Small Group Trend #2 – From a place to belong to a people to become

Small Group Leaders: The following is the second offering from Bill Donahue, Small Groups Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church.

The emphasis on “belonging” is critical to any group, team, or family. I remember in college running for elections in a club. We have “eating clubs” instead of frats and sororities but the idea was the same. It was a social gathering place where we ate meals, had parties, or just hung out and studied or played pool. There were about 100 guys and 5 leadership slots. I was nominated for all 5. Each time we counted votes, I had come in second place. Whether it was social chairman, athletic chairman or vice president, when the votes were cast I was left behind. Five of my closest friends were selected and they all went out to celebrate afterwards—without me. Even though I enjoyed them and the club, suddenly there was no room at the Inn for me. Belonging is key.

But we cannot stop there in group life. We are called to become something – a holy people, a redemptive community, an active expression of the hands and feet of Jesus. I think that is why I am so excited about the missional communities that are emerging—at Willow and around the world. This move from an institutional approach to incarnational is refreshing. Instead of “come to church and we will connect you to a group” the focus becomes “let’s become a group that serves some people then we can ultimately connect them to the church.” This “serve first” mentality fostered by Denise Van Eck and others at Mars Hill in Grand Rapids is an emerging trend. Jon Peacock and the Axis team at Willow have 10 missional communities where they have moved into apartments largely filled with singles. These groups are living among the homeless, the poor, the wealthy, minorities – up close and personal.

This is an expression of group life that we are looking to learn from as we move forward.