Small Groups

[Nice & Wavy]

NW - There is no problem with small groups. I LOVE small groups - just AFTER having met at least one person from a church group/church setting. :yep:Yes, I understood what you said in your earlier posts. I was talking about the small groups being in the homes...I never seen a problem with them.

But, everyone is different...and that's ok. I like both bible study at church and at homes....the Lord is being lifted up and that's all that matters in the end.

Blessings.

[Nice & Wavy]

NW - I do have another question for you. How are people assigned to small groups in your church? We have them all over the city...if someone wants to go to one, they could just go to the group closest to their homes. If they aren't able to go to one, due to children, etc., then if they are willing to open their home, there will be a leader sent to their home and the people that live in that area will attend. If a person doesn't connect with some of the people, then that person can just attend another group if they like...there is no pressure. We just ask if they do, that they let the leader know, that's all.

It's a very laid back atmosphere and just a wonderful way to learn the scriptures!

[inthepink]

We have them all over the city...if someone wants to go to one, they could just go to the group closest to their homes. If they aren't able to go to one, due to children, etc., then if they are willing to open their home, there will be a leader sent to their home and the people that live in that area will attend. If a person doesn't connect with some of the people, then that person can just attend another group if they like...there is no pressure. We just ask if they do, that they let the leader know, that's all.

It's a very laid back atmosphere and just a wonderful way to learn the scriptures!

I think that is a great option!

[BeautifulFlower]

You would be surprised at home many people actually like the idea of small groups...and I'm talking about new members!

I dunno...guess I've been so blessed doing this for so many years, that I never see a problem with it. All the people that I have met and helped over the years in these small groups have been so wonderful and God truly moves so mightly in our groups...it's not just a place to meet friends, but to build the church.

I do understand how you and hairlove feel.

Blessings.

Oh there's definitely not a problem with it. Its a great idea and gives being at a church a homie feel. My thoughts are more to new members that dont know anybody. I wouldnt be comfortable going to someone house not because its a person's home but because i dont know anyone. If that makes sense...

[BeautifulFlower]

I'd love advice/suggestions, etc. This is new to me, but a comment made by a single lady in my church magnified the need for something along this line. A few weeks ago, I made a comment about setting aside quality time time with my husband and she responded by saying, "it's time out for quality time." She followed that statement by saying "...but then I've never been married, so I don't really know." God has really been laying it on my heart to talk to single women about the "real deal" concerning marriage.

:nono: She needs to be the first in your meeting.

[inthepink]

I'd love advice/suggestions, etc. This is new to me, but a comment made by a single lady in my church magnified the need for something along this line. A few weeks ago, I made a comment about setting aside quality time time with my husband and she responded by saying, "it's time out for quality time." She followed that statement by saying "...but then I've never been married, so I don't really know." God has really been laying it on my heart to talk to single women about the "real deal" concerning marriage.

I would suspect there was a tad bit of bitterness and sadness in her statement.

[neenzmj]

I think you've nailed it.

I would suspect there was a tad bit of bitterness and sadness in her statement.

[nicola.kirwan]

I've also led and participated in various small groups and they can be hit or miss. I definitely understand the frustration of feeling like you don't really connect with the people in the group, and then there are questions of, "Well, will I offend them if I don't come back?"

One church that I went to had a larger, small group "feeder" ministry through the Alpha course, where people would come to Alpha sessions at the church for 10 weeks, while remaining in the same small group there, so they could get to know people and get comfortable. Then at the end of the 10 weeks, they would be assigned to a small group in someone's home in the church, after they've gotten well acquainted with the church and had a solid foundation laid for biblical faith and discipleship.

Perhaps more churches could do something like that. Though, I do think that, to a certain degree, the intimacy of the small group atmosphere is supposed to be somewhat challenging. In some ways, it's designed to nudge believers (hopefully not prematurely) to a deeper level of fellowship and openness, which often is uncomfortable at first for a lot of people. We just aren't used to interacting at that level with people who aren't already a part of our intimate circle. But most times, so long as it's a genuinely safe environment, it's a risk worth taking and helps to move things along spiritually.

But churches could probably think more about how to get new members acclamated and comfortable before throwing them into the deep end!

[inthepink]

I've also led and participated in various small groups and they can be hit or miss. I definitely understand the frustration of feeling like you don't really connect with the people in the group, and then there are questions of, "Well, will I offend them if I don't come back?"

One church that I went to had a larger, small group "feeder" ministry through the Alpha course, where people would come to Alpha sessions at the church for 10 weeks, while remaining in the same small group there, so they could get to know people and get comfortable. Then at the end of the 10 weeks, they would be assigned to a small group in someone's home in the church, after they've gotten well acquainted with the church and had a solid foundation laid for biblical faith and discipleship.

Perhaps more churches could do something like that. Though, I do think that, to a certain degree, the intimacy of the small group atmosphere is supposed to be somewhat challenging. In some ways, it's designed to nudge believers (hopefully not prematurely) to a deeper level of fellowship and openness, which often is uncomfortable at first for a lot of people. We just aren't used to interacting at that level with people who aren't already a part of our intimate circle. But most times, so long as it's a genuinely safe environment, it's a risk worth taking and helps to move things along spiritually.

But churches could probably think more about how to get new members acclamated and comfortable before throwing them into the deep end!

This is exactly the sort of thing I'm talking about! Just the "option" would be nice for those who are intimidated. I couldn't imagine being a "new" Christian and having to show up at someone's home.

I am not against small groups in any form at all. I think they are vital and necessary. Most church studies I attend, have a larger "lecture" type study during the first half and the second half and then broken down into smaller groups. And I agree, those can be uncomfortable as well initially but not quite as much as being in someone's home (just my opinion). I think that works well as one option anyway.

[hopeful]

I met a lady one day who invited me to a small group bible study at her home. We did not attend the same church though, in fact I believe I was in search of a church home at the time. Anyway, she was very nice, her dh was nice, her home was beautiful and the other people there seemed quite pleasant but I still remember how uncomfortable I felt. I have never done anything like that again. I think I prefer meeting in a church setting, especially if I don't know everyone, or at least most of the people, well.