Where Two or Three Are Gathered

 Every single week, Brad and I meet with our accountability groups. Called Reunion Groups, we meet to share the highs and lows of our week, when we've discipled, our closest moment to Christ, what we've studied, if we've worshiped, when we failed in our faith and what our plans are for the next week. We do this so that our friends who love us in the name of Christ hold us accountable for our faith. Are we being the Christians God called us to be?

Our small groups have truly evolved over the years. We were in small groups in TN and WI and then in Emmaus Reunion Groups in GA, WI and now AL, some couples and some by gender. We even had names from Koinonia, to Peacemakers, to Branches, to His Nails & Emails, to Fairway to Heaven, to Frozen Feathers among others. As one got too big, we split into smaller groups. As we moved, we had to join completely different groups. In some we fellowshipped. In others, we did Bible study. And in others, we did an accountability card we got on our Walk to Emmaus. All basically followed what the early disciples did in Acts 2:42 which says, "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

But the point is, we've always needed it. While worship is necessary corporately, small groups are necessary for edification, correction and teaching. Our dearest friendships were born in these groups.

I know you both have been part of a small group and realize the value in it. And I know you've experienced change in that group. When they evolve, it can certainly leave one feeling a bit discombobulated. But every time we've had a small group change, it has opened doors to new relationships that were necessary to our spiritual growth. And we have been blessed beyond measure for it.

We recommend you are always involved in small groups, whether by gender or couples, as they are so beneficial to your faith. When you aren't in one, seek one out. If you can't find one, create one. When you are in one, participate regularly. Since you live away from family, this will become your church family, your brothers and sisters in Christ, and they will love you as such.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says "And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Praying you'll not only do this for one another, but that you'll always have a small group that can also do this for you.Christ told us in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” That's pretty good company to keep.

Discussion: What does a small group mean to you? What does it do for your spiritual journey? Share a special memory of your small groups.

Prayer: You have told us, Father, in Proverbs 27:17, as "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Father, I pray we do not neglect in meeting with others in small groups so that we man benefit from sharpening one another to live as Christ shows us. It's in His name we pray, Amen.