Triple Braided Strength

While this is aimed at my friends within the YMCA, many can benefit from the wisdom of a YMCA Legend named John R Mott. Mott is recognized as a worldwide leader and served through the YMCA for many years and in many capacities. He led an effort during World War I as general secretary of the National War Work Council. He was recognized with the Distinguished Service Medal for his work.

Reverend Tom Welch wrote “The sum of Mott's work makes an impressive record: he wrote sixteen books in his chosen field; crossed the Atlantic over one hundred times and the Pacific fourteen times, averaging thirty-four days on the ocean per year for fifty years; delivered thousands of speeches; chaired innumerable conferences, and received dozens of awards. At 81, the Nobel committee awarded him one of the highest honors given on earth--the Nobel Peace Prize. He died at his home in Orlando, Florida, at the age of eighty-nine.”

In remarks at the North American Association of YMCA Secretaries Meeting in 1948, Mott described 15 lessons he had learned over a lifetime of Christian work. One of those lessons was: “Christ sent them out “two by two”. At one time, he had five disciples, at another time three, another time eleven, and at another, twelve. Why did Christ attach importance to small groups? I long ago decided that it was wise to follow Christ in this method.“

Small Groups at the Y

Many community citizens use their local YMCAs. And those Ys can be large or small, or somewhere in-between. They may employ hundreds of staff and have a busy community center. Ys no doubt are very impactful. I believe that Mott was telling us that if we want to meet people where they are, we have got to create small groups. Furthermore, I believe the Y is the perfect setting for impactful small groups.

In recent years, Ys have opened up lobby areas, achieved excellent fitness results with group fitness classes and created support groups. This all helps members related to each other and get below the initial layer of another’s personality. David Byrd, now the CEO in Kansas City, wrote: “They (small groups) foster spiritual growth and life-giving connections.”

Wherever two or more are gathered in His name, Christ is present. So does it make sense that we need each other? And by seeking out each other we can be assured that Christ is in our presence.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 explains the strength found in small groups. “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”  You remember that Peter denied Christ three times. We often deny what we are going through when someone passes us by and asks how we are doing. “I’m fine, how are you?” A small group, created carefully and facilitated by a skilled leader, can provide the intimacy to say what’s really on our mind. Let’s be honest, small groups have multiple advantages that large groups and individuals just don’t have. With the right leader, one who will be an encourager, a listener, an inspiration, and a servant, your small group can impact people in special ways. 

Where to Start

I’d suggest that a YMCA might start by looking for a church partner. Because the Y is such a melting pot in most communities, a local church might be very interested in an outreach project at your YMCA. Some churches may be familiar with a program called Alpha. This would be a very appropriate way for a church and a Y to partner. If you are with a YMCA (or a church) and want to know more about an Alpha/YMCA/church small group contact Joe Pfeiffer at the US Mission Network (jpfeiffer@ymcacw.org).

Another highly successful small group ministry that was actually developed by a YMCA professional is called Restore Small Group Ministries. These small groups are also led by trained facilitators and are growing rapidly in number across the country, at YMCAs as well as through other agencies. For more information, you can contact them at www.restoresmallgroups.org. 

Final Thoughts

Mott’s credibility is unquestionable. His 15 lessons outline timeless lessons for an organization like the YMCA. It makes sense to me that a Y with an active small group ministry will have a huge impact on the community they serve. The Y is about transforming lives and I would think any Y would find small groups to be of great value.

"His faithful love endures forever."

Until next time...

Chaplain Gray