lifeasmission

I grew weary of the term and idea of small groups years ago. In most of my experience, church based small groups served mainly to isolate people in affinity based relationships. Interestingly, small groups are a relatively new concept and practice for churches in the south. Most folks down here who have been part of church culture for any length of time are used to Sunday School.

In a church like Living Hope however, where everything we aim to do is designed to aid in the process of truly making disciples (those who actually look to Jesus’ life as a model for a way to live), there is perhaps more of a chance for small groups to really look and function differently than I have gotten used to. Loads of people that I have met have shared stories of the way in which their participation in a Living Hope small group has, for the first time in their lives, opened them up to the idea of truly doing and sharing their lives with others. More then this, for most of our small groups, finding ways to serve the body and the world around us is on the forefront of their minds and imaginations.

Within my first month or so of being here there was a certain group of folks that it seemed I was having the most conversations and doing the most stuff with. So, I decided that this probably ought to be my small group – the folks that I try with more intentionality to do and share life with as we think about how to bless others. It’s an awesome group full of more potential that anyone even realizes and I am thrilled to be a part of it. The group, except for myself, is all young married couples. Here’s what my friend Liz said about the group yesterday on her blog (she’s is pretty awesome photographer by the way)…

Tonight, we’re meeting with our small group… a group of AMAZING people who are consistently teaching us how to live in community and know God better. This group has become our family over the past few months and I cannot imagine my walk with God without them. Each person has taught me so much, and I am eager to learn more. Zach and I have a better marriage because of this group. My walk with God is better because of this group. Honestly, I don’t know how I managed to get through life before joining a small group. I haven’t posted too many pictures of them simply because I don’t want to freak them out with my obnoxious picture-taking, but tonight we’re getting together for a “game night.” I think it may be a good time to introduce them to my dark side. Hopefully, I’ll have pictures tomorrow.

She does have pictures, they are here. You should also check out Mandy’s blog.