Yesterday, I wrote a post for Oasis Church (and really, any church) about the need for people to be involved in small groups. This Sunday, January 22, we begin our sign-ups for Oasis Groups. These are times where we meet on a weeknight, in either a home or a Starbucks type location, for the purpose of reading God’s Word and praying for each other. This is one of the main ways that we are able to fellowship and show love for each other… the way we get to connect and be the body of Christ!
I shared the first of 6 reasons I believe that groups are important to the church as followers of Christ in the previous post… here are three more compelling reasons (thanks again to Rick Warren for sharing these points!).
4. A small group is the best way to share my God-given mission in the world. When Jesus walked the earth, even He had a small group! Today the church is Christ’s Body on earth. We’re not just to love each other; we’re to take that love together to the rest of the world. We’re his hands, his feet, his eyes, and his heart. He works through us in the world “He creates each of us to join Him in the work He does, the good work He has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing” (Eph 2:10 Msg).
5. A small group will help keep me from spiritually backsliding. None of us are immune to temptation. Given the right situation, you and I are capable of any sin. God knows this, so He has assigned us as individuals the responsibility of keeping each other on track. The Bible says, “Encourage one another daily … so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Heb 3:13).
“Mind your own business” is NOT a Christian idea when it comes to helping each other! We’re commanded to be involved in each other’s lives. If you know someone who is wavering spiritually right now, it’s your responsibility to go after them and bring them back into the fellowship. “If you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back” (James 5:19 Msg).
Related to this is the benefit that being connected to a small group provides the spiritual protection of godly leaders. God gives shepherd leaders such as me, the responsibility to guard, protect, defend, and care for the spiritual welfare of his flock. “Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God” (Heb 13:17 NLT).
- Again, this is why we say that NO ONE STANDS ALONE! You need me… I need you… we are following Jesus TOGETHER!
6. The Body of Christ needs me! You have a background and experiences that other people can learn from and draw strength from! God has a unique role for you to play in his family. This is called your “ministry,” and God has gifted you for this assignment. “A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church” (1 Cor. 12:7). Your small group is the place God designed for you to discover, develop, and use your spiritual gifts and talents.
Join in and be part of Oasis Church… get in a group, grow in Christ, and help someone else grow in Christ this winter! Sign-ups are this Sunday after church or you can shoot me an email!
Related articles
- Reasons to join an Oasis Group this winter… (jeremyhigdon.com)
