I know. You’ve always wondered about those groups with Bibles open, and people staring at the ceiling, bored to death. But it doesn’t have to be like that. You can have fruitful times of discussion and interaction with people and with God. In that process, I believe that you will benefit as you lead a small group.
Here are a few reasons why I believe you will benefit from leading a small group:
1. Relationships are Enhanced
As you relate with people of all ages and backgrounds, your relationships will certainly be enhanced. Although we gravitate towards people who are similar to us, we are more enhanced as we connect with people who are different. As “Iron sharpens iron,” we sharpen each other. Differences cause difficulties, and those difficulties develop us too.
Your entire family will benefit, especially the children. Regular, close and personal interaction with people who are different will help children to develop their personal skills as well. They learn to understand and accept people who are different from themselves as well.
The relationships you develop through these groups will prove to be long lasting and meaningful. Years down the road, you will benefit from having a growing number of people around you that you have been able to impact and bless.
2. Sense of Purpose is Fulfilled
As we gradually begin to impact the lives of people, our sense of purpose will be fulfilled. Otherwise, we get trapped in the mundane everyday tasks of taking care of our own stuff for the sake of ourselves. As important as this is, many get disillusioned just performing the daily routine of survival.
When you lead a small group, you get the opportunity to get involved in the lives of many people. You are going beyond just your personal survival – you are making a difference in the lives of others.
The Great Commission is not only for the church as an “organization.” Rather, it is for each of us. Each one of us are expected to do our part in the mandate to make disciples of Jesus. Small groups are an excellent way to reach out to friends of friends and impact our communities.
3. Leadership Skills are Improved
There are numerous reasons why people back off from leading small groups. Here are just a few genuine reasons:
“What’s the point? Its just a group of people getting together to waste time.”
“People are a headache. It’s not worth getting tangled up in that mess.”
“There are no long term benefits. Most of what happens in groups is short lived.”
“My home is not suitable”
“I don’t have the time. I’m too busy with more important things.”
“I tried one before and it didn’t work.”
“I can’t stand screaming kids.”
“There are too many abuses with small groups.”
While these reasons are genuine, I believe those are the very reasons why you should take the risk and begin a group. You will be amazed at the benefits you get out of this as well as blessing the lives of the people in your group.
I see a leadership shift for you as you venture out and take this important risk. Those objections may point to a need for a leadership shift for you. Facing that need head on will help you fulfill that need.
Starting, maintaining, and leading a small group will dramatically increase your leadership skills. People are waiting for you to take the challenge and lead them. Don’t wait till you are a good leader. That proper timing you were waiting for is now, not tomorrow.
Will you take the challenge? Talk to your pastor, and begin to gather your neighbors, friends, co-workers, and anyone else who would join you for a weekly gathering.
On my blog, barnabas.in, I have written several posts that will help you in the process of starting and leading small groups. Please click on the category “Small Groups” on the right hand column (on the bottom for mobile devices), and all my articles on small groups will open up.
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You know what needs to be done, and you know the best approach. As a leader, you know the next step. For your home, you know what needs to be done. For your children, you know the best approach, and you know how to direct them.
When Your Plans are Shattered
But things have changed now. Your situation just won’t allow you to move according to your plan. Your ideal is shattered. Your plans are thwarted. What you thought to be your best option has become your worst.
Now you look back on your life and wonder how things ended up like this. Your possibilities have been reduced to practically nothing. It's impossible for you to accomplish anything with your life as it is.
When Your Best is Reduced
Gideon was ready with an army of 32,000. He was ready to defeat the Midianite army that was too strong for them. He knew his military needs to be large and strong to fight such an army.
But God determined that his army of 32,000 was too large and needed to be resized. The size was reduced to 300 – practically nothing. Impossible to defeat anyone, especially that strong army of the Midianites. When the victory is gained with such a small number, the people would not be able to say that they defeated their enemy with their own might (Judges 7:2).
When God's Ways Cause More Stress
I wonder how Gideon felt as he marched forward with a measly 300 untrained, unequipped men ready to go against this powerful force. I wonder about the extreme level of stress and fear that he must have felt as he moved forward with a "foolish" plan that anyone would laugh at. Yes, God said He will be with Gideon, but when he faces the Midianites, who knows what the situation will be? The Midianites were fierce and powerful. They terrorized Israel for a long time.
God wasn’t interested in keeping up his popularity. He just wanted Gideon and the Israelites to know that their lives are in the hands of God. He has the ultimate power and control much beyond what we know.
When God's Reduction Increases Your Distress
What is your situation now? What are your impossibilities? Has God reduced you to nothing? All your assets and all that you thought you have going for you might have become without value. Now, you approach your tasks wondering if you can ever accomplish what you need to do. You begin to feel like you are in a more difficult situation than before.
When It's Time to Give Up
This is the best time for God to do his work. It's not that He is looking to get recognition and glory. He naturally deserves all the credit. When we get the glory, it is improper and undeserved. It's time to give up the striving and let God take over.
When It's God's Turn
Learn to see God in the losses you face. When everything falls apart, look up and see the work of God. When you don't know where to turn, know that this is the best time to turn and allow God to take over. The results may not be as appealing as you would like. But God is there. It's His turn to take over. In the midst of being stripped of everything, allow God to take over. That will prove to be your time of greatness.
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Recently I prayed with a pastor who was on the verge of quitting. As I laid hands on him to pray, I broke out in tears and my entire body began to shake even before I saw any response in him. The realities that pastors face are quite real to me and my spirit responded to his pain.
Pastors play an important role in the lives of many people. Sometimes they are acknowledged and other times they may be ignored. In this post, I want to take a look at some of the things that drive them to do the kind of ministry they do. Although these desires are not truly secrets, they are often unexpressed.
1. I Want the Ideal for People
More than just doing a job, I love to see lives changed. I want to see real transformation in people’s lives. There is an ideal that I would love to see in people as they mature in the faith.
But I also realize that people must make their own decisions. I cannot decide for them and I cannot force them. Ultimately it’s their choice.
2. I Want the Church to Outlive Me
I am not interested in making a place for me to display my preaching skills. The church should serve the purposes that God intended. I only have a temporary role in that process.
I may only be around for a few decades in this local church, but I hope to get things organized in a way that the church should be less dependent on me as time goes on.
Every leader I develop has the potential to grow into all that God intended for them. I truly want them to step up and take the leadership. I would love to pass on the pastorship of our church to a leader raised up in this church.
3. I Want to Put My Family First
After my relationship with God, there is nothing more important to me than my family. In the midst of all my pursuits for the church, my family gets priority.
Much beyond personal interests, the church needs special care for it to be formed and organized for its purposes. But it cannot consume all my waking hours or all my energies.
The church is more than a job or career. I understand it to be my calling in life. So I don’t focus on “moving up” in this profession. I focus on developing myself as a leader to enable the church to develop into the best it can be.
All of this needs to be done without sacrificing my family. After all is said and done, I need to go home to my family, as my first responsibility is to them.
4. I Want My Life to Matter
The demands on the pastor and family are many. But among all the responsibilities, I want to make a difference. I want my life to matter.
I want to be able to step aside several years from now and know that I was able to impact families and individuals. I want my life to truly be a change agent in society. It’s not driven by a desire to make a name or to be recognized, but I want to see the effects of investing my life into the community.
5. I Want to be Me
Perceptions of leaders and pastors are numerous. I realize that expectations are real and they all cannot be completely neglected. The cultural demands of the nation I serve are numerous and detailed.
But let’s be real – I still want to be me. At the end of the day I need to look in the mirror and know that I was true to myself, my family, and the call of God on my life.
These desires are my own, but many pastors may concur with me on these things. I hope this list gives you a glimpse into the heart of a pastor. Use this as an opportunity to understand and encourage your pastor.
If you appreciate the role of a pastor in your life, please share one of your experiences in the comments section of this blog post. Maybe it will be an encouragement for others as well.
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Our understanding of God is often tainted with our experiences of caregivers from our childhood. If we had impatient, judgmental parents, we may see God like that. We may not remember all our experiences from childhood, but we continue to see God as impatient and unforgiving.
It’s that feeling of constant guilt. Surely you’ve done something wrong. Again. There must be something wrong with your actions. You can’t feel accepted because of the constant guilt you feel within. Surely you must be guilty since you feel guilty.
Seems Like a Useless Pursuit
Some gave up trying to please their parents a long time ago. They also have given up trying to please their heavenly father. They figure it’s no use, God will never be satisfied. No one else seems to be satisfied with me, so God surely will not be satisfied.
We figure since God is who he is, holy and righteous, He definitely won’t be satisfied. I’m too inconsistent, sinful, and always bent on a selfish angle. There is no hope for me.
A Turning Point
It was just a few years ago that I realized that God is pleased with me just because I am his child. I suppose this idea came alive in me when our kids began going off to college, and the house began to get empty. Thoughts of our children triggered thoughts of me and my heavenly Father.
God is Infinitely Pleased With Me
What a thought – what a discovery. My Father is infinitely pleased with me just because I am His. If my life amounts to “nothing” according to other people’s standards, He is still pleased. If I don’t accomplish anything of significance in life, I am still His child, and that’s enough.
For some, this may seem like a license to live as one pleases. But maybe this is the case. We can live as we please. As an adult, I have the complete freedom to live as I please to. And what does a child of God please to do except to please the Father?
Imperfect, and Accepted
Sure, I won’t be perfect in what I do, especially in my pursuit to please my Father. But that’s okay, since I know He is already pleased. My attempts are less than perfect, and I will falter and have many failed attempts. But none of those things matter. I am already accepted by my Father.
Nothing New – God Was Always Like That
God said to the Israelites that he will not respond in burning anger, for he is God and not a man (Hos 11:9). For many people, this is a new Understanding. They thought of God as they thought of their parents and other caregivers.
We need a completely renewed understanding and experience of God. Right now, He is bending down to comfort, feed, and surround you with “bands of love” as He did with the Israelites (Hos 11:4).
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The ultimate aim with church planting is to bless the community. But as with any task, it’s a great challenge to just get started. It’s wonderful to talk, plan, and organize, but you’ve got to begin somewhere. Here are some first steps for church planting.
Relate
Connect with people in your community. God created us as relational beings. Find ways to relate with people in a genuine way. Get involved in community organizations, residents associations, clubs, and any group that is organized to help the community.
Connections at work are natural and collegial. People from various backgrounds unite for the purpose of a job or the task of the organization. Those connections are genuine, and sometimes, long term.
Help every person in your group to connect with those they have natural relationships with. Make this the norm for your group.
Pray
Make a list of at all the people you connect with on a regular basis. Daily, pray for each person on that list. The people may be different from you, and may be coming from various backgrounds, but make it a point to pray regularly. As you pray, hard hearts are softened, and God is working in the hearts of each of these individuals.
Share
First, share your life with the people you connect with. Genuinely love and care for the people in your life.
Share your time with those around you. Make sure to connect with people outside your scheduled work hours, and organized meetings. Be generous with your time.
Yes, you need your privacy. But at the same time, we are relational beings, and we find the most fulfillment in community. As you live out this characteristic, you are sharing your life with others.
Ultimately, share the best you have: your relationship with Jesus. Love, relate, share, and pray for people, but ultimately, love them enough to share the best in your life. This should not be a sales pitch, but a heartfelt invitation to build the ultimate relationship with the one who loves you with an everlasting love.
Gather
As you do all of the steps above, begin to gather people into a small group. At first, your gathering will be a group of seekers and new followers of Jesus. Let your life be a witness to them as you share more of Jesus through this group. Step by step, take the people through what it means to be a Christ follower.
Beginning a small group gives you more focus as you share the message of Jesus. You have a place to bring people to after you bring them into your life. They also have an opportunity to connect with others and build relationships. Together as a group, you can begin to do the steps mentioned above, and the cycle can be repeated.
Keep
I’ve known many who were excellent evangelists. They were good at presenting the gospel in a compelling way. Their approach was appealing and convincing.
Others were powerful people who were used by God in a mighty way. Through their work, many were healed, and lives were changed in a dramatic way. Seeing their life and ministry, I am reminded of the book of Acts.
With all of this great impact, I’ve seen them with small gatherings. They are not able to keep the people they bring to Christ through their ministry. The new believers they have brought to the faith are scattered throughout the churches in their area. Some say that at least they are being cared for and fed spiritually some place else, but I believe that is not a responsible way to do the ministry.
Keeping people together is a leadership issue. As you develop your leadership skills, you will be able to gather and keep more people. As you grow, the group grows.
Release
Finally, be willing to hold people loosely. Be willing to release them to live out God’s plan for their lives. Sometimes there will be people who are called to plant a church on their own. Bless them freely. Be open to give them what they need to get started. Do what you can to release people for ministry whenever you have a chance.
The more you try to restrict people from leaving, the more tensions you’ll face. There will be more people dissatisfied and unfilled. They will feel like they are being “used” rather than blessed by your ministry. Be open to release people as soon as their hearts are ready. -
I am aware of the powerful impact of church planting that is highly organized, planned and well funded. The short and long term effects are well worth the efforts. It is really amazing to see the phenomenal growth when you begin your first service with several hundred people. In this series of posts, I want to explore another approach which I believe is accessible to more people.
Basic Tasks
This focuses on building a small community of those who are followers of Jesus and those warmed by His fire. In last week’s post, I mentioned Three Basic Tasks that are important for such an effort to have a long term impact. It requires one leader who is committed to the group for a long time. Along with the leader caring for the group, the members must provide mutual care. Intentional outreach as individuals and as a group is essential to fulfill the command of Christ.
If the leader and the entire group can stay focused on these three tasks, that small group can grow and develop into a church that impacts the community. The trajectory of growth will be gradual, but this process can be done by almost anyone who has a calling. The development and growth of the leader will be parallel with the growth of the group.
Relational Foundation
God’s connection with people began with relationships. With Adam and Eve, God spent time with them walking through the garden. It shows a relationship that was personal. To redirect people back to his ways, he sent his prophets. To redeem people, he sent His one and only son Jesus. He came and spent his life building relationships.
Relational Opportunities
Opportunities to connect with people in your community needs to be relational. When it is relational, it is natural. When it is set up as a program, it is fake, and never lasts. Surely it won’t be meaningful.
Look for opportunities to relate naturally. Be intentional to put yourself in situations where you connect with your friends. Never do this only for the sake of networking with others. Do it because you genuinely care about others. Do it because you love to help people to face life with all its difficulties.
Relational Generosity
Be generous enough with your time to build relationships. Of course you need to guard your personal and family time. Make your priorities clear for yourself and others as well. You don’t want to spread yourself out too thin.
For some, the opposite is true. They guard their time so much that they go to the other extreme. They absolutely have time for no one except themselves and their families. Learn to be generous with your time. Build friendships personally and as a family. Be a connecting family, a helping family.
Relational Evangelism
When you are generous with your time and build genuine relationships, the opportunities for evangelism will be all around you. Let God take the lead. Allow Him to open doors through the relationships you have already built.
When needs, pain, and struggles are shared, that is the time to be genuine in reaching out with the love of Jesus. Don’t be pushy or begin to preach at people. Just be there for them when they are in need. Share the love of Jesus with them. Tell them about the difference that Jesus has made in your life.
Relational Church Planter
A Church Planter who takes a relational approach considers programs second, and makes relationships primary. Instead of thinking of the next program to reach your community, think about the next relationship that will help to reach your community. Keep building relationships, and keep responding to needs. Next thing you know, you’ll have a church in your hands. -
The terms are often confusing: House Church, Church Plant, Mission Station, and a host of others. Each term has its own implications, and the proponents of each one will have their own values. The prevailing question is regarding what constitutes a Church.
I have noticed potential church planters often hesitate moving forward. Fear often grips them when they think of the elaborate systems in existing churches. Things such as buildings, staff, budgets, programs, and other organizational factors take a lot of work. In fact, these things did not appear overnight, but developed over a long period of time. These things develop as the church goes through its natural cycles of development.
There is a natural and healthy life cycle in the development of each local church. A proper understanding of that life cycle will provide us with balanced expectations. In a future post we will look further at that life cycle. For now, let’s look at a basic understanding of what constitutes a local church.
To me a local congregation, regardless of its size, needs to have three aspects to be considered a church in its most basic form. Other aspects and various programs may be added as the church develops, but for now, let’s look at the three basic ones.
1. Leadership
The group needs a leader who is committed for the long term. A short term leader will not do. This leader needs to see the group live out its purpose through difficult and challenging times.
The leader must work to develop oneself and others in their leadership. As the leader grows in leadership, the group will grow.
2. Care
Sufficient care needs to be given to the group members by the leader. The leader also needs to ensure that the members care for each other.
As care is given, the morale of the group stays healthy. The group identity is made firm as they relate to each other.
3. Outreach
If the people are only focused on themselves, the group will become “ingrown” and unhealthy.
They need to reach out to others as a group and as individuals. This has to be intentional and planned.
There are people all around us who are needy and in pain. We must reach out to them with the compassion and love of Jesus.
Church planters need to focus on these three basic factors. Without complicating things, work hard to ensure these three things are in place.
If you can devote your efforts on these three factors, you can be a church planter. Keep your job. You can do the ministry and be bi-vocational.
Make sure to get your pastor’s blessing, and remain submitted to leadership. Don’t go out without the covering of your leaders.
So, have you been thinking about stepping out in ministry along with your job? Has the highly organized structures of churches kept you doubting if you can do it?
Leave your response in the comments section. Let’s start a conversation. -
Living in a society where injustice seems to be a permanent part of the social structure has been an amazing experience. Here below are my unique observances.
THE OUTWARD VIEW
Outwardly, the law is very clear and expressed. The legal systems are firmly set in place. Everything seems to work like a well oiled machine.
THE INWARD SYSTEM
But beneath the elaborate systems of order, there is an entirely different system at work. This inward system is barely visible to the human eye. It makes a complete mockery of the outward system of legality and order. Everything seems senseless.
THE FUEL OF INJUSTICE
The inward system is fueled by money, influence, power, and blackmail. If you want to get anything done with the outward system, you must invoke the powers of the inward system. Submit your application, then work the inward system to get the application moving. If your request is difficult to impossible, there is no problem as long as you properly work the inward system.
THE FOOLISH SIMPLETONS
Those who don't engage the inward system are the losers. They simply go in circles unable to get things done. They haven't learned to use money, influence, power, or blackmail to get things done. Or, they just don't have access to those things required to work the inward system.
THE DELICATE IMBALANCE
Thus society moves along with a delicate imbalance that everyone acknowledges, but no one dares to touch. The powerful roam the streets with pomp and delight over their ability to be in control. And the rest of the people just struggle to survive.
THE CONFLICTING SOLUTION
Numerous times I've asked the question, "What's the use? Why hold on to integrity when the situation makes it impossible?" But recently I was reminded of Jesus' promise/warning:
"Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done" (Revelation 22:12) NIV.
For some, it is a promise. But for others, it is a warning.
*How do you handle such ridiculous situations? Leave your response in the comments section of this blog post. Remember to share on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media networks.
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When we started small groups among college students in 1997, most of our groups were in English. So in this small town called Adoor, our church was known as an “English” church. But as we began reaching out to the rest of the community, we realized there was no other way than to use the native Malayalam language. Gradually we switched our services entirely to Malayalam.
Several years ago, some people in our church began asking for an English service. They also pointed out that there might be others in the community that would be interested. So we went through the work of organizing everything we would need to start another service — in English.
But within a few short months, most of those who asked for an English service began to switch back to the Malayalam service. They gave various reasons, but one thing was clear to me. Malayalam was their heart language. They were fully functional in English, but the “gears of their heart” work better with Malayalam, their “heart” language.
Similarly, throughout northern India, there are numerous tribal groups that can understand Hindi, the national language. But they have a local language that truly is their first language, and the language that touches their heart. All over India and all over the world, there are Bible translators who spend their lives to translate the Bible into various languages so the hearts of people may be touched with the message of the Bible.
Several of my former students are currently located in remote villages investing their lives so the Bible can be available to people in their own languages. Recently I met Anthony Speziale, who is planning to work in Papua New Guinea serving Bible translators through aviation. His story intrigued me as an example of the many who have given their lives for the Word of God throughout the centuries.
Here is his story:
“Four years ago I was an alcoholic, going through a divorce and on the verge of losing my job of twelve years. God restored me spiritually, emotionally and physically. Today, I am preparing to leave on a three year assignment with Wycliffe Bible Translators to Papua New Guinea. There I will be serving Bible translation through aviation. Most people I know think giving away everything you own to go and live in another country is a heavy cross to bear. I find the weight of that cross light… and the opportunity to minister in Papua New Guinea very exciting.”
Here is his vision:
“Did you know that 180 million people in over 1800 languages around the world are still waiting for a Bible to be translated into their native tongue? That is hard to comprehend for most of us who own or have access to multiple translations of the Bible in our own language. A lady in Papua New Guinea who recently received a translation of God’s word into her native tongue, likened it to “eating a banana for the first time, without the peel.” As a member of Wycliffe, I am committed to seeing that a Bible translation project be started in every language around the world that needs one, by the year 2025!”
If you are interested to know more about what Anthony is up to, visit his website: tony_speziale@wycliffe.org or view his Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/290926551067487/ The following link is a two minute video on the amazing effect Bible translation can have in building relationships with Jesus Christ. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE3xnhd_Pls
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Do you find yourself bored reading the Bible? With so many books, chapters, and verses, nothing seems to make sense. Sometimes (or often), you are lost wondering what these verses mean, and how everything fits together.
As a follower of Jesus, you read the Bible just because you know you should. But you’ve never been able to get the full benefits and make it meaningful for you.
The Bible has intrigued many generations of readers. It has impacted the lives of many people. In fact, the Bible says that it is God’s personal message to people.
Here is a simple three step method to read, study, and meditate on the Bible.
When you sit down to read, pray and ask God to come and fill you with His Spirit. The Holy Spirit will guide you throughout this process of meditation. Select one paragraph or section. Use the subheadings within the chapters as a guideline for reading. Focus on just one of those sections.
1. Observation: Discover what the text says
As you read, ask the basic five W’s: Who?, What?, When?, Where? and Why?- Who is speaking? Who is the writer? Who is this text initially meant for? Who are the main characters in this story?
- What is the main subject? What is at stake here?
- When was this written? When did this story take place?
- Where did the events of this story occur?
- Why was this text written, or why were these words spoken?
Questions such as these are important for understanding the background of the text. At this point, you may not feel competent to answer all these questions in a complete manner. But that’s fine. Just wrestling with these questions will move you to a deeper understanding of the text.
For further study, you can use Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Commentaries. These are good tools that will help you to answer some of the above questions.
2. Interpretation: Discover what the text meant
As you work on answering the questions for observation, you will improve in understanding the situation of the people.
Now, consider the context. What is the situation in which the story takes place, or the situation in which the teaching is given?
When you understand their situation, you’ll be able to understand what it meant to the people at that time.
What it meant depends on the needs and concerns of the people of that time.
3. Application: Discover what the text means for you
Once you find what it meant to the people of that time, you are ready for the final step, to discover what the text means for you today.- Find the general principle. A principle is the basic truth that is applicable in all societies and all times.
- Take that general principle and apply it to your life and your current situation.
- Make the application personal, and measurable.
- Personal – Rather than a great theological statement, make it something that connects with your life.
- Measurable – Identify what you can do this week to begin to apply that truth to your life.
This week, try using this system for your personal Bible study. Then, come back to this post and leave a comment and let us know how this works for you.
*This system of studying the Bible has been called Inductive Bible Study.
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