I have long seen the value of small groups of believers for mutual support, prayer and edification. We have tried a number of small group systems and structures in our church over the years. Some of these groups do quite well and others have not. I continue to seek ways to encourage this type of community, but I don’t want to stifle the Spirit by insisting on a cookie cutter approach. As a result, we have several types of small groups in our church family, but no single umbrella over them. I’m not saying that’s good or bad; that‘s just the way it is right now. I pray we can do a better job.

God revealed to me some time back that I was not being a leader in this because I did not have a small group myself! Shame on me! My schedule is weird, and it is often hard for me to be consistent in things like this. Oh! And I’m an introvert! Great excuses, huh?

Some time ago, God answered my need and prayer for a small group in a strange way (I’m a strange guy, after all). A dear friend and church member was having an operation, and Cheryl and I had gone to the hospital to pray with him before surgery. Three other couples had the same idea. There were pastries and coffee to share, and we had a great time praying for our brother in surgery and just hanging out together. Later, his wife pointed out that while we all had a blast, the guest of honor was left out of the party. She suggested we get together for breakfast again when he recovered so he could join in on the fun. So began our “breakfast club” and Jeff’s small group. Every three or four weeks we find a new and novel place to meet for breakfast. This same group became my prayer support team while I was in Zambia last August and we continue to hold each other up in prayer. No, we are not very organized, but I thank God for my small group.