Imagine if you could get advice from the world’s greatest experts on any subject. Who would you turn to for guidance on building transformative, life-giving communities? Hands down, the ultimate expert would be Jesus. His method for creating connection wasn’t just good – it was groundbreaking.
We’ll call it the “Be With” Plan – because at its core, it’s all about being with Jesus.
When Jesus set out to change the world, He didn’t start a nation, form an army, or launch an institution. Instead, He chose twelve ordinary people to follow Him – not because they were perfect, but because He saw something in them.
His invitation wasn’t about what they could do for Him, but about relationship – being with Him, learning from Him, and growing alongside Him.
Together, they experienced life with Jesus. They laughed, learned, served, struggled, and grew closer to God and to each other. That’s the heart of the “Be With” Plan: connection through relationship, with Jesus at the center.
The Birth of the “Be With” Plan
In Mark 3:13, we see Jesus choose His disciples for one simple reason: so they could “be with” Him. No elaborate rules or big strategies – just life together. They spent time with Him, watched how He lived, and were transformed by His love and example.
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, this approach didn’t stop. The early church followed the same “Be With” strategy, gathering in homes and sharing life (Acts 2:42). These small groups weren’t just “community groups;” they were the church and became epicenters of life-changing community.
What Makes a Great Small Group? Lessons from Jesus
If Jesus is the ultimate small-group leader, what can we learn from Him about creating meaningful communities? Here’s four lessons:
1. Devote Yourselves to Each Other
Great groups “do life” together. Acts 2:42 highlights this:
- Acts 2:42: “… they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Jesus modeled this when He chose disciples who weren’t perfect – Peter was impulsive, Thomas doubted, and Judas was greedy. Yet Jesus loved them and saw the potential for transformation in their messy, imperfect lives.
Every group has its share of challenging personalities – those “extra grace required” people – but learning to love others despite their flaws is part of the journey. When we commit to each other, we reflect the love Jesus shows to us.
2. Build a Culture of Authenticity
Acts 2:46 says that the early believers had “glad and sincere hearts.” The word sincere literally means “without wax”—no covering up cracks or pretending to be perfect (in ancient times, flawed statues were patched with wax to hide cracks and imperfections).
Jesus created spaces where people didn’t have to fake perfection. He was real about His own emotions – grieving, celebrating, and even expressing frustration – and set the tone for others to do the same.
In a great group, people feel safe to be vulnerable, trusting that their honesty won’t be met with judgment, but with care. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:12, living with “unveiled faces” allows God’s glory to shine through us – even in our imperfections.
3. Speak Truth in Love
Transformational communities share truth with love (Ephesians 4:15). Jesus did this often, addressing His disciples’ shortcomings without condemning them.
Take the time Jesus asked His disciples, “What were you arguing about on the road?” (Mark 9:33). Though they were embarrassed, Jesus didn’t shame them. Instead, He used the moment to teach them about humility. Similarly, small groups are places where we can hold each other accountable, helping one another to grow into Christ’s image.
4. Transform Conflict into Growth
Conflict is inevitable, even in the best of groups. But in a Christ-centered community, conflict leads to reconciliation and growth.
Think of when Peter denied Jesus three times. After the resurrection, Jesus recreated the moment – not to shame Peter, but to restore him. By asking Peter to reaffirm his love three times, Jesus brought healing and renewed purpose.
Great groups don’t avoid hard conversations – they lean into them with grace and truth, allowing God to work through the challenges.
A Mission Beyond Ourselves
The “Be With” Plan isn’t just about personal growth – it’s about spreading Jesus’ love to the world. From the beginning, Jesus sent His disciples out to share His message. Today, small groups are a foundational part of transforming lives, fostering connection, and living out God’s calling in community.
The Invitation
Whether you’re already part of a small group, or considering joining one, remember this: small groups are Jesus’ plan to change lives. If you’ve been walking with Jesus for a while, maybe it’s time to lead a group and help others grow in faith.
Leading or participating in a group isn’t always easy. But as Jesus demonstrated, it’s worth it. These little communities can transform lives, build authentic connections, and bring God’s love to the world.
So, what’s your next step in living out the “Be With” plan?