Life Group musings

It does not take a social psychologist to tell you that it is the human social norm to form cliques. And since birds of feathers flock together, we will naturally be with people whom we like, and who are to some extent like us.
There is nothing wrong with that- and in fact it is a gift, that God brings people into our lives whom we can form relationships with so effortlessly! But in a Christian group, what should our culture be? What culture should we try to cultivate? What culture would I want my group to be known for? What matters more?

What was Jesus’ small group like? Let’s see… Fishermen, tax collectors, zealots,… I wonder if small group co-ordinators today would put the fish-monger and finance people in the same group? Did Matthew and Peter speak the same language- would they have associated with each other if Jesus had not called them as His twelve? Perhaps not? Definitely NOT. But they survived living 24/7 together for three and a half years, and in whatever dynamics they had, they all lived for the One who mattered- except for one.

Were all of them of the same maturity and had the same intimacy with Jesus? I don’t think so- there was the inner circle of 3 who knew the deeper things. But Jesus still taught them the same truth when He spoke. He spoke to some on the side at times, but the most important things He taught them all. Some got it more than others, some might get it later than the others.

I’ve had many different convictions and learnt many lessons over the years as I led small groups. I need to admit that it’s easy to fall into the temptation of wanting members to like the group, to want to be part of it, to own it, and to like me as their small group leader. Not that all things are not important or illegitimate, except the last one of course. But I imagine looking back in the future, and what would I be most proud of? That everyone had a good time while it lasted? That’s so small, too small.

I would trade a distinct small group identity, I would trade a unique culture, I would trade group unity, I would trade warm fuzzy feelings & nostalgic memories…
In exchange if the group could be identified as followers of Christ by the lives we live on our own and with each other, if each time we gathered it was a unique moment in our weekly routine that we came face to face with Christ in His Word and each other, that our unity be found in Christ and Christ alone, and what we hold on to is living for His Kingdom till He comes again.