Dethrone These Small Group Idols!

by Mike Mack

 

Mike Mack helps your group live out the first and most fundamental commandment.

The first commandment for small groups is this: "I am the Lord your God ... you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath . . ." (Exodus 20:2-4).
How can your group live out this first and most fundamental commandment? The first thing to do is to identify the false gods that can so easily be placed on the throne of your group. Remember that God will not share his throne (see verse 5)!

Here are what I consider the top 10 small group idols:

1. Community:Community is a vital element of group life, of course, but I've seen groups place their commitment to community above their commitment to God.
2. Consumers: This is closely related to #1, but with a twist. People often choose a group for what they will personally get out of it. They put themselves and their wants above God's will in the group.
3. Challenges: Are there people (or just one person) whose issues dominate your time together each week? These are usually self-focused people who believe they must be the center of attention. That's God's place.
4. Curriculum (or other Content): What we study can help us grow as disciples, but Christ, not your curriculum, should always be the main focus. (This is a dangerous idol, because it is so sneaky. Be careful, because curriculum-centeredness can easily draw you away from being Christ-centered!)
5. Cause: In today's missional culture, this one also can become a devious false god. Be all about Christ's mission and purpose for you, but don't put your causes above him!
6. Church-wide Programs/Campaigns:  I may get letters on this one, but I see this crafty idol at work more and more lately. As a church-based small group you are accountable to your church leadership. But don't allow the latest program, project, or campaign to sit on the throne of your group. Remember, wherever two or three come together in Jesus'name--not in the name of some Christian celebrity--Christ will be in your midst.
7. Cookies: Do group members compete for who brings the best snacks? Do you focus too much on food?
8. Calendars: Are group members' busy schedules more important than their commitment to Christ and the group? What do your calendars and meeting frequency say about who or what is on the throne of your lives?
9. Children/Child Care: I have witnessed countless groups struggle over issues centered around children and what to do with them as the group meets. Some families allow their children to become idols in their lives, keeping Christ and spiritual growth a distant second--at best. I've also seen group members argue vehimently over what to do with their kids diring group time, and the tension ripped the group apart. Our kids are important parts of our lives, but we can't let them sit on the throne!
10. Controlling Leader: The leader is a member who has the God-given responsibility to help guide the group as God has called him or her to do. The leader is not the center of the group in a Christ-centered group. Some leaders need to step off the throne, and let Christ alone occupy that position.

As you can see, most of these are not bad things when kept in their proper places. But none of them can share the throne of your life or your group. Dethrone them by putting Christ back in his rightful place in your group. Seek first his kingdom, and all these other things will be taken care of as well.

 What small group idols would you add to this list? (It doesn't have to start with a C!) 

Michael C. Mack founded SmallGroups.com in 1995 and has served as a small-groups minister in several churches. He is a writer, editor, trainer, and consultant in the areas of small groups, leadership, and discipleship. He is the author of more than a dozen books and small group studies, including his latest, Small Group Vital Signs. He also regularly blogs at SmallGroupLeadership.blogspot.com. His family is a small group that includes his wife Heidi, their four children, and their dog, Lainey. Mike is also an avid mountain biker. More from Mike Mack or visit Mike at www.smallgroupleadership.com