They will make sure you know they disagree. If you are not ready, their words can feel like a gut punch from a rhino.
So, how can you prepare?
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- Save encouraging messages you receive and read them when you feel discouraged or defeated.
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- Connect with others walking the same path (see #2) and remind yourself you are not alone.
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- Use the pushback as an opportunity for growth rather than a vehicle for discouragement.
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- Remain confident in your calling; you were led to where you are on purpose for a purpose, don’t forget that.
4 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Others
Did you know that you are not the first one to do what you are doing? Yup. It’s true. There are others who have gone down the road you are now on before. Including their voices in your journey is imperative to your small group ministry’s growth. Leveraging the learning and experience that these individuals bring to the table is an invaluable tool. But most of us never access this tool for building a small group ministry because we don’t ask. I know I didn’t; until I did.
One day, in a particularly discouraging moment, I decided to reach out. I contacted several people running ministries at churches that I looked up to, leaders that I admired and respected, whose books or articles shaped my thinking.
Honestly, I didn’t expect a response, but guess what? Most of the leaders responded with a willingness to share what they had learned. They also made space to listen to me share my hopes, challenges and dreams. They allowed me to ask the many questions that had become roadblocks to what I was building. And one leader even offered to read over all of my draft material. It was like drinking from a firehose. And it was simply because I had asked.
5 – Trust God to Do What Only He Can Do
In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul addresses an argument causing division among followers in the church in Corinth. They were fighting over who was the best: Paul or Apollos. They drew lines in the sand and declared their allegiances.
In this environment, Paul walks in and says, “So who is Apollos really? Or Paul for that matter? We are only servants…”. Later, he drives this point home, saying, “…so the ones who water and plant have nothing to brag about. God, who causes the growth, is the only One who matters.”
Remember this: It is God who causes the growth to happen. In the same way, you would plant a seed in the soil and then patiently wait for it to sprout. Be patient and trust God to do what he has promised to do when building your small group ministry. This was not easy for me but has been, perhaps, the most important of lessons.
Work hard to create the conditions for the growth that you desire to see. And when the inevitable waiting period comes – that gap between the planting and the growth – don’t be discouraged.
In that liminal space, surrender your feelings of failure, your burdens and self-judgement. Believe in the God of growth and celebrate that he has called us to participate in this Kingdom-building exercise. Trust that even though it may not be evident at first glance, God is working.
This article on building a small group ministry originally appeared here, and is used by permission.
