Small Groups, Huge GrowthSample

Keep Breathing

Imagine you walk onto an airplane, find your seat, sit down, and begin to listen to the safety instructions of the flight attendants, “In case of sudden loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling above you. Adults, please place your mask on first before trying to help your children.” Have you ever had this thought: Seriously? Don’t airlines care about kids? If you’ve been there, it’s possible you’re not a parent. Parents know they can’t do a thing for their children if they’re already passed out themselves. Parents have to keep breathing to keep their kiddos in the clear.

Leading a small group can be physically, spiritually, and emotionally draining. Though the loss of cabin pressure is typically not sudden in our world, spiritual leadership is more likely to slowly and quietly suck the life out of you. That is, unless you do what’s necessary to keep breathing.

It’s not crazy to care for yourself first—it’s crazy not to. If you aren’t getting better at breathing in Christ and breathing out your weight and worries, how can you lead others to do the same? If you’re married, this means caring for your marriage before you care for someone else’s. If you have family, this means caring for your family before you try to better the next family over. You get it? Put the mask on first.

Do this: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you which area(s) you need to take action in right away.

1. Seek God’s daily wisdom through His Word
2. Enjoy God’s unceasing friendship, direction, and power in prayer
3. Find wise counsel and camaraderie in a mentor
4. Get regular accountability from a trusted friend