It has been some time since my last post, so I suppose it is time. I have and am active on both Facebook and Twitter, and those are good connections with friends. But the blog has a different purpose, so I am back.
And I want to follow up on the issues discussed. I have been asked to help a congregation develop a small group ministry. This is a very good congregation with a long and admired history. They have recently relocated to a different community. The issue at hand is that they are getting many visitors to the Sunday worship service but these are not being assimilated into the Sunday School or other areas in the life of the church. I am working with two staff members and met with a total of 15 people interested in small groups.
Some want to drive small group with curriculum. Huge mistake. No doubt nothing should be taught outside the parameters of the Apostles' teaching (Acts 2:42), but small group is a method of developing Community, and Community is about relationships
Which brings me to the point. Why the Church? Why the "called out ones"? Often in discussions such as this some want to push every word to extremes. For example, if I asked "Do you go to "church" or are you the church? Some would take one extreme or another and shape the conversation to be about whether or not one should attend public worship. That is missing the point.
The point is about identity as a follower of Jesus. We are called out, transformed, and sent with the gospel message. And that new community of which we are a part is a relational community.
Within the biblical parameter, there is mutual accountability and accountability can only be positive in an environment of loving relationships. In the context of evangelism, no one is won to Christ by someone they do not like. In the context of the church, no one will submit to accountability or discipline unless they believe the church or the other person genuinely loves them.
Love does not gloss over sin or bad behavior. Confrontation is sometimes necessary and almost always painful. The Bible uses a phrase that we sometimes over-use and by doing so we can negate its impact: "But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head - Christ" (Eph. 4:15).
I confess my own guilt in using this verse as an excuse for sometimes blurting out words that are indeed truth, but not said in a way or with the intent of helping the hearer 'grow in every way into Him'.
Many churches have what I call an "inside culture". These are wonderful people who are very out of touch with the desires of the culture around them. In order to be part of that church, one must first learn the "inside culture" and adapt their life to it. That will happen less and less.
Does not love teach us to take proactive steps to develop biblical community in such a way as to break down the walls in order for us to develop healthy relationships and become catalysts for the transformation of soul that only Christ can bring?
Do you see an "inside culture" that is prohibitive in reaching people? How do you deal with it in your context?
Bro. Ted, In your small groups, how do you help people stay on course doctrinally without some form of curriculum. I was once involved in Lay Renewals in the late 70's in New England and loved the small group. I think they are wonderful. But I do see a snag that could rip into the process. It the group has no mature leader. How do you begin the process? Thanks, selahV
Posted by: selahV | April 27, 2009 at 07:16 AM
SelahV, good question. There are many kinds of small groups. I try to help congregations begin them by first looking at why they want to have small group; selecting and training leadership; and then looking at whatever curriculum. Of course there is much more to it than that and part of what I do is to help congregations begin small group. I like the model used by many churches that has coaches, small group leaders, and apprentices. All of these are lay persons within the congregation. I believe that there should be parameters for curriculum that are consistent with the mission, values, and doctrinal stance of the church. When I use the term "curriculum driven" I am referring to a small group study that is designed primarily for a flow of biblical information. In other words, to know. By "relationship driven" I am referring to the kind of small group that is willing to be an authentic community. The study of curriculum is not just to know, but it is to do. There is mutual accountability. If that doesn't answer your question, email me and lets visit or find me on Facebook. Blessings, Ted
Posted by: Ted E | April 28, 2009 at 09:39 AM