When my sons were little, they both played baseball. Like many kids, they started out when they were five-years-old with T-ball and if you know nothing about t-ball, there are three things you should know...

 

#1. There are two types of kids that play t-ball.

There are the kids, or more likely the parents, that love it. These are the kids that show up to the first practice with their own bat - in a bat bag, batting gloves and brand-new cleats. These kids are super aware of what is going on and are most likely on their way to a lifelong love of the game. The other type of kids are the ones who love picking the dandelions in left field - during the game.

#2.  When the ball is hit, one of two actions will occur.

Either every kid on the team will chase the ball down like hungry cats chasing a mouse or, every kid is oblivious the ball is in play while the batter circles the bases — sometimes in the proper direction.

#3 They do not keep score during a t-ball game.

They literally do not keep score! Most people do not know which team is winning, nor do they care. However, that drives other people totally nuts ...  You probably can guess which group of people I belong to.

A few weeks ago, Jimmy Fleshman and I attended a Small Groups Essentials conference in Nashville, TN. It was a really good conference. We both walked away knowing there is always more to do, but feeling pretty good about the way we do groups at The Vineyard. There was, however, one thing that resonated with both of us. It was on the topic of defining the win.

The purpose statement for Vineyard Groups states “Vineyard Groups exist to help people grow spiritually by developing relationships focused on Jesus”. I really like that purpose statement and think it is where we should be aiming - growing relationships with others that focus on Jesus.

But how do we know if a group is winning?

Let’s define some wins in a Vineyard Group. This is not an inclusive list. There are so many things that can constitute a win. But if one or some of these things happen, let’s take time to celebrate it as a victory!

It is a win if a person...

 

Loving Jesus

•       Joins a Vineyard Group for the first time
•       Accepts Jesus as their savior at a Vineyard Group
•       Makes a decision to get baptized
•       Starts attending weekend celebrations and groups regularly and consistently

 

Growing Together

•       Consistently starts reading their Bible
•       Prays out loud for the first time
•       Shows vulnerability in the group for the first time
•       Becomes a member of The Vineyard Church

 

Giving Back

•       Decides to serve on a team
•       Increases their generosity and giving
•       Is called to leadership in the church

 

It is a win if the group...

•       Multiplies another healthy group
•       Supports a group member during a life crisis
•       Celebrates a group member during a life blessing
•       Serves in a Second Saturday Serve together
•       Does “life” together on a regular basis

 

Like I mentioned, this is not a comprehensive list, but I think these are some good events that I would call a win. If you have a win or several wins in your group, I would love to know about it! They are super encouraging, and I love sharing  them with others!

Photo by Braden Collum on Unsplash

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