Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

Teaching the Bible is an integral part of Sunday School Classes and HOME Groups. However, the work of these programs does not end with teaching. People need instruction and relationships. God never intended for us to live the Christian life - alone.The Jerusalem church modeled community for us in Acts 2. They met together publicly and in homes. They continued in fellowship. If they needed it, we do, too.

As a class leader; teacher; or small group leader you know that your task is bigger than the Book. Your task involves the encouragement of your class or group members as well as Bible knowledge. People primarily attend a groups or a class because of who is in it. We either have friends in the group or think we can make friends there. So, how can we create a sense of community within our group or class?

• Communicate the Need for Community. Tell your members that in addition to Bible study, your Class/Group is going to help in building Christian relationships. Isn’t it exciting to know that the relationships we build in our church will last forever?
• Change up your Style of Teaching. The worst teaching style is the one we use all of the time. Lecture has its place and so does discussion. In developing relationships, open-ended questions help us express ourselves.
• Use Effective Ice-Breakers. I like to have groups answer one or two questions at the beginning of each lesson which help the group to get to know one another as well as set the stage for the lesson. As people reveal themselves to the group, we are more able to understand “where we are coming from.”
• Pray Together. Be sure to take prayer requests in your Group/Class. A good way to end the formal time together is prayer. Again, our prayer requests show our needs.
• Have a Party. Josh Hunt (joshhunt.com) encourages Groups to have monthly fellowship activities. In fact, he says to “invite every member and every prospect to every fellowship every month.” Fellowship builds relationships and becomes a tool for outreach at the same time.
• Be Open. As a leader, find opportunities to tell your story and encourage others to tell theirs. There is something very powerful about sharing the innermost parts of our lives.
• Minister. A huge way of building community is to serve together. Service can take any form and much good can be done for the served. The servers, however, always benefit more. One of the benefits is the unique tie that comes as a result of serving together.

These are a few ways to build community within adult groups. As community is built, people become more and more aware of one another. They learn to trust and be trustworthy. The unity that Jesus describes (John 17) is formed.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene