22 Jan The Making of a Great Small-Group

PURPOSE: Leading a Small-group is a little more than just reading a guide and asking questions.  It should incorporate fellowship, discipleship, evangelism and worship.  Here is an example of what the ‘first’ small-group looked like and how to incorporate this into your group and make it your own.

Diagram of a Small-Group: 
They Fellowshipped
They joined in fellowship “and ate together with glad and sincere
hearts” ~Acts 2:46
True fellowship, however, dives below the surface image that people present
to the world. True fellowship not only connects members to each
other but also connects them to Christ.

In Action:

Are the members of your Small Group getting along well? Do they have fun at meetings? Is there usually lots of laughter and good food?

They Were Discipled and Grew Spiritually
They devoted themselves to growing in Christ and maturity ~
Acts 2:42
Doing a Bible study is just one piece of discipleship.

In Action:

With intention and focus, group members can begin to look at discipleship as not only learning about the Word of God but also living out its truth in every aspect of their lives.

They Ministered To Each Other
“They gave to anyone as he had a need” ~Acts 2:45
They became an outlet of support, ministry, benevolence, charity, and
shared meals—all in a group context.

In Action:

Small Groups need to be more than just a meeting that happens every Thursday night; they should be engaged in ministry and meeting the needs of people within the body of Christ.

They Evangelized The Lost
“And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being
saved” ~Acts 2:47
Every Small Group has a mission to the world AND the mission field
they live in: people in the neighborhood or circle of influence. Members
should pray for their neighbors and friends and plan activities to build
bridges with the unsaved.

In Action:

If you only go fishing once a week—a weekend service—you are only going to catch fish then. Evangelism happens personally, locally, and globally.

They Worshiped
“They devoted themselves to the breaking of bread and
prayer”~Acts 2:42, 47
Early Christians worshiped in their homes. The result was that
“Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs
were done by the apostles

In Action:

Communion Examine Yourselves—Pray—Read Scripture—Partake

Songs of Praise Bring A Guitar—Use Worship CDs