Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Marks of a Healthy Small Group

Scott Sterner:
In this post Brandon Cox identifies some characteristics of a healthy group life in your church. He also provides some metrics that clarify the measure of success for each of these categories. As they say, even a broken clock is right twice a day. If we have any hopes of creating healthy community in our churches and church plants, we need to do more than just celebrate the few things we do well. Embracing a clear and comprehensive vision for success helps to provide alignment and accountability as we work toward a healthy communal identity.

1. There is a consistency in meeting and a desire to meet.
2. There is genuine authenticity and transparent sharing.
3. People are growing in knowledge, but they are also growing in grace.
4. Real community and friendship is increasing.
5. There is an intentionality about serving together and developing as leaders.
6. There is a culture of inclusion and inviting.
7. New hosts are stepping forward.

1 comment:

Deb said...

I agree with all of those except the last one. We host a small group, we meet the 2nd and 4th Sundays and it is always at our house. BUT, our house is big, we have 20 plates, cups, napkins, sets of silverware, chairs, etc. We live in town, only 5 minutes from church and it is just convenient. Some in our group are single and young marrieds and don't have the resources and some live WAY out of town. It just makes sense for us to host it. We also provide the main part of meal so that others don't have to spend more than $5. We have been on the other end lots of times where it is hard to have 20 people over to a tiny apartment and it is hard to have to shell out money you don't have even for church events, like small group, potluck, showers, weddings, etc. etc. I am thankful that we are in a position to do this and really don't begrudge it or resent it. It is a blessing to be able to serve in this way. ;)