The early Christians were committed to God and to each other. They were devoted to, among other things, fellowship (Acts 2:42). This is not a way that I would always choose to describe church in the 21st century. There was a time - and I had good reasons(!) - when I would turn up to church just at the beginning and leave right at the end, and that was it as far as my committment to fellowship.
Others hang around a lot longer after the service, and even have a cup of tea, but this too is a poor reflection of the fellowship that we read of in Acts 2.
Of course our understanding of community is very different today. We don't all live within walking distance of church. We may not know our neighbours. We might work unhelpful shift patterns. We may have more than one job. Your community might be those you work with, or those at the gym. You may even be part of an online community.
We were created to be a part of a community, and to grow in our faith we need to be a part of community. We learn from spending time with others and watching them. The best way to receive discipline is within the context of community and relationship. Our questions are answered by others who know us. Our interpretation and application of the Bible is kept in check by a community of believers. And this sort of meaningful community can't be formed in a few hours on a Sunday morning when we may not even speak to those who sit alongside us.
I'm increasingly convinced that for church to work everyone needs to be a part of a small group. It is within that context that we can eat together, get to know each other properly, pray together, care for each other, invite our friends, grow, multiply....
That's not to say that all those groups are 'house groups' in the traditional sense. But each person needs to belong to a group of no more than 12 people. On Sunday I'm going to ask three questions for group discussion and feedback (not everyone can answer all the questions):
1. I'm part of a small group because...
2. I'm not part of a small group because...
3. I would go to a small group, (or I'd enjoy my group more) if ...
Homework this week is to have a meal, or at least a coffee, with someone from your church that you don't know well.
Maybe you have good/bad experience of small groups, thoughts, comments...Grab a coffee and join the conversation.
1 comment:
I wholeheartedly agree. The consumer culture has slipped into Church life. We often go to be get not to give of ourselves. May sound a bit harsh but I think a lot of us have forgotten John 13 and what Jesus said about loving and serving each other.
Grace and Peace
Okiki
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