What's The Purpose of Small Groups?

What are we trying to accomplish with our small group ministry?

Earlier this year, we had 3 one hour Zoom conversations with our small group leaders.  Here is the vision statement that we came up with:  Our small group ministry exists to enable the people of Southport Presbyterian Church to grow as disciples of Jesus and to serve others in the context of relationships.  A small group is a place to Belong, Bless, and Become.

I'd like to spend the next few weeks expounding on various parts of this vision statement.  For starters, I want to point out that our small group ministry is a "ministry."  You might say, "Duh! Of course its a ministry."  Why do I make a point that it's a "ministry?"  My observation in working with small groups for 2 decades is that it's easy for groups to become inwardly focused.  Another way to say this is, it's easy to get the group "just the way we like it" and never want that to change.

May we remember that our small group ministry is a "ministry."  I don't just come to my small group to get my own needs met, I come to group to minister to others.  This includes letting new people be a part of my group, even though it changes the dynamics and causes me to stretch and adapt . . . which is necessary for my own spiritual growth.
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