individuals who are connected to each other.”

Romans 12:5 (GW)

God didn’t just design our churches to help us center on him, but on one another as well. The church helps us connect with other believers.

God did not intend for us to live isolated lives. While we’re here on Earth, he wants us to learn to love other people and to practice loving others in his family. 

The Bible says, “Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other” (Romans 12:5 GW). We experience a new connection when we become children of God—we begin to belong to each other as brothers and sisters.

What does the term ‘body’ mean in the verse above?

“The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much” (Romans 12:5 The Message).

The spiritual lives of the members you lead will not amount to anything if they’re disconnected from the family of God.

For example, if we were to cut off our fingers, they would not only stop growing, but they would stop living. They have to be connected to the body in order to function the way they are supposed to.

In the same way, we need each other in the body of Christ if we want to grow spiritually and fulfill God’s purposes for our lives.

The California Department of Mental Health once did a study and discovered that if you isolate yourself from others and don’t develop close friendships—like in a small group—you are...

- 10 times more likely to be hospitalized for an emotional or mental disorder.

To protect your own mental health and the mental health of your members, ensure that small groups are a vital part of your church.

Help your people get connected and experience the benefits of being in genuine fellowship with other believers.

“You are members of God’s very own family . . . and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian” (Ephesians 2:19 TLB).