10 Commitments for a Healthy Small Group Ministry

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 #4. I will not criticize the past.

Regardless of the current status of your small group ministry, it is an indication of the foundation that was likely built by someone else. Honor that foundation, regardless of your own personal opinions. Your role is to build on the foundation, not destroy it. Never criticize the past. Your character is revealed when you honor predecessors: “God used them for his purpose.” Also, I believe that history provides a plethora of learning opportunities. Examine the past, pick out the pearls, and learn from what didn’t work out as planned.

“Every teacher… is like the owner of  a house who brings out of his store-room new treasures as well as old.” – Matthew 13:52

 #5. I will avoid the comparison trap.

It is human nature to compare ourselves to others, and unfortunately the church is not immune to this. It is sinful to feel superior to another church or ministry, which is pride. Comparison can also make you feel discouraged, which can result in envy. Neither outcome is productive or helpful, and both will end up damaging your ministry. God created a unique fingerprint for each church and ministry, so learn from others but let your ministry be the healthy, unique version God intends.

“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of  a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself  to anyone else.” – Galatians 6:4 NLT

#6. I will focus on priorities and exercise a faith worth imitating.

The Lord is clear about our priorities. Never lose sight of love for God and for people as you work to create and grow your ministry. Taking action on your priorities takes faith and dependence on God to do great things. Ask yourself if you have a faith worth imitating. If  someone was handed your spiritual life for seventy-two hours, afterward would that person desire to hang on to your faith or prefer to give it back?

“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The entire law and all the demands of  the prophets are based on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37–40 NLT

#7. I will pace myself.

It is possible to do ministry at such a pace that your work for God can destroy the work of God. For a healthy small group ministry, we need to keep the long game in view, not just quick results. We can get so caught up in daily demands that we forget the habits that ensure endurance. Don’t be person who says, “I didn’t have time to pray today because I was late for a prayer meeting.” Religious activity can easily replace spiritual intimacy.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if  we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

#8. I will serve.

The most important part of leadership is a servant’s heart. This is countercultural, but Jesus was countercultural. And isn’t our goal to be Christlike? No job is too big or too small when setting up and maintaining your ministry. Lead by example and serve those around you, “just as the Son of  Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of  Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:26–28

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stevegladen@churchleaders.com'
Steve Gladenhttp://www.SmallGroups.net
Steve Gladen has been on staff at Saddleback Church since 1998; he currently oversees the strategic launch and development of small groups at Saddleback as well as the staff of the Small Group Network. He has focused on small groups in several churches for almost 20 years. Steve oversees 2,500 adult small groups at Saddleback and loves seeing a big church become small through true community developed in group life. He has co-authored several books, including 250 Big Ideas for Small Groups, Building Healthy Small Groups in Your Church, Small Groups With Purpose, Leading Small Groups With Purpose, and Don't Lead Alone. Steve does consulting and seminars championing small groups and what it means to be Purpose Driven in a small-group ministry.

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