Why YOU Need to Be in a Small Group

Tim Johnson sent me the following devotional from a devotional book called "Seeking Daily the Heart of God." This is great on how it benefits each of us to be a part of a small group. Cell Groups are vital to the health of the individual Christian, the Church, and the Christian Community as a whole.


“Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples.” -John 6:3

A Small Group is necessary for sincere disciples of Christ to thrive in an environment of encouragement and accountability. It is in the confidentiality of a small group that you really begin to understand yourself, others, and God. Without the reality check of the group, your perspective drifts into detrimental living. Jesus structured a small group prayerfully by inviting those who were teachable and available. He knew small groups were wise wards of the soul. It is within the care and concern of a small group that special things take place. Prayers are answered. Tears are shed. Joy erupts. Frustrations are vented. Teaching occurs. Truth is unleashed. Dumb decisions are averted. Wise actions are initiated. Work is found. Families are freed up. Accountability is invited. Love is applied. Character is cultivated. Fun flows.

It is in the confines of a Christ-centered small group that the Holy Spirit woos each heart. He is free to roam and romance each soul to Himself. No wonder the work of the enemy seeks to lure you away from the safety of a small group. Outside of the security of the group you are fair game for his demons of destruction. Wavering disciples become sitting ducks when they struggle alone; dying in desperate silence. You give up the good and give in to the bad without the guardrails of the group. This community of home care was the model of the early church (Acts 2:46).

So, engage with those you would like to get to know better. Seek out spiritually mature followers of Jesus. You are secure in Christ and your small group feeds these feelings of security. A healthy small group is not co-dependent, rather interdependent and Christ-dependent. The group rises to the occasion when a crisis occurs. They minister hope to each other. It is a microcosm of the Body of Christ. Large groups leverage wonderful corporate worship and praise. Gifted teachers thrive in the throngs of bigger is better. However, accountability and care get lost in largeness. It is in the small group that the teaching is synthesized down for personal and practical application. Questions and answers flow unguarded under the influence of the small group. Furthermore, prayer proceeds specifically and supportively within a community of trust. Your prayer life goes to a whole new level because the Lord becomes more intimate through specific supplications. Indeed, the transition of life are lubricated through the love and acceptance of the group. Christ-centered groups develop Christian communities who reach into the community.

So, be a small group that submits to the authority of the Lord and His church. A small group led by the Spirit encounters Christ!



Publication: Seeking Daily The Heart Of God

Author: Boyd Bailey

Publisher: Wisdom Hunters. LLC

Distributed by: Family Christian Stores

Copyright © 2008 by Boyd Bailey