Next Wave: Small Groups
Every vision is a solution to a problem. A problem we have at Southwood is that although people visit and worship with us, they struggle to relationally connect. And if they can’t connect to people, whether they are spiritually seeking or seasoned followers of Jesus, their spiritual growth is tragically limited at best, and nonexistent at worst. And that’s a problem; because our mission is to “Turn everyone we meet into fully devoted followers of Christ.” But it is not just a problem for visitors. The lack of meaningful relationships and vital spiritual growth is systemic among Southwood members and regular attenders. That is a problem that cannot be ignored. And the larger we get the bigger the problem becomes.
The 3 environments that we have identified as the places we want people to continually be to best experience progress in becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ are Sundays, Small Groups and Serving. The vision for small groups is that we would not just be a church with small groups, but a church of small groups. This means that Small Groups is NOT just another program to sample, but a way of life that positions you to love others well and to grow in intimacy with Jesus. To be actively a part of our mission is to be in a small group. It is how we are solving the problem of lack of connectedness to God and others.
Now, if you are saying “I’ve been there, done that” with small groups and think you don’t need to be in one… You do. It’s not enough to have your theology straight, “Knowledge puffs up, love builds up” (1 Cor. 8:1). And so, your theology isn’t straight until you love, and you can’t love what you’re not around. Small groups put you in the best place to love others well and experience sustained spiritual growth.
August, along with January and March, is one of our 3 key times to educate, inspire and mobilize. We call these three times Next Wave. Over the next weeks you will be able to take a preference survey that will help us help you find your Small Group.
Family talk: If you have been around a while and remember the days when small groups were great, fun, pervasive and how much YOU benefited from them, then pray, talk to your spouse (if you’re married), and call me. Because, you may think you don’t need a small group anymore, but for the sake of others and your spiritual growth, you need small groups differently and more than ever before; and we need you to lead a small group. The vision and mission of Southwood depends on whether or not small group leaders will emerge to serve and advance our mission: To turn everyone we meet into fully devoted followers of Christ. If you’ve been part of a small group, see their value, and connect well with people, you’re needed as a Small Group Leader…Call me: 256.882.3085 (x114)
Thanks,
Bill Nash