Eagle Brook Church Blog

Small is Big at SLP!

“Why should I be in a small group?” is a question I often hear from individuals who find themselves overcommitted.  They typically follow the question with a description of their out-of-balance schedule.  When they finally catch their breath they ask in utter frustration, “How can you expect me to add one more thing to my busy week?”

I’ve felt the same way at times.  Sometimes my out-of-balance schedule is the result of uncontrollable circumstances.  More often than not, it’s because I’ve said, “Yes” to things that are unnecessary when I really should have said, “No.”

Over the years I’ve learned to say, “Yes” to small groups for several reasons.

First, I’ve found that it’s easier to make friends in a small group environment than in the corporate gatherings of the church.  Through small group friendships individuals begin to experience church as family.  Often, small group members serve together during a weekend service, attend the same weekend service and sit together, or go out to eat together after the service.  Consequently, the large church begins to feel smaller.

The importance of making friends in small groups struck me when a single woman in our inter-generational group brought her vacation pictures for everyone to see.  “I take all these pictures,” she said, “but few people are interested in seeing them.”  As you might imagine, she felt comfortable showing her pictures to us because the small group was like her family.

A second reason that groups are essential is because group members encourage one another in spiritual growth.  Jesus chose some interesting individuals as his disciples.  He used the small group experience to transform them into leaders who changed their world.  Years of experience have convinced me that authentic spiritual growth happens best in small groups.  Encouragement, direction, motivation and accountability come together in healthy small groups to produce rock-solid followers of Christ.

Finally, small groups are essential because they provide opportunities to serve others.  Eagle Brook is an outwardly focused church.  We work with a number of organizations to impact neighborhoods in the Twin Cities as well as countries around the world.  Many of the outwardly focused projects are accomplished best by small groups.

If you’re not in group, now may be a good time to evaluate your schedule and create that “do not do” list Bob was talking about in his message last Sunday.  Scale back in some areas that are consuming your time in order to connect with a few others in a group experience.

“How do I connect in a group?” you ask.  You’ll get connected at an event we call Grouplink.  You can attend Grouplink this coming Sunday, February 17, from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Spring Lake Park campus.  We’ll be launching groups for women, singles and married couples.  At the end of a fun, fast-paced afternoon you’ll be connected with the group of your choice.  You still have time to register online at eaglebrookchurch.com.

Do you have an encouraging small group experience?  I’d love to read your story.