Don't Forget To Pray! Small Group Leader's First Step
As you move forward discovering the possibilities of small group ministry to the chronically ill
, remember to put prayer as the top priority.
Although you may have the best of plans, it will all be pointless if you do not first have a daily walk with God and spend time with Him in conversation.
A study was done by a Small Groups web site and here are their findings regarding prayer:
83% of group leaders who have what they define as a strong prayer life had at least 1 person come to accept Christ into his or her life due partially to the group. Only 19% of those who said they had a weak prayer life could claim the same.
In addition, leaders who have a strong prayer life have more than 4 times the amount of evangelistic influence than those with a weaker prayer life.
Most Christians are familiar with the scripture of John 15:5. 'I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.'
Regardless of what tips you may discover from friends, church small group trainings, books, or seminary and congregational care resources, remember to keep prayer always the first priority.
Note that the scripture does not say, 'I am the vine, you are the branches and he who gather together the most resources, seminary resources, books, funds and claims the most mentors, time, and energy will bear the most fruit.'
Prayer is a gift that God has given us in order to converse with Him and He has equipped us with this sweet and essential tool to do whatever work it is that He has prepared in advance for us (Ephesians 2:10).
Starting a chronic illness ministry support group that has a Christian environment is incredibly exciting as you provide a unique place where encouragement can be found. Eventually, you will be able to see how the members of your group seek to encourage one another and become disciples themselves.
Together, let's set our goal on creating small group illness ministries that are much more than just your typical secular support group. Too frequently members of secular support groups find that rather than support, they are bombarded with members who are comparing pain, comparing amounts of medication, and even doubting the legitimacy of some of the illness symptoms.
Instead, together, let's create an oasis where people can feel safe and comfortable in sharing the daily challenges of their condition and what gets them through it. It can be a place where God and illness can be spoken of in the same room as we seek to find hope in the eternal when our temporary circumstances leave much to be desired.
If you are wondering where to start as you begin to consider starting a support group for those with chronic illness in your church, the first place to begin is with a conversation with the Father Himself in prayer.
by: Lisa Copen.
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