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| Bob Mimiaga |
Joan and I have been small group leaders for over 10
years and during that time we’ve made great friends
with many individuals and couples. Through our group
sessions we practiced the five purposes of our church
(fellowship, discipleship, service, evangelism, and
worship) as we became more and more transformed
into the image of Christ. These years were rewarding
as God allowed us to love on our brothers and sisters
and support their needs. We provided comfort and
support to many of our small group members as they
faced illnesses, family turmoil, loss of jobs, and even
death of loved ones. That’s what small group leaders
are expected to do; to shepherd their group members
during the good times and the bad; and to provide
console and God’s truth and help group members
through those ‘valley of the shadow of death’ seasons
of their lives.
However, the real impact of this support is felt when, as a small group leader, you experience the group’s care and support as you face one of life’s serious trials. When you feel their compassion and hear their thoughtful words; when you feel our Lord’s presence through the hurt; when you experience a peace that results from your small group family’s prayers for help; and when you feel in your heart their spoken and unspoken words of love and support. As you know, this kind of support is not limited to our small group alone; but is the make-up, the DNA, of every small group in our church. As your Small Group Pastor I have the unique opportunity to hear about dozens of stories of compassion and care among our small group families. As you spend time and energy in learning and living out the five purposes of our ministry, your group becomes more like Christ, and responds accordingly whenever our brothers or sisters are in need. When your group achieves this level of love and caring among your group members, then you are doing what God has intended.
My message to you, this month, is simple but
important. I urge you as small group leaders to
continue to model to your group members the
importance of loving and caring for one another. As
much as our church staff desires to be everyone’s
close supporter, there aren’t enough staff members to
go around. That’s where your small group members
can really make a difference as they comfort and care
for each other in the spirit of Christ’s love. |
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