Most groups have identity crisis.
You have to figure out what your ground zero is.
We are not a youth ministry “with” small groups, but “of” small groups.
How does the new kid in your ministry find a niche of relationships?
Discipleship thrives best in the context of relationships. It’s not simply going through a series of books.
John Wooden had a 61 game winning streak…
1964 got their first championship
1948-1963 John worked with UCLA Bruins in relative obscurity.
People would repeatedly come and ask him “what was the magic moment.”
He repeatedly said, “There was no magic moment. I spent 15 seasons doing the
non-glamorous things and just refused to give up."
We need to do the same with small groups … over time, discipleship will happen and numbers will grow.
Small groups are not another small church service, it is…
1. Discussion oriented
2. Interactive
3. Life on life times
Jesus took on flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. The Message
No matter how powerful the preaching is, people tend to not remember what was said. Most of the time you can’t even remember what you said.
You may want to run a small group with your leader just to show them what you are looking for.
Some of the greatest revenge you can pay on Hell is perseverance.
Discipleship happens best through Frog Kissing. [Jeanne did an awesome skit illustrating the Art of Frog Kissing. All of the characters knocked it out of the part, but by far the Dancing Star had the most skill].
Example, Jesus with Peter. Jesus saw past warts, even changed his name from “little pebble” to “giant bolder.”
If you don’t get the heart behind this, then the pragmatics will not be sustained. I want you to get the heart of this thing. You have to model frog kissing.
Small group helps your youth ministry by shrinking the holes in your attendance net. If we can get them in connected, the chance of losing them goes way down.
Small groups create a culture of friendship while most of the church world just talks about it.
Jeanne told the story of the Buddhist exchange student who would go to church with her host family. One Sunday after a pastor’s message, she gave her life to Christ. The pastor asked afterwards, “What did I say that helped you make this life-altering decision.” She said, “It was nothing you said, but all these months, Barb, my adopted foreign exchange sister has been building a bridge from her heart to mine and today I just let Jesus walk over it.
Remember walking into a room where you don’t know anyone is awkward. It was awkward today as you walked in. I know it’s awkward. We need to love well. Remember, “Actions of love will always create feelings of love.”
1. Choose to be an authentic encourager. Give away to people what you wish you had yourself.
2. Cash in on moments of pain. God whispers in good time, and shouts in pain.
3. Talk less and listen more.
4. Prepare to be hurt and taken for granted, Jesus was. Discipleship is the closest thing to a “love-hate” relationship.
1 comment:
GREAT STUFF JUDY! Tell Jeanne thanks for the great info. I remember the skit from when she came to hang with us at GCC.
It was a good time! I love cheering for you guys down in ATL, keep it up. (Like i need to tell YOU that...Miss DRIVEN)
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