[/caption]I find that when I'm talking to different sets of people about small groups, they all have different sets of ideas about what a small group actually is.
I think it's far too easy for me to assume I need to tell somebody what "x" is instead of asking them what "x" is to them first. I know, I'm presumptuous.
So as I've been getting into my new role, asking people "What do you think of when you hear small group?" or, "Can you explain to me what a small group actually is?" have been two of my most frequent questions.
Here's some of the answers. According to people I've asked, small groups are:
- People who meet in homes
- People who meet in churches
- A model of the early church
- Something we've come up with in the last 50 years to replace Sunday School
- On the way out
- Here forever
- The best part of my week
- Something I dread
- Uncomfortable
- A waste of time
- Something I'll never try again
- Something I can't imagine living without
- Forced & fictitious relationships with people I normally wouldn't be spending my time with, and don't see outside of group time
- A way I've made some strong & lifelong friendships
- One more thing on the pile
- Where I got to know my future spouse (got this a few times!!)
- Something for people without kids
- Something for people without a real (or busy) life
- One of the strongest periods of spiritual growth in my life
The list goes on...and gets more detailed, revealing, & personal obviously. But I'd like to know what you think. What comes to mind when you think of a small group? Can you tell me what a small group actually is? Love to hear your thoughts, thanks!
