Home Small Group Leaders Articles for Small Group Leaders I Hate Small Group Ministry – Don’t You?

I Hate Small Group Ministry – Don’t You?

#3 – Avoid isolation.

One of the most dangerous places we can be when we face difficult times is alone. Peter writes that we must always be on guard. Why? Because

“…[our] enemy, the devil, is prowling around outside like a roaring lion, just waiting and hoping for the chance to devour someone.”

1 Peter 5:8

While I am not an expert on large cats’ predatory habits, I’ve seen enough documentaries to know that they are ambush predators. They target those that are weak and isolated from the rest of the herd.

The truth is Satan hates what you are doing and while our battles might seem to be with those around us, this is not the case. Our actual battles are against a spiritual enemy who wants to see us in ruin.

When we say we are “better together,” it’s not just a catchy “Join a Small Group” tagline. We are ACTUALLY better together. And so, in these difficult seasons, find a mentor, coach or community of people that can walk with you through the weeds.

#4 – Don’t quit during a challenging season.

I was ready to throw in the towel the week I had the idea for this blog post. Challenge after challenge confronted me, and I couldn’t scrape together a single win to celebrate. I felt that everything I was trying to build was impossible, which was so discouraging. And in that space, my emotions overwhelmed my thinking. They said it was time to walk away and I would never succeed. That it was too hard.

I didn’t, however, listen to them, and the following week some unexpected and encouraging wins came my way. Stories emerged that were a testament to God’s faithfulness in spite of those difficult seasons. I would have missed these blessings if I had walked away when things looked bleak.

When things are hard, stick it out, persevere, trust in God and lean into what he is doing. If he is calling you somewhere different he will let you know. Until then, don’t give up when things are tough.

Sometimes our most significant breakthroughs are just on the other side.