Every small group or Sunday school class drifts toward becoming inwardly focused. Here\u2019s how it plays out: a new group forms and enjoys early days of developing new relationships and connections with people. Everyone is equally eager to develop these relationships. The group grows numerically as new faces are added. Excitement builds as the group grows and reaches new people who were formerly unconnected.\u00a0 This momentum lasts for a time but, after a while, it slows as the group leans more and more toward becoming closed in nature or less receptive to newcomers.
\nThis trend toward becoming closed isn\u2019t intentional, it\u2019s accidental. It\u2019s natural inertia. Relationships become solidified among group members as you do life together over time. Mountain and valley experiences of life are shared and bonds form as people walk side by side on life\u2019s journey. And all of this is good. It\u2019s what you must develop in a small group community. But the challenge is to not become so closed, so inwardly focused, that you forsake the importance of creating room for newcomers who desire to experience the same community you enjoy.
\nSo how do you do that? How do you fight against the natural tilt toward an inwardly focused group? Consider these ideas:<\/p>\n