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“We need to get together for a cup of coffee!” I have lost count of the times I have said that to someone. And I have learned that if I don’t put something on the calendar in that moment, even if we both have the best of intentions, the time over coffee (or tea) will never happen.
The same is true of other things that are important, but they lose their urgency in the midst of our other responsibilities and commitments. One of the prime examples of something we want to do, but that will never happen if we don’t schedule it, is a small group gathering with other women. We have to make it a priority.
There is no magical time that works for everyone. However, I do recommend that you set aside a scheduled time that is designated specifically for a small group women’s Bible study.
Here are some of the times I know that women have gathered as a small group.
• Tuesday mornings (for some, this is the sacred gathering time for women’s studies)
• Mondays on the way home from work
• Wednesday night class
• Tuesday/Thursday nights
• Sunday morning Bible class
• Twice a month/every other week
I think you get the idea: There is no set schedule!
My other recommendation for when you gather is that you allow for an hour and a half meeting time. We’re women and we like to talk, but this extended hour also allows for prayer time and depth of conversation and discussion. We could spend the entire time sharing prayer requests and updating each other on life—neither of which are bad things, but it can take away from the meat of what we know we need in order to remain strong and encouraged as a child of God: time in the Word!
So, WHEN? Anytime, but pick a time and make it happen!
WHAT is a small group? A group of people (women in our case) whose purpose is to meet together for encouragement, Bible study and prayer.
In order to allow for depth of discussion and opportunity to share, it is ideal for the group to be made up of no more than eight women. Yet, it can be as few as two.
When it is a small group of two, it can also be known as a mentoring relationship.
Mentoring relationships are a dying art, but Jesus himself modeled how we can invest in the lives of twelve or three to make a greater impact in the community at large. Paul highlights the same teaching to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” Teach to teach to teach—makes it easy to remember that it’s 2 Timothy 2:2, two by two by two.
The teaching and mentoring aspects of small group relationships are important. Here are a few more clarifying purposes of Iron Rose Sister Relationships in the Small Group context:
• Encouragement and inspiration
• Prayer
• Understanding and affirmation
• Confidentiality
• Spiritual audit (IRS)
• Mutual call to holy living
• Spiritual friendship and conversation
Whether you are considering starting a new small group, or redefining the one you are in currently, I encourage you evaluate the purpose of your group. Is God the center of your conversation? Are you being an encouragement one to another? Is there confidentiality and accountability?
