I did not want to work-out this morning. We had such a nice relaxing week-end with some extra good food and my body just wanted to stay in week-end mode. Usually the more I sweat, the more I forget about work and ministry. However, today my small group world and work-out world collided when I saw a sign advertising “Small Group Personal Training.” For a very reasonable price we are offered the opportunity to get the benefits of a personal trainer in a small group setting. The sign promoted other benefits of these small groups: be challenged by others, get to know others, be held accountable by others and be led by somebody who has the training to create work-outs that meet our specific needs. Wow! Sounds like the wording I’d use to promote small groups in my church.

Cardinal Fitness isn’t the only place in the culture around us that realizes how small groups contribute to the betterment of our lives. We see it in the library, homeless shelter, YMCA, coffee shops and community centers, just to name a few. A church has the opportunity to offer the same kind of small group environments that contribute toward the “abundant life” Jesus talked about in John 10:10. Our churches have the opportunity to ride this small group wave, and to ride it well. If you’d like help connecting with somebody who can help you in your church’s small group ministry, respond to this blog and I’ll connect you with somebody from your region.

Or let’s take a different look at this. We have the opportunity to join groups already in existence in our communities as we desire to be “salt” and “light” in the world around us. Hmmm…do I want to sweat even more and take advantage of the “Small Group Personal Training” offer?