As I sat in the auditorium of Willow Creek Community Church and listened to Miles McPherson speak about transforming community, I was struck by the enormity and simplicity of the concept.  Miles stressed the point that too often, when we gather as small groups in and through our respective churches, we are doing so in a way that looks like a Christian “Members Only” country club.  Now, there are always examples of course.  But if you examine the group or groups you are involved in, do they reach out to the lost around them?  Does your group concentrate on turning-in when is should be turning-out? 

Consider that the first of the four parts of New Life Church’s mission statement is to “Pursue the Lost.”  The other three deal with the Christians who are already destined to spend eternity in fellowship with God.  But the first one, “New Life Church will Pursue the Lost”, unmistakably focuses on the lost around us.

OK, so how do we go about doing this?  Rick Warren used an excellent illustration in a recent devotion he wrote.   He referred to one of the letters the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians.  In 1 Corinthians 13:11 Paul told the people to get past their childlike ways and start acting like adults.  In essence, he was telling them to adjust their attitude.  He wanted them to stop thinking about themselves, as a child does, and start thinking about others instead.  That’s exactly what will move us from gathering in our Christian “members only” clubs to reaching out to the lost around us.

Here are some suggestions for getting outside our members only clubs:

1. As a group, adopt a family or several families and love them.  Don’t tell them what they’re supposed to believe, just show them the love of Christ.  Help with yard work, house cleaning, car maintenance, etc.  Share the Gospel through your actions.
2. Visit shut-ins.  Go to hospitals and assisted living facilities and love the people there.  Read books for them.  Play games with them.  Befriend them.  Make a difference in their life.
3. Show the love of Christ by helping the poor.  Serve at a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or other facility that helps the poor
4. Offer the assistance of your group to local community agencies. 

 Let’s continue to share the love of Christ with the people around us who most need to see and hear it.

Coach’s Corner:   Teaching point during breakout session at Willow Creek Church’s Small Groups Conference with speaker Mike Hart, small groups pastor at McLean Bible Church in the Washington D.C. area.

What every small group leader needs from their coach is to know them personally.  This is the qualification in earning a small group leader’s trust and respect.  Coaches hasten this process by getting to know the leader’s stories, challenges & understanding their strengths and weaknesses. 

Coaches BEWARE:  Don’t go in asking leaders about their small group.  Knowing them first ought to be the primary motive of the heart.  Too often, we are more concerned with attendance and curriculum than we are in spiritual development. 

Practical Steps

In your first meeting, share your testimony and share what you love about group life.  Be genuine and authentic and only in doing so expect the same from your small group leader.      

Encourage your small group leaders spiritually.  What’s God teaching them in the last 30 days?  How are they taking a risk for God right now?  Be prepared for leaders to ask you the same thing.  Ask them what they need/want from you as a coach…write it down and deliver on it! 

Keep in mind, the pace of coaching relationships is real slow in the early days.  It’s going to take time so don’t give up!  Coaching relationships are built on the foundation of trust and respect.  Base your coaching relationship on consistency not speed. 

Whether you are a Coach or a Group Leader, please share your insights on this topic!

        ~by Jeff Kozyra, Small Groups Pastor