One Body, Many Needs
Even within the same small group, people come with different needs. These needs have been summarized in many texts and can be boiled down to three areas: the desire to accomplish, to belong, and to make an impact. None of these drives is inherently “more Christian.” They become positive and helpful when they’re offered to God and used to serve others.
This helps explain why groups sometimes frustrate us. A task-oriented person may feel anxious in a group that never gets to the point. A relationship-oriented person may feel unseen in a group that focuses solely on content. A change-oriented person may feel stuck in a group that never invites obedience or challenge.
So what do we do as Christian leaders? We serve. We pay attention. We learn what people need and shape the group with wisdom. We don’t let our preferences dictate everything. We aim to love well.
At Christ Church Ann Arbor, the goal isn’t to build perfect groups. It’s to build meaningful, godly groups—groups that take Scripture, prayer, love, mission, and growth seriously. The framework we have been considering over the past few columns offers a practical way to diagnose a group’s needs and make adjustments with humility.
If you lead a group, consider asking this question this month: “Which purpose is primary for us in this season—task, relationship, or influence?” Then lead accordingly—and watch what God does.
By Pastor Chad Burrow
