The Importance of Small Groups for Community

I don't know why I am surprised, but I was reminded again how important small groups are for a sense of community.

We had some friends over who were a part of our original small group at South Plains. As far as having people over to the house or going to eat with a couple, they are on a very short list (OK, they ARE the short list) of people we do that with any sense of regularity. We wouldn't have known them without the time together in the group.

Our groups in Tyler are the same way. Even though we do not see them often, the people in our Encounter group in Tyler remain some of the people I would consider spiritual companions. I cannot see a labyrinth or read St. Benedict's rule without thinking of those people. Our Wednesday night prayer and cookies & milk group are people we miss dearly.

We have not done a good job keeping up with those people, which may show the importance of small groups all the more. Without excusing our lack of contact, the people you are able to spend immediate time with become the people with whom you share your lives. To not have that kind of group setting eliminates those opportunities, which are very, very difficult to replace in any other context.

Again, this is no news flash, but it was a great and timely reminder for me.