I have been a Christian for as long as I can remember—though I've gone through definite periods of being a "good" Christian and times of being fairly lazy about my faith.
I thought I was in a time of "goodness" until my small group was working through the "40 Days of Purpose" campaign and took a quiz to see how we were doing in the five purposes. My worst was in evangelism. With the exception ...
Real commitment can lead to a deep small group experience.
by Life Together
I got involved with my small group about one year ago. At first, it seemed like the group wouldn't be able to relate to one another. There was such a mix of ethnic groups and varying ages; we also had a mix of both singles and couples. But I quickly found that we all shared one desire—we all wanted more of the Lord in our lives.
So we made a commitment to one another. We decided that for the six ...
Support groups are an essential part of your church's ministry in a world full of hurt.
by Randy Christian
I watched the TV screen scroll through the public-service announcements, finally seeing the one I'd been looking for: "Divorce Recovery Group," it read, with information and the name of our church below. In the past year I have received dozens of phone calls regarding this group, and more about others we sponsor. It's one way our church is responding to the needs around us.
A church needs to carefully consider the risks and benefits before launching a group.
by Randy Christian
Support groups cost something. They tax the entire system of the church. A church may be flush with excitement at the prospects of helping a needy group, but if a church is not ready, a new support group can do more harm than good. We are wise, then, to count the cost of support groups before we start them.
After starting more than two dozen different support groups in our church, I've learned what ...
Small groups with severely wounded people can be a great success if you stick to some trusted principles.
by Pat J. Sikora
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Whether we talk about it openly or not, many people in this country—even Christians—have suffered abuse, neglect, or other challenges while growing up. Often, these people find it difficult to fit in with a small group. They lack both the interpersonal and group skills necessary for success. Yet, who more than these wounded ones can benefit from the ministry of a small group? Just remember, ...
How a small group cared for a member battling cancer.
by Life Together
Cancer hit our family, and we were devastated.
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Normally, when people heard about Margaret's cancer, people said, "We'll pray for you." The gesture was kind, but their care stopped there.
Through the course of Margaret's treatment, not only did our group pray diligently but also their actions exemplified their faith. Their acts of extreme love were nothing short of awesome.
Whether your small group is open or closed, or whether or not you always leave an empty chair, there's one uninvited guest hovering around the meeting place ready to barge into the proceedings. The longer your group lasts, the more likely this intruder is to make an appearance. The ...
An innovative small-groups ministry for a neglected group of people
by John J. Van der Graaf
Late one July afternoon, as another recently divorced woman left my office wiping tears from her eyes, it struck me that people like her really had no place of their own—particularly in church. They didn't fit in single's groups comprised mainly of young adults never married. They didn't feel fully accepted in the church's family activities. In the one place people come to seek support and solace, ...
Discuss important and controversial questions that surround homosexuality.
The following 5-week course will help you and your group think about important and controversial questions that surround homosexuality like: What does the Bible say about homosexuality? Is there any evidence that a homosexual can change? What is the proper response of Christians to homosexuals?
Week One
Is There Hope for Homosexuals?The retiring head of Exodus says gay transformation ministries are ...
Knowing how much God loves us gives us confidence in our relationship with him and others.
Christians sometimes think that having good self-esteem makes us prideful and self-centered. However, just the opposite is true. As we come to terms with how God has made us and look for the worth he has ascribed to each of us, we will gain confidence in our relationships with him and everyone around us. This three-session course will help you get started.
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