WHAT IS A SMALL GROUP?
A Small Group is a small gathering of friends that
meet for voluntary, intentional, face-to-face gatherings with the shared goals
of developing a love relationship with God and others. Small Groups are a place
to do life together: living, learning, eating, playing, and resting together.
Groups are encouraged to not just be about Bible study but include relational
activities like sharing meals together, serving together, and having fun! At
The Link we encourage everyone to be a part of a Small Group.
      1.  Small – Size is determined by the ability to maintain intimacy within the group.
      2.  Voluntary – No one is forced to be there.
      3.  Intentional – There is a purpose in our meeting.
      4.  Face-to-Face – We experience real “live” interaction.
      5.  Regularly Meeting – There is consistency in our gathering together.
      6.  Relationship with God – We get to know Jesus and become more like Him.
      7.  Relationship with Others – We genuinely reach out and connect with people.
 
WHERE CAN I FIND A SMALL GROUP?
We have several to choose from, so you can look at this list and see which one you think you might like to try.  But let me encourage you to try more than one.  You might fit in an unlikely place, so give it a try.  We believe that this is a VITAL part of your journey
with Jesus and this is where you will certainly connect to God and others.  Here is the list.
 
WHAT IS A SMALL GROUP LEADER?
It’s a matter of the HEART
But the Lord said to Samuel, “…. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
 
      Heart of love for God and people. Love is the greatest motivational fuel in the world. Because God so loved the world he gave his only Son. …The greatest of these is love…. (John 3:16, 1Co 13:13) Without love as the motivation, a person will not have the right hunger to grow in relationship with God nor will he last long dealing with people. Who in your group has a deep love for God and for people?
 
      Enthusiastic faith. People with an enthusiastic faith who see the vision of Small groups and believe in it passionately. Being and building the Kingdom of God through Small groups is not the easiest thing in the world to do, but definitely one of the most rewarding!  Only through the eyes of an enthusiastic faith will a person be able to see that the fields are ripe for harvest and that nothing is impossible with God!  Who in your group has really “bought” the vision for community and disciple making through Small groups with an enthusiastic faith?
 
      Availability and willingness to serve. Being a Small group leader takes time, energy, and resources. A potential Small group leader must be willing to say, “Yes, I am available to God.” Though leading a Small group will inevitably require a measure of sacrifice, the rewards are eternal! However, willingness is only half. The leader also must be available. Does his/her work schedule and family situation allow for this type of responsibility? Do other ministry-related responsibilities restrict him from being a Small group Leader? Who in your group has the willingness and availability to say “yes” to the challenge?
 
      Righteous life. Not self-righteous people, but people who desire to grow in God’s righteousness—godliness—Christ-like character—and integrity. These things are absolutely essential to be an effective leader. Character makes people want to follow you. Only a person who tries to live a godly life can the Lord truly bless as a leader. Not perfect people, but growing people. They are people who
say, “I’m not there yet, but I want to be all I can be for the Lord.” Who in your group takes their spiritual growth seriously enough to be a Small group leader?
 
      Teachable spirit. There is no place for know-it-alls in leadership. A teachable spirit toward God and His word and a willingness to learn from others is a sure mark of a leader with the right heart. Who has a desire to learn and grow?
 
Catalyst: “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” Pr 29:18a (KJV), “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Heb. 10:24
 
Encourager: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1Th 5:11
 
Coach: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be…” 1Pe 5:2
 
If you are interested in becoming a Small Group Leader, please let us know by emailing Chad at Chad@thelinkbeaufort.com or Mac at Mac@thelinkbeaufort.com.