Why Are We Here, Again?

A couple of months ago I highlighted a resource for small groups, Why Small Groups?, written by C.J. Mahaney. More than just surveying a book, we hope over time to give you a taste of its flavor and content.

Mahaney says, "Small groups will only serve the church if they are founded on sound doctrine and sustained by a clear biblical purpose."

Does your group meet with a purpose? How would you define it? How would each person in your group explain it? Are they regularly asking, "Why are we here, again?" Are you able to answer that question quickly and succinctly?

Mahaney rightly suggests that just being a part of a small group is simply not enough. A good small group must be filled with and led by right thinking on Scripture and a shared understanding of a compelling purpose for meeting.

Purpose. It can be difficult to define in a group, and even harder to maintain. Have you and your small group talked about why you meet? Are you regularly, both as a leader and together with your group, assessing whether you're fulfilling that purpose?

We, at Bethlehem, have defined a purpose for small groups this way, "Our small groups meet all over the metro area to support each other, grow in the Lord, and serve the world around them." Use this one or look at God's word and write one of your own.

Either way, develop a purpose, return to it regularly, and let it lead your lives together.