A great foundation for growth!

Posted by Bill on May 3, 2013

Like any physical building, the health, growth and strength of small group life is wholly dependent upon the quality of the foundation. If a group is founded right, it stands to reason it will grow right. The ideal building plan for every small group should detail as its foundation the Great Commandment and the Great Commission (Matthew 22:36-40 and Matthew 28:18-20).

These two great passages of Scripture complement and complete each other, forming the greatest foundation for the building of our new lives in Christ, and building meaningful community life with one another. This ‘great foundation’ also inspires and guides us in the fulfillment of our primary purpose on earth … helping others see their need for Christ.

This is a good time to examine the foundation of your life, and the life of your group? Unless our lives/our groups are built on the right foundation then our building efforts will be in vain (Matthew 7:24-27, Psalms 127:1).

Love the Lord + Love one another = Great Foundation!

Forward Growth

Posted by Bill on April 26, 2013

The fourth dimension of our small groups’ growth plan is Forward growth. This dimension of personal growth points to “our” growing-up into the likeness of Jesus (growing in our discipleship). This is a life-long process (Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 8:29)!

Forward growth doesn’t just happen … it results from having a desire for this to happen and then through being intentional about learning more and doing more of God’s word (obedience). Giving opportunities to our members to share in the overall leadership of small group life is paramount to their growth and the development and the success of our groups. Forward growth takes place as we discover, practise, and develop our spiritual gifts in the fertile soil of godly small group life.

Outward Growth

Posted by Bill on April 19, 2013

If Upward growth points to a growing love-relationship with the Lord; and Inward growth points to a growing love-relationship with believers in the church, then Outward growth points to a growing love-relationship with our un-saved friends (Matthew 22:36-40).

Outward growth results as we minister to our unsaved friends in simple, practical ways with the love of Christ. Reaching out to our un-saved friends is best achieved through a team effort/small groups approach, in partnership with the Holy Spirit.

Knowing that no one is good at everything, small group members add weight to the Outward growth effort through combining their various experiences, personalities, spiritual gifts and talents. Through prayer and a collaborative team effort, Outward growth can be an exciting reality for every believer, and small group.

Upward Growth

Posted by Bill on April 12, 2013

Healthy small groups are committed to Upward growth – growing in relationship with God!

For balanced growth to take place in our lives we must first have a passion for intimacy with God. Out of this passion to grow in our knowledge, love, and service to God will flow refreshing streams of love, touching every member in our small groups and stimulating them to ministry within the life of our church. Without this flow of godly love we often feel the need to minister out of performance, guilt or compulsion.

Consider these words spoken by Jesus to His disciples: “If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Friends, a balanced and fruitful life results from our personal UPWARD growth.

Inward Growth

Posted by Bill on December 19, 2012

If we understand that ‘Upward’ growth points to a believer’s growing love-relationship with the Lord, then we can understand that ‘Inward’ growth points to his/her growing love-relationship with other believers in the church. God’s love in our hearts is what fuels this Inward growth (Romans 5:5).

1 Corinthians 13 makes it quite clear that if those who belong to a small group community share deep insights, teach Scripture, sacrifice time and energy for the sake of the group, but don’t love each other, then they have done nothing that is commendable.

Friends, we were created to live with one another in growing love-relationships. Jesus spent His entire ministry loving everyone, including the outcasts – those who felt they had no place in God’s eyes.

In the church we must do all that we can to inspire the building of healthy small groups – places where everyone can experience unconditional, undeserved acceptance and love. Inward growth is contingent upon Upward growth. As we continue growing Upward in our relationship with the Lord, we can continue growing Inward in our relationship with one another.

Inward growth takes place only when we practice love with another. This practice must be constant, not intermittent.

How is your Inward growth?