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7 Elements of a Successful Small Group

This is from Craig Groeschel, a pastor in Oklahoma.

Over the years, Amy and I have participated in several different small groups. Some were much more successful than others.

Here are the elements we’ve found essential for a great group:

  1. A great group needs a leader. When everyone is always voting on what we do next, we never do much. A good leader makes for a good group.
  2. A great group is built around God’s word. Too often, small groups become all about fellowship. While fellowship is always essential, doing life around God’s word is what truly makes the difference.
  3. A great group is a safe group. If people can’t discuss openly without fear of judgment, rejection, or gossip, the group is doomed to fail.
  4. A great group looks outward. Serving together is life changing.
  5. A great group births new groups. If a group stays together for too long, they usually grow stale. Healthy groups produce new groups.
  6. A great group takes breaks. We often take the summer off from consistent meetings. We’re all busy. The break makes us long to be together more.
  7. A great group hurts together. I just got off the phone after talking to a young woman with four children who just lost her 39-year-old husband. Even though she is devastated, she told me confidently that her Life Group would be there for her. God is glorified through such a group.
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