They say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—but that first step is one of the hardest. People who have been a part of a small group for years can’t imagine the Christian life without it. For others, joining a group can feel like a daunting move. Preparing for what happens on the other side of the door can give you the confidence to walk through it. Here’s what you need to know before your first small group.
What to expect
Almost all small groups involve Bible study and prayer. In our groups, we use the discussion questions from the handouts which accompany that week’s message. Expect to read the Bible as a group and discuss what the passage means and how it applies to your life. After the study, group members typically pray for each other. And because small groups are a place to grow in fellowship, if you’re meeting in person, expect there to be time to hang out and get to know other people while you enjoy some snacks.
How to prepare
Getting ready for your first small group shouldn’t be a chore, but there are a number of things you can do to make the experience more rewarding.
If the discussion will centre on the sermon, then make sure you’ve listened to the sermon online if you weren’t there that Sunday—and by all means bring a Bible. Reading through the questions in advance will help you feel more confident contributing to the discussion.
In the prayer time, you’ll probably be asked how the group can pray for you. This is an opportunity for people to support you, so give thought to areas of your life and faith where you most want God to act. Maybe you have a work challenge, a family situation, or a struggle with Bible reading that the group could pray for.
Dealing with nerves
It’s completely normal for people to feel nervous about their first small group meeting. Don’t worry—everyone else has felt the same thing.
While small groups are meant to be interactive, there’s no expectation for you to contribute when you’re first settling in. It’s completely fine to just quietly listen to the discussion.
If you’re not ready to pray out loud yet, it’s okay to pass. But don’t be intimidated if others pray long, eloquent prayers. Jesus commended people for short, simple prayers (Matthew 6:7; Luke 18:13), and so there’s no need to use special words or fancy language.
And don’t feel obligated to stay until the very end, either. If you’re meeting in person, people will hang out and chat afterwards, but it’s not a problem if you have to leave as soon as the formal part of the group meeting is done.
Take things at your own pace—anything that helps you make that first step is worth it.
Take the leap
Starting something new can be uncomfortable—but God often works through the unfamiliar to grow our faith. You don’t have to have all the answers or know everyone in the room. Just showing up is a step of faith, and that’s something God always honours.
In awe of Him,
Paul
