If Jesus was invited to start (or join) a small group, and refused, it probably have a lot more to do with the way we run and lead our churches than how we manage our small group ministries. A small group ministry can reflect Jesus if it's leadership models Christ like behavior. I have seen it time and again in our groups at CCV:
•We have small group leaders passionate about reaching children and families so they start inter-generational small groups that invite their neighborhood.
•Leaders excited about helping the poor organize our entire group ministry which puts together hundreds of gift bags with winter clothing and non-perishables.
•Entire men's groups volunteer to strip, mop, and wax the floors of a local soup kitchen.
•Some small groups feed the hungry and volunteer to distribute food once per month at a local food pantry.
•We have a woman's group that feeds needy single moms dinner for an entire week as they learn parenting skills to aid them as new mothers.
•Other groups are passionate are about reaching their friends and host "fight nights" where they invite their neighborhood friends to meet their church friends and watch boxing or UFC fights.
All of these things are dependent upon how much your church will limit or restrict it's leaders. In the great commission Jesus told us to reach the world, but he also instructed us to teach disciples to obey everything he had commanded. Teach them the bible, show them how to evangelize and turn them loose. If you do that, along with directing and encouraging them in their areas of passion, then you set your church and the kingdom up for a win.
