Did you know that at least one half of all Southern Baptist Church Members are not actively involved in the life and ministry of their churches? While many of these inactive members no longer live in the area (non-resident), a significant number of them do live in the area but have chosen not to be actively involved. Some of these occasionally attend a special event or worship experience with a holiday emphasis, but otherwise, can't be found.
Among the inactive members are some who at one time were very involved in the life of the church, but dropped out along the way. In The Apathetic and Bored Church Member, author John Savage’s documents that a large percentage of church members became inactive not for the reasons they (or others) give (didn’t like the preacher or the music was too loud, for example). While there may be some trivial or shallow circumstance related to their “exit” his research reveals that almost all of them dropped out because of some significant event. Whether an experience of loss or celebration, they too often found it difficult to share with, or receive support from whomever they may have had some level of relationship.
Perhaps the real question is this – HAVE YOU TRIED TO REACH THE LARGE NUMBER OF DISCONNECTED OR ALIENATED MEMBERS OF YOUR CHURCH THROUGH AN EXISTING OR NEW SMALL GROUP? Just think, if it were to work in reaching some within the church about whom there is some knowledge, it could also work in reaching some outside the church who do not claim to even know God.
Regardless of the terminology used, these are some of the characteristics encouraged by small groups.
SMALL GROUPS ENCOURAGE RELATIONSHIPS – The strategy Jesus used to accomplish his mission was to invest Himself into the lives of the twelve disciples. Jesus led a small group and as a result of their relationship with him and with one another, their lives were forever transformed.
SMALL GROUPS ENCOURAGE CONNECTING – So many in our culture live broken and fragmented lives (unreconciled relationships with others and with God). Church members have not been excluded from these influences and in both cases, small groups can help in meeting the need we all have to experience meaningful relationships.
SMALL GROUPS ENCOURAGE TRUST – When healthy relationships are established, the level of trust grows among group members. When there are personal issues impeding one’s spiritual growth, a recovery group may provide greater support. However, regardless of the study or affinity, an environment of trust should characterize your small group when meaningful relationships are being developed.
SMALL GROUPS ENCOURAGE AUTHENTICITY – When an environment of trust is evident, group members become increasingly willing to reveal who they really are. Group leaders need discernment in establishing appropriate boundaries between themselves and those within the group, as well as those between group members. They also need to recognize the difference between the authentic sharing from one’s heart and confession or group therapy. Even with potential risks, our culture wants to know that the church is a safe place for real people.
SMALL GROUPS ENCOURAGE ACCOUNTABILITY – The Biblical concept of accountability is more about encouragement and support than about intimidation. Accountability happens when one makes a commitment to God and then asks us to help them keep their commitment. Accountability is not about imposing our commitments onto others, but supporting another’s commitment. When an AA member flies into town at 2:00 A.M., knowing he has few if any options for avoiding a drive pass the club, will he be strong enough to resist the temptation to stop for a quick drink. If he thinks it’s going to be a problem, he will likely call his AA Accountability Partner who is willing to get out of bed and drive across town to the airport where he either drives his fellow member home himself or follows behind his friend’s car until his AA Partner arrives safely home. This is the extreme to which an accountability partner is willing to go for a friend. Accountability cannot happen if there is mistrust within the group. Authentic care and concern is demonstrated when it does occur, as illustrated here by the extent to which an AA Member was willing go and do whatever was necessary to support and encourage a friend’s commitment to stop drinking. Commitment to grow in Christ is easier said than done. The work of accountability takes place after the worship service or the small group, where it is most helpful and most needed.
.Jesus led his small group (the twelve) to grow in their understanding about the meaning of being His disciples. But the real glue that held the group together was their commitment to a common mission and purpose. Without purpose none of the above listed characteristics can hold a small group together for very long. The small group Jesus led didn’t always illustrate these characteristics because it often takes time to understand purpose and develop meaningful relationships. Over time they came to more clearly understand Jesus’ mission and purpose, and in the process of practicing the mission, their connection to one another not only resulted in meaningful relationships but made them even more effective in connecting others, through their witness, to Jesus.
With an intentional plan to help people get connected to one another, to God, and to your church, small groups can be one way of reaching some of your inactive church members. Small groups may also be a way of reaching some in your community who might not otherwise think of attending a church. In both cases small groups can help meet the need we all have to connect with others and as a result, establish meaningful relationships that nurture spiritual growth.
Some Helpful Resources
Morph by Ron Martoia (Group Publishing, Inc).
Building a Church of Small Groups by Bill Donahue and Russ Robinson (Zondervan).
The Connecting Church by Randy Frazee (Zondervan).
Some Helpful Web Sites
http://www.smallgroups.com
http://www.christianitytoday.com
http://www.discipleshipjournal.com
http://www.biblicalsolutions.com
