Got Group?

The last thing I need are more commitments. So when a friend invited me to a men’s breakfast early last Saturday I wasn’t overly enthusiastic. (It was Saturday – the one morning I can sleep in – and it was another commitment.)

Being the friend that I am, I said “yes”.  I figured I’d keep my buddy company.

Several years ago, as young Christians, Sheri and I joined our first couples group. What a ride that was.  Our spiritual lives jumped off the charts! We were introduced to the bible, we learned about church life, our confidence grew, and most importantly – we discovered community.

Community – in the context of small groups and close relationships – is where real growth happens.

Sheri and I are group evangelists. When a couple comes to us with a broken marriage, the first question we ask is, “Are you connected?”;  The first next step we suggest to new Christians is “join a small group”;  As we mentor engaged couples, high on our list is “group” and accountability. We’ve learned – by trial and error mostly – that community is an obligatory element of the Christian life. We were designed to do life in community.

So, that Saturday morning I dragged myself to the restaurant with expectations set somewhere between pancakes and orange juice. I hadn’t been to a men’s event in years and wasn’t motivated enough (i.e. too tired) to engage.

Or so I thought.

There was an agenda, but as with most group experiences the real value was in going “off topic”: sharing personal stuff, laughing, praying, listening, encouraging... It was great!

Sheri and I have relationships all over the place – couples group, marriage accountability, a corporate board for Growthtrac, close Christian friends – we’re well connected. Who would’ve thought I needed one more connection.

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