth.
Laugh at the leader’s jokes – Have fun.
Serve on the “advisory committee” – Share helpful feedback and evaluation.
Pray on the way – a few minutes of prayer on the way will revolutionize your gatherings.
Give your gifts – spiritual gifts are given in order to glorify God by serving others.
Volunteer to serve – Be the first to volunteer.
Expect “awe-full” meetings – Expect the Holy Spirit to work powerfully.
Keep the mission in mind – Read the last paragraph on page 42.
Can you think of any other practical suggestions for making care groups successful?
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