Monday 24 July - Why are Small Groups Important in The Salvation Army?

Weekly Summary

This week in the Battle Drill daily devotional podcast we answer the question, why are small groups important? Each weekday we share hope and encouragement as we read and study the Bible together.

Introduction

Reading: Isaiah 55:10-13.

Why are small groups important in a Salvation Army church family? They are in the DNA of our Movement.

What is a Small Group?

A small group is a small community of around 3-12 people doing Christian life deeply together. They grow deep friendships, support and encourage each other to grow into holiness, praying together, and meeting one another's practical needs.

John Wesley and Small Groups

The Salvation Army's spiritual forefather came to see small groups as important in the life of the church. John Wesley set up such groups at his Fetter Lane Society in London in 1738. They were founded on the following principles:

That they will meet together once a week, to confess their faults to one another, and pray for one another, that they may be healed.

That each person in order speak freely, plainly, and concisely as he can, the state of his heart, with his several temptations and deliverances, since the last time of meeting.

That nothing which is said in this conference be by any means mentioned out of it. That every meeting be begun and ended with singing & prayer.

(Rules and Orders of a Religious Society Meeting in Fetter Lane)

That does not sound much different to today!

What is a small group? It is a group of Christians where God's Word will be fruitful and accomplish God's purposes as they study it and live life together (Isaiah 55:11). It's a place where God's people learn to live in joy and peace, where his people find shalom (Isaiah 55:12). Are you part of one yet?

Think It Over

Think through the following:

Why are small groups so important in helping a Christian live a life of holiness?