Perhaps the very first question about small groups is, "Why would anyone
want to join one?" The answer is two-fold, really.
First, to have a place "where everybody knows your name, and they're always
glad you came". Maybe you don't remember the sitcom Cheers, but during
the opening credits those words were sung, and they are so true! We all want
to feel wanted. To have a sense of camaraderie.
But long before there was Cheers, there was the Bible. In the Bible
a guy named Peter talks about his first three years in a small group. He and
ten other guys did everything together. They ate together, traveled together,
argued together, and together they studied at Jesus' feet. Peter built strong
relationships with the other members of his group and those relationships
supported and blessed him for the rest of his life. So the first reason to
join a small group is simple: to build relationships with others.
The second reason to join a small group is even better. Cheers isn't
a good example of this second reason, because in Cheers they didn't
really show any long-term benefits of fellowship.
Yet, once again the Bible comes through, and continuing to draw on Peter's
experience, we can clearly see those long-term benefits. During the three
years Peter was in his small group his faith grew tremendously. That very
faith generated wisdom and teaching that has blessed countless people in the
two thousand years since. So the second reason to join a small group is clear:
to grow in faith.
Peter went on from his first small group to become a leader. In fact, Peter
started a bunch more small groups, and most of those grew up to become what's
known today as "the church" or as "the body of Christ".
While we may not all be called to start something as big as the church, we
are all called to grow in our faith, and we're all called to "love one another
as Christ loves us". Joining a small group is a most excellent way of doing
both.
You are invited to check out all the small groups currently meeting. Look
at the information provided below about each group. When you find one, or
even two, that interest you, feel free to contact the leaders.
Any leader will be happy to talk with you and tell you more about their group.
They will also give you information about the next time they're meeting and
invite you to join them. Visiting a small group is of course the best way
to discover which one is right for you. We encourage you to visit more than
one group. Helping you find the perfect group for you is our goal.
If you are interested in starting a small group please call Beth
Sarey @ 214-387-4700 ext. 112. She would enjoy the opportunity to talk with you
about your vision and ideas, and equipping you to start a great small group.
Abundant Life
