In our small group ministry, we recently went through an awesome sermon series on the book of John called “Organic.” One of the main themes from the series was recognizing the mission we have from God to allow the gospel to permeate and bear fruit in every aspect of our lives. The last sermon in the series amplified one element of our mission we have as a church to Love the world.

If small groups are the mobilizing force of our church and our mission is to love the world, the obvious question is: How do you love the world as a small group?This is such a key element in any small group’s ministry because our groups should be missional in their DNA. Here are four practical ways you as a group leader can lead your group in loving the world:

Delegate Your Group’s Missional Efforts. Delegating as a small group leader is crucial. If you’re the only one in your group who wants the group to be missional, you’ll be fighting an uphill battle indefinitely. Your first task should be to challenge key members of your group to take the lead in your group’s missional efforts. Your job then becomes being their biggest cheerleader and supporter. This keeps you from being the sole engine running your group. It also helps establish communal ownership of the group, and allows you to devote your time to making the weekly group meeting the best one yet.

Devote Time to a Community Project. As a group, partner with service organizations already existing in your community. Don’t feel the pressure to create new projects, rather help fuel existing ministries in your community. Allow your newly appointed delegate to present possible options to the group. Then the ball is in your court as a leader to make Loving the World not an additional thing your group does, but a core element of your group. You can start by scheduling project serving times into the group calendar. This doesn’t mean you “cancel” group meetings to serve on a project. Your group is simply meeting on site.

Being missional isn’t something you do occasionally when you have extra time; it’s just what you do. It’s the natural outpouring of bible study and prayer, so treat it as such and make it a norm.

Support a Church Planter. Supporting a church planter allows your group the chance to be a part of something bigger than itself. Again, promote group ownership and find a delegate for this job. The sad truth is that as a group leader you must always be aware you’re fighting against naval-gazing syndrome. Praying for, providing for, and visiting a church planter as a group goes a long way in fighting that syndrome. If you don’t understand that syndrome, ask a friend who is good at explaining metaphors!

Encourage a Missional Mindset in the Workplace. Do your group members really believe they can follow Christ in how they go about their workday? Do they honor Christ by working hard and being the best at what they do? We need to encourage our group to speak the gospel in their workplace and to most of all, pray for their coworkers. 

I hope the above points will help you become a missional small group that truly loves the world. Think of other ways you can love and impact the world and tell someone about it!