Home Small Group Leaders Articles for Small Group Leaders 3 Characteristics of Irrelevant Small Groups

3 Characteristics of Irrelevant Small Groups

3. The group longs for the past while living in the present.

Groups made up of people over the age of 50 can easily spend their time and give their attention to longing for life as it once was.

They long for a world where Judeo-Christian values are honored and respected. They long for a world where church is the centerpiece of the community. They long for a world where good people are honored and those of low moral character are seen as out of sync with the rest.

Those longings are no longer realities. Groups must live in the present and long for Christ’s return, not live in the present and long to return to the world of their childhood. In so doing, groups will connect with the world without becoming like the world.

And in so doing, many of those who are held captive by the world will be set free and join those group members in the new world…heaven. 

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rhowerton@churchleaders.com'
Rick has one passion… To see “a biblical small group within walking distance of every person on the planet making disciples that make disciples.” He is presently pursuing this passion as the Small Group and Discipleship Specialist at LifeWay Church Resources. Rick has authored or co-authored multiple books, studies, and leader training resources including A Different Kind of Tribe: Embracing the New Small Group Dynamic, Destination Community: Small Group Ministry Manual, The Gospel and the Truth: Living the Message of Jesus, Small Group Life Ministry Manual: A New Approach to Small Groups, Redeeming the Tears: a Journey Through Grief and Loss, Small Group Life: Kingdom, Small Group Kickoff Retreat: Experiential Training for Small Group Leaders, and Great Beginnings: Your First Small Group Study, Disciples Path: A Practical Guide to Disciple Making. Rick’s varied ministry experiences as an collegiate minister, small group pastor, teaching pastor, elder, full-time trainer and church consultant, as well as having been a successful church planter gives him a perspective of church life that is all-encompassing and multi-dimensional. Rick is a highly sought after communicator and trainer.