Coach's Corner

Why Small Groups are not a Waste of Time

We live in a culture that has never been more connected than it is right now. Through email, Facebook, and text messaging, connection is literally at our finger tips. But I think most of us would agree that "connection" doesn't seem to be the right word to summarize people in our culture. In fact, I would suggest even with all of the "connecting tools" we have, people today are more disconnected than ever. It seems like even with all the various means to connect that are available to us, our relationships still suffer and we continue to walk down an unknown path towards isolation.

See the problem lies in our understanding of connection. We've unintentionally allowed these connection tools to become our primary way of connecting and building relationships. We traded the rawness of doing life with one another to manipulating and distorting relationships through these alternative means. We've traded the vulnerability of face to face communication with the comfort and security of hiding behind a computer or cell phone where words are the only things exchanged.

But God has designed us to be relational beings that actually interact with each other and do life together. God has designed us to connect face to face with one another knowing that those relationships over time will develop into a deeper and more meaningful connection. That is why small groups are valuable and important and not a waste of time for a church community. Small groups enable connection to happen. Small groups enable relationships to grow. And small groups help people go deeper with one another to discover all that Christ has for them.

It is too easy in our culture to fall into the trap of thinking that we are connecting with others using these surface level connecting tools such as email, Facebook, and text messaging. It is too easy to for us to accept the comfort and security of surface level relationships where we are never challenged, encouraged, or held accountable. And it is too common for feelings of fear and anxiety to discourage us when the thought of being vulnerable with another person or small group arises.

But this is God’s design for his human beings: That we would in fact be relational beings!

His desire is that we would develop deeper and more meaningful relationships with one another where encouragement, accountability, and support actually happens. His hope is that we would welcome doing life with one another rather than walking down an unknown path towards isolation. He knows that if we would be willing to take a step to be known and cared for by others within our community, we would have a better sense of fulfillment.

This is why at King Street, we believe in small groups! We know that these kinds of relationships are possible and beneficial for everyone. This is why we encourage our entire church community to engage with us in small groups. Because we know that small groups will add meaning to your life. We know that small groups will help you better connect. We know that small groups will leave you feeling like deeper and more meaningful relationships are possible. And we know that small groups will help you discover all that Christ has for you and will give you a better sense of fulfillment.

Small Groups are available to you! Will you connect with us? Will you allow yourself to be known? Will you go deeper with us? We invite you to connect into the world of small groups at King Street Church! There is always room for you!

Grace and Peace,

Josh Livingston
Senior High Pastor

Posted March 01, 2009