And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
Acts 2:42-47Īnd they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Jesus 3.
Hebrews 10:24-25Īnd let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Let me share with you my favorite 10 “community” Scriptures. Scriptures that show you you’re better with me…and that I’m better with you. For now, let’s look at the Scriptures that are replete with Truth that helps us see the value of living life connected in healthy communities. That’s another post for another day on another site. The Bible is the source for the Church when it comes to authoritative Truth. So when it comes to my view of small groups, I want to know they work, but I also want to know “are they true?” and “are they right?” For that, I’ve got to look outside of myself. 2+2=4 whether I “feel” like it does today or not. Before “does it work,” I want to know “is it true?” Sure, eating candy for breakfast may “feel” right, and sleeping in every morning may “feel” right, and not disciplining myself in so many other areas of my life may “feel” right, but that doesn’t make them right. In fact, I’m not first and foremost a pragmatist. You’ve got pragmatism in you, too.īut I’m not solely a pragmatist. Your current exercise scheme is producing no results, yet the books tell you it will? You’ll change it to something that gets you the result you want. Your current breakfast doesn’t fill you up? No matter how healthy you’re trying to be, if you’re not being filled by what you’re consuming, you’ll change it. Tell me you’re not a pragmatist when it comes to what you eat for breakfast. If the Gospel didn’t effectively work to affect change, you’d give up on it. If what you believe didn’t work, you’d believe something different. It’s staggering how many issues in life become manageable when you’re surrounded by people that love you and want God’s best for you.Īt one level, I’m a pragmatist. I’ve seen first-hand the work that a healthy community does in a person’s and a family’s life. Make a final appeal for “action” at the end, or reemphasize points of application you discussed earlier in the lesson.Part of the reason I feel called to small group ministry, and why I’ve made it my life mission to build healthy small group communities where I know life change happens, is because I’ve seen it work. Bring out the practical application(s) of the lesson.Illustrations help keep the group’s attention and add more "life” to the lesson, especially if you can mix in a little humor! If you have trouble thinking of something, create and discuss a made-up scenario that brings out the point being made.
Take two or three points from the lesson and share an illustration.Ask questions such as: Why is this truth important? What do other Scripture verses say about this point? What does this teach us about God, our world, and ourselves? Incorporate discussion questions whenever possible. Encourage conversation to keep the group focused and involved. Give the group an opportunity to discuss answers that are more subjective.Ask for volunteers to be ready to read the Scripture verses. Be sure to give the answers to the blanks on the handout where needed. Include additional thoughts and points that you have. This may be a good place to discuss the importance of the lesson you are about to study. This will begin to get the group focused on the topic.
Take the main point, or emphasis of the lesson, and share an illustration or scenario that your audience can relate to.