Small Groups Need a Purpose

Every small group needs to have a specific purpose.  That purpose can be as simple as gathering to study the Bible or it can be more complex with a detailed vision and direction.  Whatever that purpose is, I believe that it needs to be communicated to the small group on a regular basis to remind everyone what that purpose is.  If the purpose changes over time, that also needs to be communicated.  Have you ever joined a small group with the intention of getting to know more about the Bible and then suddenly the group changes directions and begins to read books outside of the Bible?  If the group agrees to change things up a little bit, that is fine, there aren't any rules.  But the purpose and direction of the group needs to be discussed, communicated, and agreed upon.

A small group can be like a miniature version of the church.  A church without a purpose and direction really is nothing more than a holy huddle.  It makes me want to ask what the heck are you doing?  Jesus commanded us to go, not to sit around and compliment each other about how holy we are.  I don't know about you, but I don't want to be that.  I want my small group to do the work of God.  I want my small group to listen to God and respond.  I want my small group to be there to encourage me when times are tough.  I want to help my small group when they are in need.  I want to come together with my small group and do things that have kingdom sized impact.

As I mentioned before, it could be as simple as studying together, serving together, or helping each other.  It doesn't matter how simple or how complex your purpose is, but there must be a purpose.