Posted by: Frank Chiapperino in group ministry on
Apr 25, 2007
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There is more to building community in your group than just having a Bible study. Unless, of course, you are not interested in life application, relationships, or accountability. If that is the case, then the routine Wednesday night Bible study at the empty church in town (in most cases) should suit you just fine.
I was talking with my Dad about this when they visited this past weekend. We were remembering when I was a kid and he and my mom ran a small group at our house on Patio Rd. in Middletown, NY. At the time our church called it a "Home Fellowship Group." The funny thing about it is, I never knew that there were some board members and key people in the church who were very upset with them. They felt that what my parents were doing at their house on Wednesday nights was taking people away from the "Bible Study" at the church building that was 99% empty each week. The reality of the situation is that none of the people attending the group went to the Wednesday night Bible study, nor would they ever go. Believe me I know... I had to sit through many of the boring Wednesday nights and none of them were ever there. Now don't get me wrong here, I am sure that the Bible studies were just fine, but not when you're 8 or 9 years old. Plus, it always felt like there was something missing... something that was always present at my Mom and Dad's.
What was happing at my parent's house on Wednesdays was remarkable. I got to experience church at its finest. There were 20-25 that people showed up every week, brought their kids, and shared life together while studying the Bible. At a young age I got to see people enjoy reading the scriptures, crying together, laughing together, celebrating the good, and supporting each other through difficulties. Hopefully your group is doing more than just Bible study. Hopefully you are sharing life together. Next week my small group has decided to have a BBQ. How does your small group share life?
