Always Open...

Part 5 of 7 - Addressing the issues of “The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry”

Sin Five: Closed Group Mind-Set. An incredible illustration is given in this chapter of the book for receiving others. A challenge to be radically inclusive, in that we should be people who reach out with welcoming arms as much or more as we are people that reach up with arms in need to God. Think about the statement for a moment... “God knows nothing of a people who stretch their arms upward to Him yet don’t in turn stretch them out to those He loves so much.” Wow, that is an eye opening image for sure.

Really for small groups to be successful, they must be accessible to those in need; the need being relationship and spiritual growth. A convenience store is named just that, because it is always open. Imagine not being able to just walk in at anytime and get what you need? Not very convenient, Huh!

Our small group program has had an open chair policy from the inception, but has it had an open chair mindset? You can make the best policy with the greatest of intentions, but if it is not internalized and realized then it becomes just policy.

I would offer this challenge to all of our small groups... Use your group connection cards to invite others and fill your open chairs. In fact, don’t invite just anyone, but invite someone that needs Jesus. That’s right; a true seeker that you and your group can invest in the way the Father has invested in you.

Remember to reach out as often as you reach up!

Time to Get Serious...

Part 4 of 7 - Addressing the issues of “The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry”

Sin Four: Neglect of Ongoing Leadership Development – When I sat down to write up this blog entry I took note that it was more than a week overdue and that I needed to offer up some sort of an apology. It was then that I realized how easy it is to procrastinate and put off leadership training in the same way, and then try to place the blame on a busy schedule or other such lame excuse. The truth is that there is no good excuse for being inattentive to ongoing leadership development.

The way to break down the issues of this sin should be simple really. Since people will not just naturally step up and say, “Oh by the way, I feel called to lead” we have to create a leadership culture that will encourage people to want to make statements like that. That is to say we need to make it the next natural step or path in the life of a believer once they have made a decision for Christ. We see all throughout Scripture that Christ came to serve, not to be served, and in our efforts to become more Christ-like, servant hood is what we should focus on most.

The current small group leaders that we have are actually a large part of setting and building that culture; as they invest in, disciple, and encourage others in growth, they will inevitably lead them to their own path of leadership. With that, it is easily understandable why it is so important to invest in current leadership in an ongoing manner. So what is the key? Helping the leader understand that they are building leaders!