Small Group social time will always be important! Further more, small groups should always offer a opportunity to spend time and have fun with each other. But have you ever left group and thought, “What a great time, but what about the bible study”?
If so, this more than likely means that you are experiencing community within your group. But what about growing spiritually?
There will always be a challenge to balance between small group social time and spiritual growth.
Relationship is so refreshing, especially with healthy and mature adults who are heading in the same direction as you are. God not only wants us to be connected with others but also with HIM.
Our relationships with each other should be intentional. In addition, our friendship with each other should also deepen our relationship with the Lord. This happens by intentionally discussing, sharing, and studying Gods Word with the group.
Your small group should strive to create a healthy balance within the group of experiencing community and growing spiritually.
Here are four tips that you can put into practice in order to balance small group social time with spiritual growth:
1. Make the most of time outside of the small group to deepen relationships.
As you spend time with people in a group setting you will naturally begin to develop friendship outside of the group as well.
Using the extra time that you have throughout the month or week is a great way to get together with those in your group outside of group time. This will help free up more time to intentionally pray and study God’s word together during small group.
2. Express clear expectations for your small group time.
Make it clear from the beginning that your group time will primarily consist of two things: experiencing community (connecting relationally) and growing spiritually (connecting with God through prayer and study of His Word). Don’t hesitate to refocus the group by reminding them of this goal.
3. Describe what spiritual growth looks like.
Help your group members to understand how connecting relationally goes hand in hand with growing spiritually (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 10:23-25, Proverbs 27:17). Consider setting aside some time during your group to discuss how each person is growing spiritually and also how your group as whole is growing.
4. Move beyond “what”?
It is natural for people to come to group with the hope of getting things off of their chest.
Openness within your group is a good thing but don’t allow the conversations to remain at “what”. Meaning, allow the “what’s” to progress to questions like “so what?” and “now what?”
Always affirm how your group members feel, but also ask questions in a way that will help provide solutions. “It must be difficult having a co-worker who talks to you that way. What do you think would be a Christ-like way to respond when people hurt you?”
Learning to ask “so what” and “now what” questions takes practice, but will always be worth it in the context of your group.
Is your small group putting more emphasis on social time while neglecting study time?
What actions could you take to help balance community and spiritual growth?
Did this help you evaluate your small group? Is there more you want to learn about building a healthy small group ministry at your church? If so, check out How To Start A Small Group Ministry At Your Church!
