I have always been fascinated by the high school sport of cross-country running. My two oldest daughters have run cross-country for the past one and three years. I try to attend every meet and have not ceased to be amazed at the level of fitness necessary to do well, not only individually, but also as a team. CJ and Caity strive to set a personal record (PR) for every race they run, and the team's score is determined by the sum total of its top five finishers. Between races, each team member trains to run faster and increase his/her endurance. To accomplish this, they run, stretch, and lift weights. They work together to become better as individuals and as a team.
Our spiritual race is similar. Ephesians 4:15-16 tells us, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Christianity is a team sport. Our relationship with Christ is both individual and collective. God calls us to strengthen our personal bond and attain our personal best, but He also asks that we work together because we, in Christ, are on the same team.
Take the time to structure the Bible study portion of your small group so each person is encouraged to engage in healthy bodybuilding. A Bible study workout needs to include:
- Warm-up/stretching
- Stretch retention muscles by focusing on prior learning. Ask questions about what was discussed during the last meeting. See who has committed previously discussed verses to memory. - Endurance training/heart work
- Ask open-ended questions that examine God's Word as it applies to people in the Bible or to those referred to in a book about Biblical principles. "What is God's command, promise, or truth in this passage, and how did _______ respond?" - Speed work/endurance
- Ask open-ended questions that purposefully apply to the individual lives of your group members. "If you believe the commands, promises, and truths that we've discussed tonight, how will your life need to change?" - Heavy lifting/conditioning
- Encourage mentoring and partnering in prayer and accountability. - Cool down/recovery
- Prayer. Allow each person the opportunity to lay his or her burdens and the challenge of the lesson at the feet of Jesus.
