Jesus was in a small group
Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, ~ Mark 3:14
Who are you walking through life with, your family, close friends, church members people you work with? Hopefully you have loved ones you connect with day to day, but who is helping you grow spiritually and who are you helping/caring for you in return? Jesus gave a clear example of walking through life with others through His intentional friendship with the twelve disciples. He chose twelve men to walk with Him, to lead, teach, encourage, build up, and serve.
Today’s scripture begins with Jesus choosing His twelve disciples. This became His small group or core relationships in life. It was directed by the Father because Jesus spent the night in prayer before making this decision. In this group, Jesus taught these men for three years and walked closely with them. They served in ministry together and cared for one another, including Jesus as their leader. Their connection became so strong that after Jesus returned to be with the Father, they continued the ministry. The message of salvation spread because of the strength of that small, committed group.
After Jesus’ resurrection, the early church continued this pattern. Believers met in homes, encouraged one another daily, prayed together, and shared their lives. They could not freely gather in the synagogue to speak about Jesus, so they gathered house to house. Community became one of the main strengths the Church was built on.
Over the years, the Church has grown into one of the largest organizations in the world. Yet as life becomes busy and distractions increase, it is vital to return to the simplicity of close spiritual community. Small groups provide accountability, encouragement, and support. They help new believers stay strong when pressure comes. They also create opportunities for outreach and service. Small groups are a powerful way to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world today.
Below are some ways for you to get started:
- Pray and ask God to show you where He wants you connected. Set aside ten minutes this week to specifically pray about community and write down any names or ideas that come to mind.
- Reach out to your church leadership and ask about existing small groups. Take one simple step, send an email, make a call, or stop by an information desk this Sunday.
- Start small if you feel called to lead. Invite two or three people to meet in your home or a near by coffee shop. Choose a short Bible passage, prepare one discussion question, and plan to pray together.
- If you are new in the faith, ask the person who led you to Jesus to walk alongside you. Invite them to help guide your first few meetings so you grow in confidence and wisdom.
- Include prayer and honest conversation in every gathering. Ask each person to share one need and one praise. Keep the focus on caring for one another and growing in Christ.
There is no complicated formula. The heart of a small group is connection and commitment. It is remembering that this is God’s group. You are simply participating in what He desires to build. When He is the center, growth happens naturally.
My husband Jack and I started attending small groups through our church in 2017. Groups were a turning point in our spiritual growth and in discovering a deeper sense of purpose. It was during the first group we led in our home that I sensed the call to begin writing, and from there we stepped into many other leadership roles through the small group ministry.
Through groups, we have formed close friendships with people who have walked with us through both good and difficult times. Through small groups, we have also had the privilege of caring for hurting people and making a meaningful impact in the world around us.
Today I want to encourage you to step into deeper community, to stop trying to walk alone, and to trust that God works through small, faithful gatherings to accomplish eternal impact, just as He did with the twelve when He began His ministry. Do not underestimate what can happen when a few people consistently gather with open hearts and a shared desire to grow. Transformation often begins in living rooms, around tables, and in honest conversations where masks come off and truth is spoken in love.
If you have been hesitant, take one simple step. Join a group. Open your home. Say yes to leading even if you feel unqualified. Reach out to one person this week and invite them to pray or study with you. Growth does not require a stage, it requires surrender and availability. God is not looking for perfection, He is looking for willingness. As you step forward in faith, you will discover that the breakthrough you have been praying for is waiting on the other side of obedience and community.
Today’s scripture reading: Mark 3:13-19
13 And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him.
14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach,
15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:
16 Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter;
17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”;
18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite;
19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. And they went into a house.
Journal:
- Who am I currently walking closely with in my spiritual life?
- What fears or obstacles have kept me from joining or starting a small group?
- What is one practical step I can take this week toward deeper Christian community?
The Daily Dose 