5 Reasons Why Groups Matter To Me

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I’m often asked why I care so much about groups.

I know everyone has their own opinion about something like this.  These are the reasons why I do what I do.  These are the reasons groups matter to me.

5 Reasons Why Groups Matter To Me:

First, groups matter because they are the optimal environment for life-change.  The Willow Creek team from the early 90s got this and introduced a way of talking about the reality that life-change happens best in small groups.  20 years later Andy Stanley and the North Point crew have introduced a new line: “life-change happens best in circles, not in rows.”  Willow was right then.  Andy Stanley is right now.  See also, Andy Stanley on Creating a Culture That’s All About Circles and What’s Better? Rows or Circles?

Second, groups matter because disciples are best made in a group.  One-on-one discipleship or a triad may be the model you are most familiar with, but it’s interesting that one-on-one is not the model Jesus or Paul used.  Of course…they also didn’t seem to use study guides either.  Disciples are best made in a group because everyone in the group brings a different set of experiences, a different gift-mix.  If it’s just me and you, you get what I bring (good and bad) and nothing more.  See also, Four Leading Indicators of Small Group Ministries that Make Disciples.

Third, groups matter because they help make a large group small.  There may be an advantage to anonymity when you’re not sure if you will like something, but that advantage quickly loses its appeal.  To feel like a face in the crowd is to be lonely and being alone or lonely is not God’s design.  We were created with an innate desire for connection.  See also, How to Calm an Unconnected Person’s Second Greatest Fear.

Fourth, groups matter because unconnected people are always one tough thing away from never being at your church again.  Loss of a job.  Divorce or separation.  A devastating diagnosis.  A child in trouble.  One tough thing.  See also, 5 Things You Need to Know about Connecting Unconnected People.

Finally, groups matter because in they are a more attractive invitation in the 21st century.  Listen…we are moments away from the day when it will be much easier to say come over than come with me.  In some parts of the world we are already there.  In the words of William Gibson, “The future is already here.  It’s just unevenly distributed.”  The handwriting is on the wall.  See also, 5 Essential Practices of a 21st Century Small Group System.

What do you think?  Have a question?  Want to argue? You can click here to jump into the conversation.

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