The truth of the matter is that this is really not that complex. There is no secret path to lead your group into Jesus community. It’s really about making the space in our life together so that the Spirit can teach us an alternative pattern of Jesus spiritual formation. We want some kind of plan or program that will produce this kind of life. But it just does not exist. The Spirit does not work that way.
However there are some things we can do in order to make this kind of space for the Spirit to work in our groups or in our relationships:
1. Work with people who are expressing a desire for more than just attending a small group meeting. A sign that the Spirit is working in people is found when people are stirred up and dissatisfied with mediocrity. You cannot force this or will your group into this kind of life. Pray for the Spirit to raise up a hunger.
2. Enter into conversations over meals—food really helps create an environment to talk about what the Spirit is doing—with those who want more. Ask questions of one another and see where the conversations lead. I offer some questions around Jesus community in my book Leading Small Groups in the Way of Jesus (pages 56-62).
3. Experiment with some communal spiritual practices that will shape a different way of being in community with one another. I offer some examples in my book Missional Small Groups. You cannot program Jesus community. You discover it.
Just as Jesus led his followers down an alternative path that no one expected, the Spirit of Jesus wants to do the same today. In fact, this is already happening. The question for us is: Are we making space in our personal lives and in our life together—whether in our groups, with our families or in our friendships—to hear what the Spirit is saying.
Check out our other articles for small group leaders.
