“I think we are ready to go to the next level” our small group leader challenged us in the den of the Plunkett residence. Despite this stirring monologue, a hush fell over the small gathering of “twenty-something” married members. I believe the question in all of our minds was quite similar…what does the “next level” even look like?

It’s amazing to think back over the last several years and acknowledge the obstacles we have helped each other through. Between all six couples recently purchasing their first house, two families with their first child, several job transitions, college graduations and countless other milestones, there has been no shortage of growth opportunities. In the course of these events the bonds that our group share have developed into something quite remarkable. There is no questioning the power and benefit to sharing life with believers who are in the same stage of their journey. Even so, the challenge has been placed before us to keep moving forward.

Sometimes taking that next step to becoming more like Christ can be tough. It’s even tougher without a strong living visual guiding you along the way. “Someone whose hindsight can become your foresight” as the Chinese proverb so aptly stated. For many of us this guidance comes from within our own families. For many others, we look to our church family to provide this all-important mentor relationship. By coupling ourselves with established Christians who have been walking the walk for years we can see what that next step looks like. We can see what it means to discipline our children with love, learn the true meaning of hospitality, and differentiate ourselves from the concept of worldly success that has so intoxicated our generation.

Luckily, our small group is not the only one who has sensed the importance in this model of mentorship featured in Titus 2:3-5. There is a group of older, wiser, reputable Christians who have made a huge impact in our community and our church. This group, led by the Fraizers, have graciously offered to demonstrate the next step for us. To date, we have not turned this into a science by breaking out the workbooks and debating topics of importance. What we have done is enjoyed a casual cookout in the park. Even something this simple afforded opportunity to ask questions as we got to know one another. Each of the younger crowd benefited from a special connection or some type of individualized take-away. For me, you can’t put a price tag on watching Godley men love their wives and raise their children to fear the Lord.

One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. (Psalm 145:4)

- The Bartemus Small Group

What about your group? Can you mentor or be mentored by another Small Group?