Multiplication DNA: Wins
Summary: When small group members see that one person’s win is a win for the whole group, a culture of celebration is cultivated.
Every small group member takes steps of obedience and growth. Some of these “wins” include obeying the Holy Spirit, responding to commands in scripture, praying, sharing a bible lesson with someone, forgiving someone, sharing the gospel, confessing sin, and starting a new small group. Growth in these areas takes courage and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. But it also takes cheerleaders.
When a small group sees that one person’s win is a win for the whole group, a culture of celebration is cultivated. Just as every struggle is felt with compassion and empathy, every new step of obedience can be celebrated by everyone. And what we celebrate determines what we value. Honoring one another in this way is reflective of the early church.
The “one another” passages in the New Testament are about community, not individuality. Some of these are: pray for one another, build one another up, encourage one another, love one another, serve one another, submit to one another, honor one another. Just to name a few!
Growth and multiplication take place in an atmosphere of joy, celebration, encouragement, and humility. In order for small groups to be free from competition and jealousy, they need to let go of the world’s definition of “winning” and embrace the concept of a loving community found in the early church. One person’s “win” is a win for the whole small group.
