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8 Reasons to Join a Small
Group
Adapted from Rick Warren's
Saddlebackfamily.com
1.
You will understand the Bible better in a small group.
 If you've ever listened to a Bible teacher
or preacher and wanted to stop that person and say, "But what about...?"
or "I don't understand," then a small group is for you!
In a small
group setting, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion of the
text, and hear others share insights and illustrations of the truth you
are trying to grasp. The Bible must be applied to your own
personal situations and that happens best in small groups.
2. You will begin to really feel like part of God's family.
 Most people who have been a part of
a group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and
friendships that develop. They will frequently telephone or email
each other during the week to share an urgent prayer request or an
exciting answer. You'll discover that your needs and problems are
not unique. It helps to know that others are facing the same
difficulties, or have lived through them and learned spiritual
principles in the process.
Over 50 times in the New Testament the phrase "one
another" is used to describe our relationship to other believers.
We are instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for
one another, accept one another, bear one another's burdens, and build
up one another. The only way you can obey these commands is in a
small group! We really do need each other. God never meant
for you to go it alone in the Christian life.
3. Prayer will become more meaningful to you.
 Many people are hesitant to pray in front
of others, especially in a large church. In a small group of 6 to
20, you will learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation
together with God. No one is pressured to pray, but as you become
comfortable, you'll be able to pray sentence prayers and join in.
There are many promises in the Bible related to group prayer. In praying
together with a few others, we are drawn together and we find answers to
the needs in our lives.
4. You will be able to handle stress and pressure better.
Small groups provide excellent
support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You'll have
a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really
care for you and are committed to standing with you.
When someone loses a job, or a family member has an
extended illness, or a mother needs a babysitter - these are practical
needs that will be naturally taken care of through your small group.
Your group will coordinate the sharing of hot meals to be brought in
when your family is in need. In addition, we have a number of
special support groups that deal with problems like alcoholism,
financial difficulty, abuse, and other needs. You can find contact
information
of some of these special ministries or
emergency groups from our Turn ON
the Light-Bowie Care pages.
5. You will have a natural way to share Christ with friends,
relatives, and work associates.
 It may be that some of your friends who
don't I know the Lord wouldn't be caught dead in a church. They
have a preconceived idea and just the thought makes them defensive. But
those same people may be open to an invitation to a casual Bible
discussion in a home or office setting. In a small group, your
unbelieving friend can ask questions and express honest doubts without
feeling "put on the spot."
When your friend sees the love and
warmth and honesty of your group, it will make him more receptive to the
Good News.
6. You will develop leadership skills you never knew you had!
The Bible teaches that every believer is
given certain talents or "gifts" to benefit others in the family of God.
Unfortunately, most Christians remain as Sunday morning spectators (pew
warmers) all their lives because large group meetings are primarily "sit
and listen" situations. As you share and participate in a relaxed
small group setting, you'll discover your confidence and self-esteem
rising. This will help you at work, at church, and in every other
relationship.
 7. You will deepen your understanding of worship.
Many believers mistakenly believe that
worship can only happen on Sunday morning in a large group with a
sermon, a choir, and an offering plate! Worship happens anytime we
focus on God. Sometimes that happens best in a smaller group in
praying or singing together.
8. You will be a New Testament Christian!
The book of Acts is very clear about how
God intends for His people to grow and have their needs met in the
church. We will never be able to hire enough professional pastors
to meet all the individual needs in our spiritual family. God never intended
for it to be that way!
Small Groups have these 8 benefits that no believer can
afford to pass up. If you are not participating in a group, why
not join one this week? Click on this
link to go to our list of Bowie-area small
groups.
Consider These Verses:
They devoted themselves to the
apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and
to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common.
Every day they continued to meet together... they broke bread in their
homes and ate together... and the Lord added to their number daily those
who were being saved. - Acts 2:42,
44, 46-47
Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to
house they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the Good News that
Jesus is the Christ.
- Acts 5:42
Greet also the church that meets at their house.
- Rom. 16:5
Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord and so
does the church that meets at their house.
- 1 Cor. 16: 19
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