Many of you have probably thought “Why do we need growth groups? We already have a small group ministry at Mt. Zion. We have a great Sunday School.” You would be right about Sunday School at Mt. Zion, it is a great small group ministry. One thing you have probably noticed about Sunday School is that the relationships formed there really only grow if they go past Sunday morning. It is all the interaction outside of class that deepens these relationships. By deepening the relationships we have in Sunday School, we make Mt. Zion “sticky”, that is, we give people a place they want to come back to and stay.
The growth groups are a way to enhance what you are already doing in Sunday School. Let’s face it, sometimes it is difficult to share a heartfelt need in a class room setting, ask that nagging Biblical question that just doesn’t seem to come up in the lesson, or get some opinions on an ethical problem. The fact that you are “in class” can be a bit confining. Growth groups are meant to meet off campus in a more relaxed setting among friends. This allows for greater sharing and existing relationships are deepened even more. This is one goal of a growth group, to deepen existing relationships between class members.
The other main goal of a growth group is to enhance discipleship. The more we are in God’s word the better and the more we share this with others, the better. Growth groups provide the opportunity to do this in an environment where the constrains of time and lesson topic do not hold us back. It is a chance to discuss and study the issues that are important to people right now.
It is great to have all these people coming in our front door every week. We just need to make sure we provide the loving and challenging environment that will make them stick and not walk out our back door when we are not looking. Growth groups are a great way to further make Mt. Zion a “stickier” church.
Some of you that have or are attempting to form Growth groups, please let me know how you are doing. Those of you who haven’t started one (or more) yet, please pray about it. I will be glad to answer any questions you have. You might even want to post to this blog so others can share the benefit of your experience or even your questions.
Thanks! Grace and peace…
Steve J.
