When I was a kid, from time to time my dad would ask if I wanted to go on a Sunday drive. Some of you may remember Sunday drives from your childhood. The idea was simple: Get in the car and drive—usually slowly—with no known destination. You wouldn’t know where you were going until you got there, and you wouldn’t know how long it took until you got back.

Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

No. I didn’t think so either.

Unfortunately, this is how a lot of small group leaders lead their Life Groups. There’s no known destination, no goal, no intention, no purpose as to why they’re gathering. And because of that, they won’t know when they’ve arrived and how long it will take to get there. They’re taking their Life Group on a Sunday drive.

As a Life Group leader, your purpose and destination are made clear in our church’s mission statement. As Life Group leaders our goal is to cultivate fully devoted disciples of Jesus. Although learning more, making new friends, and serving together is important, the goal is that we are leading them on a journey to become completely committed to Jesus in every aspect of their lives. We want them to be more dedicated in the areas of worship, stewardship, and relationship.

Additionally, there should be a sense of urgency about getting them to this “place” (I use the term “place” loosely. Discipleship is not a destination and is often not a linear process) While discipleship shouldn’t be rushed, it should invoke within us a weightiness, or importance that should make it a top priority. Jesus knew his time with his disciples was short—in fact, he alluded to it often. “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me,” he says in John 7:33. While we can’t foresee the future like Jesus, our time with our small group participants is short. Let’s use every moment with them as if it were our last and implore them to draw close to Jesus.

So, don’t take your small group on a Sunday drive without a purpose or destination. If you want a vibrant, healthy small group you have to be intentional. You have to put some effort into it. You have to know where you're heading and have a plan on how to get there.

We’ll talk more about how to get there in future blog posts. Until then, leave a comment below. Do you agree or disagree? Is your group on a Sunday drive? What are the things you’re doing to lead them to be more fully devoted disciples of Jesus?

Eyes up,
Kevin