The Last Thing I Need

If you’ve been around Saddleback for any length of time, no doubt you’ve heard about the importance of small groups. Small groups are the lifeblood of our church because life isn’t meant to be lived alone. Small groups are a place where we can be ourselves without fear of rejection. At Saddleback Buenos Aires, we always hear that small groups are a place where we can grow in God; the place where people who attend church can connect each other in a more personal way as well as share their problems, joys, and needs.

In 2013, Saddleback Buenos Aires created several new small groups during the "What on Earth Am I Here For?" series to help people make deeper connections with each other. Florencia Bueno, or Flor, as her friends call her, stepped up to become a new small group leader. At the time, she never considered being a small group leader.  "I didn't want to create a small group, even though I knew that is how our church is organized and continues to grow," Flor said. "Having my own small group was the last thing I needed, I felt so overwhelmed with so many things going on in my life at that moment, that I didn't want one more responsibility," she added.

Surely, many of us have felt the same way or have thought that one more responsibility would take time away from other important things. However, God's plan for Flor's life was different. In the end, she realized that leading a small group wasn’t simply an additional responsibility in her life. It was a life-changing moment. God took her out of her comfort zone to work in her life and in the lives of the girls in her group: Ceci, Ely, Mariel and Vivi.

The small began small; there were only two women in addition to Flor at the first meeting: Mariel and Vivi. "That day I had a great time, I felt so comfortable,” Mariel said. “It felt like we had known each others for years.” This positive first experience convinced Mariel and Vivi to invite their friends. Together they realized that they could share their life experiences, have a place where they belonged and discover their individuality within their small group.

Their study, based on Pastor Rick’s book, The Purpose Driven Life, was a turning point in their lives. Each of them were dealing with difficult circumstances and desired guidance. They all needed a place to discuss their struggles — as well as their achievements — without being judged or seen as odd.

The positive impact of the group extended beyond its members; they shared daily reflections on social media and ended up encouraging others. Ely received a Facebook request from an old high school friend who wanted her own copy of Rick Warren’s book. The group was surprised and excited since the woman wasn’t even a Christian. Ely also gave the book as a gift to a another lady that had asked her during a conversation: “What am I on earth for?” “That question allowed me to share the book with her, and now she’s sharing the Gospel with her family,” Ely said.

The creation of this group, and the decision to keep it going even after the campaign was over, strengthened both their trust in God and their friendships with each other. Flor acknowledged God’s clear involvement in building a strong small group. “When something can’t be explained, it’s because there’s something far greater than ourselves involved,” she said. “The girls were my companions through a special season I was living through. God allowed us to meet at the right moment, and they served as a safe place for me. Mariel added, “I will never forget how the teaching on the 25th day, ‘Transformed by Trouble,’ changed my life completely.”

In addition to sharing reflections on life, the girls have found a place where they can share their everyday interests and needs. "You do not stop loving God because you like to be feminine and to polish your nails,” Flor said. “I do not have to create anything, we are so involved and take care of each other that I do not feel obligated to generate conversations or to plan our meetings. We speak to each other like life-long friends, and all of those experiences fill up our hearts. I am sure that God created this,” she emphasized.

The group has been together for several years now. Everything fit together and never felt forced to them. Flor didn’t set out to build lasting friendships, but she confesses she now more clearly understands the impact of Saddleback small groups. After their success, they are motivated to help others connect to their own groups. Building strong community and lasting friendships only takes a few people willing to meet together.

To learn more about joining or forming your own small group, visit saddleback.com/smallgroups.