Life as a Christian Woman

Many churches, of all denominations, are encouraging members to become involved in “small groups.” These groups, which usually consist of anywhere from 8-12 people, can be made up of single men or women, college students, married couples, single mothers, businesswomen, etc. You get the idea.

But what exactly is the value of a small group? Some things are obvious, such as if one member is ill, the other members can take turns preparing meals or running errands.

But these groups are living, growing things that can go deeply to the heart of those involved. If one member is struggling financially, the others may take up a “love” offering, or find a way to help through the stressful time. A family at a local church lost their home in a fire, and it was under-insured. Then the dad had a stress-related heart attack. Their small group went throughout the community arranging for folks to help rebuild the home.

The idea is that these groups grow with each other, hold each other accountable, and learn from each other. The groups may take on various personalities, although most involve some sort of Bible study. But each group charts it’s own path, to remain relevent to the members of that group.

It really isn’t such an unusual idea. We have always had best friends, the girlfriends we get together and have a good laugh with, or a good cry with. Within the church, the small group takes on the added importance of Christ’s purpose for us and for those around us.

In an increasingly secular world, we need to be armed and informed. We need to have a group that will be there to show us the love of Christ in our hour of need… and to celebrate with in our hour of rejoicing.

My small group is special to me. We are four couples strong, from different paths in life, but with a common goal… to love and serve our Lord. We keep each other in check when we need to, and we get together outside of church to grow our bonds even deeper. Recently, one of our members was in a play to raise money for our church’s mission program. The play was in need of help with costuming and some production. So “J” got on the phone and called her small group, which rose to the occasion. One member made costumes, while another helped with staging and choreography… and others babysat the children.

A small group, over time, becomes a family. Not related by earthly blood, but by the blood of the Lamb.

Do you have a small group? If not, why not start your own? It doesn’t have to be formal, it doesn’t have to have members from one particular denomination or church. Just get together with a group of your friends who love God… maybe have lunch or dinner together every couple of weeks. Talk about your day to day lives, how God impacts you, where you feel His presence, or when you NEED to feel his presence. Maybe choose a Bible study, or pick a topic to delve into. Your group will grow closer to each other and to the Lord over time, and you will develop a core group of Christian friends.