Wanna hear a juicy secret?  Small groups really aren’t as important as Pastor Dave claims.

 Truly.

 I’ve got three reasons why they’re NOT as important as he so often tries to hype.  Here they are in no particular order:

 #1 – The small group accountability is highly overrated.  In 1 John 1:9 we’re told to confess our sins to God and we receive cleansing and forgiveness.  Interestingly, in James 5:16 we’re also admonished to confess our faults to one another; in doing this and praying for each other there is healing.  I, for one, feel that a lingering disease (physical or spiritual) never really hurt anyone.

 #2 – People don’t need to be shepherded.  Have you ever noticed the Bible tends to talk a lot about people being like sheep (John 10, John 21:16-17, 1 Pet. 2:25)?  The truth of the matter is that sheep would be just fine without any shepherd caring for them.  Sure there are predators and dangers (not to mention the fact that sometimes sheep just do dumb things), but sheep are able to handle themselves.  Think about the natural defenses and abilities that sheep possess…things like…well…they uh….let’s move on to our final reason.

 #3 – The challenge of shepherding your small group will make you tired.  Do you know what tiredness does to people?  Bags form under the eyes, hair turns gray (or falls out), energy level drops, and irritability can set in.  Who wants to deal with these things?  Moreover, all Jesus offers you in return is abundant life (John 10:10), a light burden (Matt. 11:28-30), and a promise of reigning with Him forever (2 Tim 2:12a).

 So there you have it.  The truth is finally out in convincing form that small group are, in fact, vastly overrated.  I’m sorry to have to break it to you like this, but it’s for the best. 

 Hey, is it just me or did you just hear a wolf howling in the distance?

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