Acts 2:42-47
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.”
Acts 2:42-47 unearths the expectations of every community of believers. Memorizing this passage plants deeply into the heart of every group leader what they are to lead their group to do and to be.
Hebrews 10:24–25
And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:24–25 is a constant reminder that a group leader is to promote “love and good works” through their group, to meet consistently, and to be an encouragement to one another.
2 Timothy 2:2
And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Timothy 2:2 is a convicting reminder that the goal of every group should be to multiply so that others can grow to maturity by being in a biblical small group.
Rick Howerton is the Small Groups and Discipleship Specialist at LifeWay Christian Resources. He has authored many small group studies, is a highly sought-after trainer and speaker, and is the author of Destination Community: Small Group Ministry Manual as well as A Different Kind of Tribe: Embracing the New Small Group Dynamic. He is also the co-author of Disciples Path: A Practical Guide to Disciple Making and Countdown: Launching and Leading Transformational Groups. But Rick’s deepest passion and his goal in life is to see “a biblical small group within walking distance of every person on the planet making disciples that make disciples.”
You should also add I Corinthians 13: 26, Ephesians 4: 11-13. As a teacher my focus is on the word “equipping” or “perfecting” in this last one. Making the saints fully prepared to fulfill the work that God has intended for them from the foundation of the world.