The BIGNESS Of A Small Group

When we first joined the Vineyard seven years ago, I must admit my husband and I weren’t anxious to join a small group. It’s so much easier to attend a church and remain anonymous and little is expected of you when you’re just a face in the crowd. Being part of a small group scares a lot of people –  at least that was true for us. Anonymity is safer and won’t open you up for pain, rejection and accountability.

We joined a marriage small group our first year at the Vineyard and we now host a marriage small group twice monthly. In addition, I belong to a weekly ladies small group. These people have enriched our lives over the years and over the past week I’ve come to realize just how special they really are.

I had surgery on my knee this past week that had me convalescing at home living life within a six-inch radius of the Lazy-Boy. I knew the surgery would be minor and wouldn’t incapacitate me for long. I tried to convince my small groups that my family would survive and we wouldn’t need prepared meals.

I’m sure there must be some sort of pride issue fermenting on the inside of me as I didn’t want to bother anyone or cause extra work. We don’t have small children at home anymore and all the people living in my house are adults and capable of fending for themselves.

The people in our small groups are genuine, caring people and wouldn’t hear of it and scheduled meal coverage for my family for four straight days. In addition to meals I received snacks, desserts, cards, prayers, emails and phone calls throughout my convalescence.

Its one thing to listen to the pastors preach the benefits of small groups from the pulpit, but quite another to witness firsthand the benefits of a small group family.

We’ve always been blessed to volunteer to provide meals to others in their time of need, but somehow being on the receiving end felt a little strange for me.  For whatever reason I was almost embarrassed to ask for help. (Yep, there it is –it’s that pride thing again. But that’s a blog post for another day!)

It wasn’t until someone pointed out to me that it’s selfish of me to rob people of blessing others. In the past whenever I’ve provided a meal, I’ve done so with much thought, love and preparation on my part because it feels good to give back to people. Plus God commands us to love one another.

By denying my small group the privilege of providing for our needs is to deny them the joy of being obedient to God and the genuine fulfillment that comes from helping others.

I know it’s a little early to start preaching the benefits of joining a small group at the Vineyard – especially since the small group fair is still a couple of months away. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t sing the praises of my small group families this week.

While joining a small group may push you beyond your comfort zone, the rewards are more than worth it.  You don’t have to wait for the small group fair to join a group. There’s a small group out there just waiting to bless you. What are you waiting for?

Blessings in Christ,
Kathy
www.kathleenkurlin.com