1. Jesus is the only rule, everything else can & will change.
This means that we will not substitute "format" or "procedure" for relationship. Some micros will do things differently than others; amen. it also means that we should not get too comfortable with our little group or our way of doing things. if Jesus shows us a different or better way we will go that way.
2. It's about Jesus - you're not Jesus therefore it's not about you.
Most people come to a micro (small group) meeting like they come to other "church" related events, looking for what they can get out of it - or - put another way, they come looking to "be fed" or "ministered to." We come to this group to give not to get. We come for Jesus, not for each other.
3. Be real.
We need to be real = authentic = transparent. The operating principle of these groups is summed up in 1 John 3:16: "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." Most of us will never have to "take a bullet" for someone or dive in front of a car to save our friend, but the concept at work here is not so dramatic. Christ laid down His life long before He actually died on a cross. His life was in perfect fellowship with His Father, in heaven, living the glory that He deserved. Coming to earth and accepting a life of humility and shame, He laid aside His life and took up our life. We are to lay down our lives for each other in humility, in order that others may walk on our backs to get to Jesus, just as we have walked upon the back of Jesus to get to the Father. This will be different for each of us; laying down my life may mean admitting that I have a problem of some sort and that God has broken me over it. By admitting this I humble myself, I lay down my life, that perhaps my brother or sister can use this to come closer to Christ.
Speaking the truth in love is a faith issue between God and you alone we all have a fear of rejection. most of us have things in our lives which we would rather not have exposed in front of others. Because we believe the first two principles of d-cells we accept that whatever we say in a small group is for the purpose of bringing others closer to Christ, it is not about maintaining an image for the sake of others. Others can and will take what you say out of context; they may repeat things about you to others perhaps even with the express purpose of trying to make you look bad. when we speak out and share our lives it is done in humility before Christ and for His sake; we must believe (FAITH) that no matter what happens our Father who sees perfectly will cause us to prosper. in other words, do not think that you are creating a group of "blood brothers" who have a secret handshake and who pledge never to speak about what happens in small group even if they undergo horrible torture. This misses the point. We come to give and to give what God says to give. We have to trust that this will ultimately work out to our good. when you feel like you are going to share something you should consider the following: - is God leading me to share this? - do I trust God to use this in other's lives? - am I sharing out of humility or pride? (understanding that we can boast even in our sin)
4. Show up.
It is not hard to participate in a small group. People should be encouraged to come no matter where they are with God (or not). Everyone is welcome, but that doesn't mean there is a "free love" mentality. There should be central accountability to the group facilitator with people who can't make it to meetings letting the facilitator know they can't come and why they are missing the meeting. Because of the first three principles we should understand that failure to do the most simple thing (just showing up) may deprive someone of what God wants us to give them.
Short List:
1. Jesus is the only rule
2. It's about Jesus
3. Be real
4. Show up
