THE POWER OF SMALL GROUPS by Terry Benson

“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”   Matthew 18:20 (KJV)

Several years ago I was leading a small group in South Carolina. Dale and Ernestine had opened up their home for some friends and family to come together and study the book of Revelation. It was not the most talkative group as Ernestine usually just smiled and said nothing and Dale was definitely a man of few words. But I tried to implement the ideas of sharing and fellowship in the group anyway. I remember we were studying the message to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3.

That night, instead of trying to teach sweeping historical/prophetic concepts I just wanted to let the words of Jesus speak to us personally:  “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation 3:20 (NLT). A 17-year old girl was attending the gathering and she seemed to be taking it all in. When I invited everyone to pray, she was the only one besides Dale and myself who prayed. I learned later that she gave her life to Christ that night. It wasn’t my teaching skills (they were marginal) or Dale and Ernestine’s hospitality (sipping lemonade in silence) that influenced this teenager for the kingdom – it was the Presence of God in our group.

Getting together as God's family is His invitation to be with us, even when it's just two or three. That’s what Jesus said. When we get together in His name – to talk about His grace, seek for His guidance and forgiveness, and share His blessings, He is with us! Think about it, God is actually joining you as you meet together in your small group. His presence brings two things:  it brings His person – meaning His character of peace and truth and mercy and grace; and it brings His power – meaning whatever the needs of His children are, He is able to provide. Here is the true power of a small group: as you go around the circle and share the concerns and needs of your lives, Christ is right there listening - taking it all in – as if He were sitting in one of the chairs.

But wait, there’s more! Jesus also said this in the previous verse: "If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you." Matt. 18:19 (NLT). What a promise! What a Presence! What a Power is ours whenever we meet together in the Name of Jesus!

T.B.

Think about it:  If you knew Jesus would be attending your small group, would you be more inclined to go?