After growing up in New York City, it has been quite an adventure living in an Asian country for the last 18 years. I think I’ve learned a few things about surviving in a different culture. Some things I’ve expected, and many things have surprised me.
Here are the top seven things I’ve learned about surviving in a different culture:
1. When you think you’ve got the culture figured out, think again.
After several years in a foreign culture, you begin to settle in and get a bit comfortable. The church I pastor has become one of the largest in our small community, and our people seem to connect well with me. But recently a local politician referred to me as “that arrogant man.” Wow! I know I may not be on the top of the humility list, but now I am learning a totally different sub-culture within this culture.
2. Be ready for a disconnected season in your life
Living in a different country disconnects you from your “former” life. Social media, Skype, and Magic Jack has been great, but life is certainly different. After 18 years, I feel disconnected from the culture I grew up in. I’ve had to learn to accept this as a reality and as a price to pay for my calling and commitment.
3. Embrace loneliness gracefully
Loneliness may be common for many leaders, but I’ve found this to be even more prominent when living in a different culture. People see you as a “specimen,” someone to learn from, or someone to learn English from. It’s difficult to develop friendships at a personal level just for the sake of friendship. There are just too many cultural issues and preconceived ideas that block genuine relationships.
4. Don’t try to reason out and understand everything – just accept it.
We tend to evaluate other cultures from the perspective of our own culture and understanding. From that vantage point, nothing may seem to make sense. I’ve now reduced my “Why do you…” type of questions. I’m learning to accept the culture just as it comes — even when it seems to violate some of my strongly held convictions – “gulp.”
5. When others misunderstand you, just smile. You can’t explain everything
My days of explaining myself are over. When I try to explain myself and why I do or think the way I do, I simply see a mist of confusion on their faces. Now I just smile and say something like “I’m glad to be here.”
6. Don’t fear ambiguity. Just trust God
I grew up expecting clarity and simplicity. But I now realize that you just have to let things alone. I’ve asked lots of questions, but many have looked at me compassionately with a look of pity. They say to me “Look, that’s just the way it is.” Now I have learned to say “Oh, I see.”
7. Look at their heart
Ultimately, we must learn to look beyond the external and see their heart. They are genuine and well meaning. They may not follow your rules. They may violate your deeply held values. “But how can I overlook those things that are so important?” Just look at the heart.
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We have come to the final post of our series Four Roles of a Small Group Leader. Now we’ll look at the fourth role, Small Group Leader as Leader. For the rest of the articles in this series, you can search “Small Groups” in the categories on the right hand column of the blog (or below for mobile browsers).
Four Roles of a Small Group Leader (Click to open each article)
1. Facilitator – Meetings
2. Shepherd – Care
3. Mentor – Training
4. Leader – Vision
In the leadership role, one has the great opportunity to pass on vision and give direction to the group. The vision for the small group may be provided by the church which the group is part of. But it is the role of the group leader to take the church’s vision and adapt it to the small group.
There are many things a small group can do. Numerous opportunities will present itself as the group progresses. But your responsibility is to make sure the group stays set on accomplishing its vision through every activity.
Focus
A group whose purpose is clearly expressed will have better focus. Without proper focus the people will quickly lose interest. The purpose and direction of the group needs to be clear and should be articulated clearly on a regular basis. As the leader, people look to you for direction.
Care
For so many people, life is full of struggles. They desperately need a helping hand. Lead the people in caring for each other. Your care for them is important. But when the members of the group care for each other, the benefits are tremendous.
Outreach
Some groups are very good with care. They wholeheartedly care for their members. But they neglect reaching out to others. Groups that become ingrown never last.
For many people, outreach doesn’t come naturally. You need to lead them in doing outreach. Give them the reasons for doing outreach, provide opportunities, and join them in the process.
Being the leader of a small group goes much beyond just leading the weekly meetings. As a leader, you take on the more comprehensive role of providing direction for the group according to the vision you have.
As we conclude this series, here is brief snippet of what we covered:
Four Roles of a Small Group Leader
1. Facilitator – Meetings
As the Facilitator, the leader takes responsibility of the weekly meetings. You lead the group “seamlessly” through the various aspects of the meeting. Ultimately, you hope to see lives changed and friends of each group member come to a relationship with Christ.
2. Shepherd – Care
As a Shepherd, you lead the group to care for each other. This care may include aspects of emotional, spiritual, and physical needs. You are developing a caring community.
3. Mentor – Training
As a Mentor, you come alongside each member as they navigate life. You help them with their spiritual life and be a leader to them in the areas where they need help.
4. Leader – Vision
As a Leader, you have the role of providing direction to the group through proper application of the Vision of the group. Make sure everything the group does will work to accomplish the vision.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this series of posts on leading a Small Group. If this has been beneficial, Please share it with others by using these links below:
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Click here to share on Twitter.- Need book recommendations on Small Groups, Coaching, Leadership, and other topics? Get a list of books I recommend at Barnabas.in/resources
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As we continue our series Four Roles of a Small Group Leader, we’ll look at the third role, Small Group Leader as Mentor. For the rest of the articles in this series, you can search “Small Groups” in the categories on the right-hand column of the blog (or below for mobile browsers).
Four Roles of a Small Group Leader
1. Facilitator – Meetings
2. Shepherd – Care
3. Mentor – Training
4. Leader – Vision
As a mentor, the leader focuses on training the members of the group in Life, Spirituality, and Leadership. These are the areas of mentoring that the leader is privileged to impact.
The Leader also goes through a process of mentoring by acting as a coach, encourager, and resource person.
Areas of Mentoring
LIFE
Living life can be a complex challenge for all of us. But if we have someone who can come alongside us, that makes a great difference.
Leaders do not need to be experts on living life. They just need to be an encouraging person who can give perspective and focus. When times get tough (as it often does), leaders can help people to have a better perspective.
You might say that you are not a “life coach” in any sense of the word, but eventually you grow into that role. At least for the people you lead, you have impacted their life tremendously.
SPIRITUALITY
Every area of the person’s life is connected to spirituality. Every decision is in some way impacted by the person’s spiritual dimension.
Small Group leaders may not see themselves as spiritual leaders, but in the long run, the people’s lives are touched and they see you as such. Learn to accept the roles you grow into and begin to purposefully move in that direction.
LEADERSHIP
Knowing the next step and taking people along in that direction is basic to leadership. As you lead a small group, you grow in leadership skills much beyond anything you’ve imagined.
Process of MentoringCOACH
Leaders take the initiative to come alongside each member as their coach. They do not have all the answers, and they are not perfect, but they can walk along with them.
As a coach, help the person to look objectively at their lives. Guide them along to discern things for themselves. Ask “guiding questions” that will help them to have clarity regarding their choices in life.
ENCOURAGER
In the midst of all the discouragement one faces, look for ways to encourage and build up. Be a voice that propels them forward and a flame that ignites them to action.
So many people have desires and dreams that have been dormant for many years. Whenever they shared these with others, they faced discouraging words. You can turn that around with your encouraging words.
RESOURCE PERSON
According to the needs of people, you can be a resource person for those in your group. Don’t respond too quickly or too soon. Listen carefully and hold your response.
Once you have clearly understood their words, their needs, and their goals, you can be a resource person to them. Recommend resources that will help them to accomplish their goals and live out their purpose in life.
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Last week we began a series entitled Four Roles of a Small Group Leader. This is the second post in this series, Small Group Leader as Shepherd. For the rest of the articles, you can search “Small Groups” in the categories on the right hand column of the blog.
Four Roles of a Small Group Leader
1. Facilitator – Meetings
2. Shepherd – Care
3. Mentor – Training
4. Leader – Vision
As a shepherd, the leader ensures that all the members of the group are cared for. In a world where virtual connections are more common than personal connection, the leader needs to take a personal approach.
As we take the necessary steps to care for people, here are three important things to keep in mind.
1. Aspects of care
Without fail, we need to provide care in three important aspects of the person’s life. These areas are vital to the person’s overall health, which affects how one relates to the rest of the group. The person’s emotional, spiritual, and physical needs can be cared for so as to bring balance to the person’s life. Keep in mind that the care that you and the small group gives is not the primary care. There are others in their lives who are to give the primary care, and yours is a supplementary role.
Emotional
Weekly meetings and some contact outside the group meetings will provide some support for the emotions of people. Many are lonely and looking for meaningful connections. The members of the small group can be a means for healthy and meaningful connections.
Spiritual
The spiritual life of each person is both personal and corporate. The motivation to connect with God and His people contribute greatly to the spiritual health of the individual. Outreach done through the Group and individually will be vital to the spiritual development of each member.
Physical
When people go through crisis or when there are some common needs, the Group can reach out in care to provide for the person or members of the group who are in need. Certainly the Small Group cannot provide all the person’s needs, but in special cases where there are urgent needs, people can reach out and help others.
2. Levels of Care
As the Small Group functions as a relational “body,” care can be provided at two levels.
Leader to Member
The leader can take the responsibility to reach out to each member on a weekly basis. This point of contact will be a motivation for the person to reach out to the other members as well. The leader can also interact with the people at a more personal level much beyond the meetings.
Among Members (Mutual care)
When the members relate with each other outside of the weekly meetings, that is a clear indicator of a group that is growing healthy. When needs are shared and mutual care is given, meaningful relationships are enhanced.
3. Medium of care
In order of importance, here are some ways to care for people. Try to do at least one of these each week.
Personal Visit
This may be the most difficult one to pull off, and the most meaningful one too. The personal visit could be at their workplace during their break times (if that is appropriate) or to their home.
Phone Call
I see this as a great approach. If I can’t get through, I make sure to leave a brief voicemail if possible.
Email, text message, and other means of communication can also work, but I prefer the phone call whenever possible.
The leader as the Shepherd provides care, but more importantly ensures that care is given. In other words, make sure to develop a culture of mutual care among the members. Of Course, this begins with the leader.
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Small Group Leader as Facilitator
I am convinced that anyone can lead a small group. At least anyone can begin the process, and then, they can “grow into” the role they have taken up. It’s not advisable to get someone “fully” trained before starting a group. Many get discouraged and may not continue with the process. Rather, as they catch the vision, they just need to make a commitment and begin.
John Wimber once said that we have commonly used the analogy “Ready, Aim, Shoot.” But he said that we need to modify that and say “Ready, Shoot, Aim.” Get the person ready at a basic level, and begin. Then work on fine-tuning the process.
So as you get ready to lead a small group, here are four areas where you can develop your skills. You “grow into” these four roles as you lead your group. We’ll look at each one of these roles in the next few weeks, beginning with the first one this week.
Four Roles of a Small Group Leader
1. Facilitator – Meetings
2. Shepherd – Care
3. Mentor – Training
4. Leader – Vision
FACILITATE SMALL GROUP MEETINGS
The weekly meetings are only one aspect of the entire Small Group experience. We will look at the other aspects in the following weeks. Yet these meetings are vital since this is the regular time when the members gather together.
Here are some things to remember as you facilitate the meetings
1. Venue
Make personal connection with the host family. Since their home is being used as the venue for the Small Group meetings, it is important that they have completely bought in to the vision of the group and your church. If this is not the case, and they are unsure about the church, the group, or their faith, then that is a recipe for disaster.
They don’t need to be perfect people. They will have problems like everyone else. They must be accepted as they are. They just need to have a heart that is hospitable to have people in their home. Otherwise, they will always be unhappy and that will show. Ultimately, people will stop coming to a group meeting if the host family is not hospitable.
The home doesn’t have to be perfect. You need a home sn’t need to be perfect. It needs to be “functional” enough for you to gather every week. Accessibility of the home as people travel, space in the living room, and other logistical things are important, but above all, the welcoming attitude of the host family is most important.
2. Agenda
You may have a suggested agenda given to you by your local church, and that is fine. Generally,
here is a good suggested pattern:
- Welcome (Icebreaker, small talk, coffee, snacks)
- Worship (Get intimate with God as you reflect on his goodness)
- Word (Start with real life issues, and move to the Word, and apply it to life)
- Wind (Take time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister to the group members)*
As the Facilitator, it is your responsibility to guide the meeting seamlessly through these four agendas. There is no need to announce that you are going to the next item on the agenda. Make smooth transitions. Let the people experience each one.
3. Discussion
In the agenda above, I’ve given the term “Word” for the discussion time. You may wish to do a “Bible Study” based on a book of the Bible. But make sure to begin each discussion with a “life issue” that the people can connect with.
The better option is to do a series of discussions based on various aspects of life that people in your group may face. Let those life situations be the beginning point for your discussions. Then, you move them on to the Word of God, and finish the discussion by applying it to life.
4. Ministry
In the “Wind” part of the meeting, make sure you allow the Holy Spirit to take the lead as you pray for people. Learn to listen to the voice of the Spirit. You will be surprised what God will do when you listen and allow Him to “lead” your prayer time.
As the Facilitator, find out what the needs of the members are. Allow the members to minister to each other. Lay hands on the sick and pray for their healing. For training on praying for healing, click here.
5. Communication
As the group gathers together in the meetings, their relationships begin to develop. But it is vital to take these connections beyond the group meetings.
Here are two ways to accomplish this.
- Make sure that you connect with each member weekly. The best option is to pick up the phone and make a call directly to each member. If that call doesn’t go through, then leave a voice message, email, or some type of message that the person uses.
- Encourage each person in the group to connect with each other. The relationships between the members outside of the meetings can be a meaningful way of caring for each other.
In this digital age, we simply message each other as if that is sufficient. Yes, that certainly communicates information, but falls short of personal connection. Make it personal.
As the Facilitator, I encourage you to “grow” in each of these five areas. Let it be gradual. Work on these aspects each week. For more resources on small groups, click here.
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*Thanks to Jim Egli for the label “Wind” for the ministry time (www.jimegli.com). Jim has great resources for Small Groups on his site.
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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. -
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.
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