How to Have an Effective Group

by

A Gospel Group connects disciples together who are committed to growing in the gospel and going with the gospel.

  • Psalm 1
  • Acts 17:10-12

If we aren’t careful, certain practices or allowances can take place to run the dynamics of a group. Here are 6 group killers:

  1. Subjective Content
    • If the Bible isn’t your textbook, you might find temporary encouragement but you will not find long-term sanctification.
    • We don’t need to hear what the Bible means to you, we need to know what the Bible means to God.
    • We need Biblical Authority.
      • God’s Word must be our ultimate guide.
      • Many books are inspiring, but only one Book is inspired.
      • 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Josh. 1:8; 2 Tim. 2:15
  2. Immature Leaders
    • Group members will rarely grow beyond the spiritual example of the leader.
    • If groups tend to reflect the dynamic of an individual leader, we need to ensure the quality of each leader.
    • We need Leadership Maturity.
      • We will never have leaders who are perfect, but we should have leaders that are making progress.
      • The greatest lesson a teacher will ever provide is his or her consistent example.
      • James 3:1; 1 Cor. 11:1; 1 Tim. 4:16
  3. Surface Relationships
    • If you maintain relational defenses, you will never know or be known by others.
    • If you monopolize the conversation, you will hinder others from the ability to share.
    • We need Safe Authenticity.
      • Groups should be safe places to share the successes and the struggles of life.
      • Flippant involvement and momentary additions can stifle growth among relationships within a group.
      • Heb. 3:13; Gal. 6:9-10
  4. Loose Expectations
    • If we focus on obtaining biblical information over experiencing biblical transformation, we are missing the point.
    • Discipleship is not about leaving people where they are.
    • We need Careful Accountability.
      • Commit to becoming spiritual guardrails in the lives of other members.
      • The goal is not to point out sin but to train how to avoid it.
      • Gal. 6:1
  5. Halfhearted Commitment
    • If you limit your group to a class, you will only get what a class can offer.
    • The most challenging moments in your life will most likely happen outside the time your group meets.
    • We need Intentional Availability.
      • The most healthy groups are available for 168 hours per week rather than just assembling for 1 hour per week.
      • Think of your scheduled group time to serve as a catalyst for intentional interaction during the rest of the week.
      • 1 Thess. 2:8
  6. Cliqued Mentality
    • Religious cliques have damaged many people’s spiritual conditions.
    • We each gravitate towards those who welcome us the most, and oftentimes, church can be a place of exclusion rather than acceptance.
    • We need Eager Reproducibility.
      • The most connected members in a group will be those who accompany another rather than assigned by another.
      • Addition grows a group; multiplication grows a Kingdom.
      • 1 Cor. 11:1