Love of the Brothers

I went to the funeral of the mother of a good friend of mine recently. Brent’s mom had been sick for awhile, but managed in her strength (or the strength of the Lord) to attend her 2 children’s weddings. There were great testimonies given by people far & wide. And to be honest it was a wonderful celebration. I was moved when I saw (and heard) Brent share his own thoughts.

At one point after the funeral, we were at a little reception and I looked over and I saw the 5 guys who at W&M had loved and cared for each other throughout it all. They seemed oh so much older than when they were running around on campus in soccer shorts. They surrounded my friend and their brother in Christ, consoling him, encouraging him, supporting him and loving him. They had come from Williamsburg and NOVA, Richmond and MD, to be together when Brent needed them. To me this was the epitome of a small group.

They had begun to meet freshmen year in a SG. It was awkward at first. They were just a little too competitive with each other – and when they began to meet some of the women in the chapter the competition even increased! But they met weekly for Bible Study and prayer and to do fun things together. They added a few folks and started to do some IM sports – “Jesus Doesn’t Fumble”, and “Jesus doesn’t Cross-Check”. One of them had a Mountain retreat home and they all went up there one weekend – the guy’s mom came along to cook. Except one morning she starts to ream her son out in front of the other guys about not studying enough. They supported each other thru difficulties: like girlfriend break-ups, struggles with moral issues, alcohol, family problems.

During Sophomore year, some of them lived together and that continued until graduation. They supported and cared for each other thru dating and courtships and now in parenting. They encouraged each other thru love and good deeds. They even still meet together at least a couple times a year (although they don’t bring moms along anymore)

So what was unique about this group? I wish I knew then I could reproduce it. But there were a couple things that I think I can identify that will help us as we deepen & develop small groups next year.

1) The Leaders were persistent. They kept going back and back getting these guys to come to their meeting. They wouldn’t take no for an answer.
2) They weren’t just being invited to a SG Bible study. They were being invited into the lives of the leaders (I Thess). Sports teams, overnights, Sno-To-Go, etc.
3) They put a high value on growing in Christ – going to church, coming to LG (they’d meet for dinner before), hearing a Christian speaker on campus, retreats & conferences, etc
4) They met at other times for prayer (weekly prayer partners)
5) They played together. IM teams, Play Station, Xbox
6) Discipleship was a part of their lifestyle.
7) Accountability was part of their lifestyle.
8) They loved each other regardless.
9) They became 3AM friends – that is the kind you can call at 3 in the morning.
10) They kept their secrets confidential.
11) They stood with each other, even at questionable times.
12) They spoke the truth in Love.
13) They did not neglect to meet together. (Heb 10:24,25)