Transformational Small Groups
Compassion – each transformation group is to radiate the attitude of compassion to all those who are interested “on-lookers.” People are drawn to Jesus because of His compassion. The Christ-like goal for each attendee needs to be communicating the love of God to all those who come in contact with the group member. No matter how “detached” and stubborn a man might be, he can not resist someone loving and caring for him. God has placed this basic need in all of mankind, the need to be loved and to love another. A heart of compassion cannot be manifested by ones own strength. Jesus placed His heart in each man through the indwelling life of the Holy Spirit. Each man needs to be taught how to release the Spirit within him to reveal the compassion of the heavenly Father.
Care – is the action of compassion. Caring is demonstrated through love, acceptance and forgiveness (Colossians 3:12). A selfish person cannot truly care for another without wanting something in return. This is why it takes the act of Christ caring through them. The small group is to aid and assist each man in embracing the truth that they must die to themselves, pick up their cross and follow the life of Christ within them. The act of caring starts with the members of the group demonstrating unconditional love toward each other. Each showing acts of selflessness in helping each other experience the love, acceptance and forgiveness of Christ Himself. Once the attendee experiences this within the group, they are then able to reach out to men outside the group in like manner.
Church – is the body of Christ functioning as a healing agent to touch the lost or the “wayward” Christian who has lost their way. Weather the small group is being conducted in a local church or in a community setting, the overall purpose of the group is to connect the attendees to the body of Christ. One of the specific challenges “mega” churches face today is developing a connectedness for all those attending the local church. The same thing is true for men who are out in the world functioning as independents. We need to assist them in gaining a feeling of connectedness to the body of Christ, the local church and other men – the three key elements in personal growth.
Correction – the act of making a crocked path straight. Most men coming into the small group have areas in their lives that need correction. The act of correction is not forcing one to change; it is leading an individual to repentance through kindness (Romans 2:4). This is one of the most misunderstood actions of Christianity. Many body members interrupt this action as “confrontation” – using the Law to change the heart of a man. The Law arouses more flesh; grace quiets the heart for the purpose of change (Romans 7:5). Since kindness is one of the manifestations of the Fruit of the Spirit, it will require fellow group members to allow the Holy Spirit to show love, patience, peace, joy, gentleness, self-control, faithfulness and kindness through them (Galatians 5:22-23).
Commitment – is the actions of fulfilling your word. Jesus is strong in His statement of commitment to us as body members and He is strong in his requirements for us in being committed to each other as body members (John 21:15-19). Each group attendee should be equipped in the model of being committed and faithful to each other for edification of the body of Christ. Being committed requires courage, determination and perseverance even when you don’t feel like it. These qualities are not to be duplicated; they must be manifested through the work of the Holy Spirit that lives within the believer. This is why it takes the leader of the group to demonstrate undying resolve to be committed to each attendee of the group. The leader should consistently reveal that in and of themselves, they do not possess the ability to be committed but it is through Christ in them that gives them this ability.
Celebration – the act of worship and prayerful thanksgiving. Once a man becomes comfortable and secure in the relationships formed within the group, they will begin to develop an attitude of celebration – being overwhelmed with a heart of thanksgiving. The people of God cannot celebrate unless they are thankful. Thanksgiving usually comes through watching God bring healing to the hearts of man. It is the group leaders’ responsibility to maintain a heart of celebration – consistently revealing what God is accomplishing in the lives of those attending the group. Celebration necessitates the need for sharing testimonies of what God is doing in each member’s heart.
Community – the demonstration of unity within a group of individuals. Small groups have two dimensions and objectives regarding community; first, to develop the act of unity within the group itself; second, to equip the members in being community minded outside of their group. The four layers of community for each small group is; community within the group, within the local church, within the body of Christ {world-wide}, and then touching the community around the local church. See illustration #1: When a group leader understands and embraces the seven core values of facilitating a small group, he will be and effective servant leader that others can trust.
