I have a small group that I am a part of that meets every week. And I’m going to have to miss it soon.
I’m going out of town, and there’s no way I can make it back in time. And that really bothers me. Even though it’s only the 3rd time I’ve missed the group in 2 years.
Because I made a commitment to the group.
When I joined, I committed to being there every week. The people in my group aren’t imposing any guilt on me for missing. They’re not upset. The group will carry on without me, no problem. Somebody else will lead the discussion that night. Somebody else will take up the prayer requests. Somebody else will make sure the group keeps moving forward. The group isn’t dependent on me.
But I’m bummed I can’t be there.
I’m missing out on
- a dynamic discussion
- a broken-hearted request
- a cry for help
- an opportunity to praise God for His goodness
- a belly laugh
- a good meal
- catching up on life
- sharing my own difficulties
- sharing my own triumphs
- doing life with friends
- praying for a friend
- being prayed over
You may not like my small group (I wrote about it HERE). But I do. These guys challenge, encourage, and equip me to do what God’s calling me to do. Their influence in my life is beyond measuring.
To get the most out of your small group, you’ve got to make a significant commitment. Otherwise, a small group is just a Bible study. A group of acquaintances. An I-have-to-go-to-that-again? meeting. A burden. A time-waster. Something that takes you away from what you really want to do. A place of forced community.
Make the commitment to the folks in your small group. They’ll be glad you did.
And so will you.
Have you ever made the level of commitment necessary to really invest in a small group?
Have you ever seen someone not make that commitment and burn out quickly?
