Creating Unity in Your Small Christian Group

Does everyone in your small group Bible study seem headed in a different direction? Are you a great bunch of people who somehow lack common goals, vision, and purpose? Are the people in your group disconnected? If so, some of these suggestions might help bring unity to your group.

1. Pray together. Prayer is one of the most unifying activities I know. When we pray, we begin to hear God's heartbeat; when we hear God's heartbeat, we will share a similar focus. He won't give us conflicting information.

2. Pray separately throughout the week about issues the group faces. When you meet again, talk about what you sensed God showing you. Members of my small group have done this, and although we may hear different things, when all of the pieces are put together we end up with a beautiful mosaic of what God wants to do among us.

3. Value each person's gifts. When discussing projects or activities, allow various group members to come up with creative ways they can contribute. For instance, some group members may be too shy to walk through the neighborhood inviting people to a church activity, but they may be gifted in graphic design. Let them design the invitations that will be handed out. Another person may be great with kids and happy to watch other people's children while the invitations are distributed. Always be on the lookout for individual areas of expertise. Offer suggestions to those who don't quite know where they fit. Your group can be a living example of the importance of each part of the body as described in 1 Corinthians 12.

4. Encourage confession and forgiveness. When praying about unity in our church, a person who had hurt me came to mind. I thought that everything had been made right between us, but I asked God to show me how to reach out to her. The answer was simple. First, forgive her-completely-then call her to see how she was doing and to ask how I might pray for her. By the end of the phone call we were both encouraged, and all remaining division and lack of forgiveness was completely broken. When individuals walk in unity and forgiveness, the entire group will be strengthened.

5. Model a life of humility, preferring others above yourself (Phil. 2:3-4). The best leaders teach by example; most likely the other members of your group will follow your lead.