A healthy small group  can be a tremendous catalyst to your spiritual growth.  You may wonder, “What do I look for in a healthy small group?”  The Apostle Paul reveals several characteristics of a healthy small group in his letter to the Thessalonians.  The first characteristic he describes is a heartfelt concern for others,

Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.  (1 Thessalonians 2:8)

Paul and his companions cared so much for these people that they imparted their lives to them – they were joyfully doing life together (Dietrich Bonhoeffer has written an excellent book on this topic).  This verses reveals that a healthy small group emphasizes the content of the Gospel realizing that it is the Gospel that changes people.  Ultimately it is a curriculum focused on learning to be like Jesus. The emphasis is not simply knowing about Jesus but being like Jesus.  A small group that models the life of Jesus implies that it demonstrates sacrificial care for one another,

For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.  (1 Thessalonians 2:9)

Our concern for others is demonstrated by our willingness to set aside our personal desires for others.  Paul was aware that his example spoke more clearly than his words,

You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers;  (1 Thessalonians 2:10)

Next, we see that a healthy small group majors in healthy relationships among the members,

just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children,  (1 Thessalonians 2:11)

This involves being guided by the Holy Spirit so the members know when to give someone an encouraging pat on the back or at times a swift kick a little lower – but always in love:)

Finally, a healthy small group is intentional in fostering spiritual growth,

so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.  (1 Thessalonians 2:12)

This is a recurring theme in several of Paul’s letters to the churches,

so that you will walk in a manner worthy  of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Colossians 1:10)

A healthy small group can be tremendous catalyst to your spiritual growth.  Paul describes several characteristics (concern for others, Gospel centered, sacrificial care for others, a Godly example, healthy relationships, and intentional spiritual growth) that contribute to a healthy small group.  The New Testament reveals that people often grow spiritually when they are connected relationally.  I pray that you be part of a group that embodies these characteristics.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5