Indeed, the case for small groups is often overstated, as in, “small groups are really where church happens.” To equate small groups with church is to miss Scripture’s emphasis on elder-led (1 Tim. The Bible says, “Believers shouldn’t curse anyone or be quarrelsome, but they should be gentle and show courtesy to everyone.” Show courtesy to everyone.If you’ve never been part of a church small group, or have been part of a group that was unhelpful, it might be difficult to appreciate their draw.
You can disagree without being disagreeable. In fellowship we show respect even when we disagree with each other. That means in fellowship we show respect for our differences. Romans 12:10 “Take delight in honoring each other.”įellowship is built on courtesy. Help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone.” “(Speak) only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” The Bible says, “Encourage anyone who feels left out. Someone you get alone with and you commit to checking up on each other. You have somebody who you’re personally encouraging in their quiet time in your faith and in your spiritual growth. Mutual accountability. In other words, you get a prayer partner in your group.There are three parts to mutuality when it comes to building blocks of biblical community. Your faith will help me and my faith will help you.” That’s like that great theologian Bill Withers once said, “We all need somebody to lean on.” We need each other to do that. Romans 1:12 says, “I want us to help each other with the faith we have. You cannot be what God wants you to be without other people. In fellowship that means we help each other grow. 3. Mutualityįellowship is built on mutuality. When I look at the word of God and let it touch my soul and I see where I don’t measure up and where I need to grow then it forces me to be authentic. It’s coming into contact with the word of God. It’s not ooey-gooey sentimentality that makes you authentic. It’s not therapy that makes you authentic. It exposes us for what we really are.” It’s not pop psychology that makes you authentic. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our inner most thoughts and desires.
#One and all church community groups full#
“The word of God is full of living power. The quickest way to build authenticity in your life and in your group is this-study and apply the word of God. You say, “This is where I’m at,” and you admit it. I often say revealing your feeling is the beginning of healing. So as James 5:15 says, “Admit your faults one to another and pray for each other so that you may be healed…” In recovery we have a saying that you’re only as sick as your secrets. In the light of God’s truth we don’t try to hide our faults. There are three fears that cause us to be inauthentic: the fear of exposure, the fear of rejection and the fear of being hurt again. In Fellowship you share your true feelings. You do a habit frequently. You do it over and over and over. Instead, let us encourage one another.” A habit is something you do with frequency. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 10:25, “Let us not give up the habit of meeting together. What Does Biblical Community Look Like? 10 Building Blocks: 1. Frequency At Saddleback, we talk a lot about the building blocks of biblical community, and there are at least 10 of them.