3rd Gear Small Groups | Getting your group humming spiritually and relationally

My first car was actually a truck. Near my 16th birthday I purchased a 1963 Chevrolet pick up truck for $300.  I loved the look of my old truck.  The motor worked great but I cannot say the same for the the gear shifter.  It had an on the column, a.k.a. "three on the tree" gear shifter and it was hard to get in gear.  First gear was fairly easy, simply pull the lever toward you and push down.  However, 2nd and 3rd were more tricky.  Second was supposed to be push away from yourself and toward the dash and up.  Third was push away and down, but for some reason it just wasn't always that easy.  There were plenty of days I would drive all the way to school in 2nd gear trying hard the entire time to get it into 3rd.  Third gear was illusive in my old truck and I have found that third gear can be just as illusive in small groups. Read on... are you getting your small group into to 3rd gear or are you stuck in first or second?

1st Gear:  The Gathering.
In first gear you group will decide to meet regularly with one another (weekly is best). You'll do ice breakers and experience interactive discussions based on the Bible. You'll likely pray for one another's needs and share snacks. Group members may even be willing to serve the group by bringing snacks, taking attendance, or helping set up / tear down tables and chairs.  

2nd Gear: Commitment and Connection.
In second gear you'll find that a "shift" has taken place.  Group members are committed to being present.  In this gear, group members are now more comfortable sharing their personal stories.  In second gear, people come not only because they are learning good content, but they come for the relational connection they feel with the other group members.  A second gear group is an environment where people willingly contribute to the discussions.  Also, in second gear you will find that certain group members will begin to relate beyond the gathering.  They may talk by phone or internet, share lunches or dinners, or engage in recreational activities and other outings together.

3rd Gear: Belonging to One Another.
In this third gear, group members move to a level of fellowship, friendship and connection where they are comfortable sharing struggles and even sins.  In this gear you'll find that group members are willing to serve one another.  They share and respond to one another in times of sickness or need.  In third gear your group members feel responsibility to care for one another physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  They celebrate one another's accomplishments and sacrifice to alleviate each others sufferings.

How about you?  Are you getting your small group into to 3rd gear or are you stuck in first or second?