Small Groups
As soon as possible, begin a small group with your missionary partner and anyone else who will join, particularly anyone on your interest lists. The purpose of the group is to meet needs, build relationships, share Jesus and open His Word. Some excellent Bible study guides are the Amazing Facts Basic Set and the Discover Bible Course. The 30-something had always loved the outdoors, but only recently did he realize his interest could be an opportunity for sharing Jesus. He and his missionary partner tried to decide what kind of small-group outreach to focus on this spring—cycling, rafting, hiking or golf. A couple had been through some tough times in their eight years of marriage. Now they teamed up with another couple to offer a six-week marriage enrichment small-group study in the home of some new members and their friends. Short-term small groups bring life to a church and give it more opportunities to win others to Jesus. They have been a vital part of the church ever since Jesus invited 12 men to follow Him. When the church experienced explosive growth at Pentecost, the 3,000-plus members were still organized into small groups who met in homes to study the Scriptures, pray and enjoy fellowship together and continually bring others into the church family (Acts 2:42-47). Why should churches form small groups today? “In our churches let companies be formed for service… Let them seek to gather souls from the corruption of the world into the saving purity of Christ's love.” [1] How can we experience what was happening in the early Christian, and early Adventist church? “If there is a large number in the church, let the members be formed into small companies, to work not only for the church members, but for unbelievers. If in one place there are only two or three who know the truth, let them form themselves into a band of workers.” [2] Have you made small-group witnessing a part of your lifestyle? If not, why not join or start a short-term group with a friend in the next week or two? (For more insights on small groups, read Christian Service, p. 72-75.) [1] Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 22. [2] Ibid, p. 21.
As soon as possible, begin a small group with your missionary partner and anyone else who will join, particularly anyone on your interest lists. The purpose of the group is to meet needs, build relationships, share Jesus and open His Word. Some excellent Bible study guides are the Amazing Facts Basic Set and the Discover Bible Course.
The 30-something had always loved the outdoors, but only recently did he realize his interest could be an opportunity for sharing Jesus. He and his missionary partner tried to decide what kind of small-group outreach to focus on this spring—cycling, rafting, hiking or golf.
A couple had been through some tough times in their eight years of marriage. Now they teamed up with another couple to offer a six-week marriage enrichment small-group study in the home of some new members and their friends.
Short-term small groups bring life to a church and give it more opportunities to win others to Jesus. They have been a vital part of the church ever since Jesus invited 12 men to follow Him. When the church experienced explosive growth at Pentecost, the 3,000-plus members were still organized into small groups who met in homes to study the Scriptures, pray and enjoy fellowship together and continually bring others into the church family (Acts 2:42-47).
Why should churches form small groups today? “In our churches let companies be formed for service… Let them seek to gather souls from the corruption of the world into the saving purity of Christ's love.” [1]
How can we experience what was happening in the early Christian, and early Adventist church? “If there is a large number in the church, let the members be formed into small companies, to work not only for the church members, but for unbelievers. If in one place there are only two or three who know the truth, let them form themselves into a band of workers.” [2]
Have you made small-group witnessing a part of your lifestyle? If not, why not join or start a short-term group with a friend in the next week or two? (For more insights on small groups, read Christian Service, p. 72-75.)
[1] Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 22.
[2] Ibid, p. 21.
Luke Warm sometimes likes the music and preaching at church. "But don't ask me to get too close to people. This small-group stuff is not my personality," he says.
Victor N. Christ and his missionary partner, Willing Helper, start a weekly small group with a few people they have been praying for. They enjoy some recreation, have prayer and look for ways to share Jesus and Bible truth with the friends in their small group.
