Connect groups

Small Groups in the New Testament – A Quote

Administrator — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 22:09:01 +0000

Community is a theme that runs throughout Scripture. God has always been calling out a people for Himself, beginning with Israel and continuing with the church. Even when the Jews were dispersed among enemy nations during times of captivity, they organized themselves into groups and ultimately formed synagogues (Jewish communities of worship and teaching), where they could serve one another and carry out their beliefs. It was natural, therefore, for Jesus to develop a community of followers and for Paul, Peter, and other church planters to start new communities wherever they went as they proclaimed the Gospel. These new communities began as small groups, just as Jesus had modeled with the twelve disciples (Mark 3:14; Luke 6:12-19).

Small groups were an integral part of the early church structure. They were small enough to allow individual members to minister to one another, use their spiritual gifts, and be discipled in the teachings of Christ. In addition, they were vibrant and life-giving communities where evangelism could take place as unchurched people watched a loving and compassionate community in action. Small groups not only built up the church as the first living examples of biblical community but were vehicles for reaching a lost world for Christ.

–Bill Donahue

Is Community Necessary?

outreach — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:14:54 +0000

I came across another example of the importance of community that I think is worth sharing. It comes from a book called “Stories for the Heart” compiled by Alice Gray. This excerpt is titled “Object Lesson” by John MacArthur.

A pastor went to see a man who didn’t attend church very faithfully. The man was sitting before a fire, watching the warm glow of the coals. It was a cold winter day, but the coals were red hot, and the fire was warm. The pastor pleaded with the man to be more faithful in meeting with the people of God, but the man didn’t seem to be getting the message.

So the pastor took the tongs beside the fireplace, pulled open the screen, and reached in and began to separate all the coals. When none of the coals was touching the others, he stood and watched in silence. In a matter of moments, they were all cold… The man got the message.

Do you feel like a solitary piece of coal? Maybe it is time that you sought out a community where you can enjoy life together. We can help.

Why Community?

outreach — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:45:59 +0000

I have been reading recently in a book put out by “The Voice of the Martyrs” called “Extreme Devotion”. The following quote caught my eye and caused me to say “Yes, that is why we invest our lives in small groups of community”.

“Jesus did not entrust his ministry to independent believers–he established a spiritual family. He used words like “brother” and “sister” to convey the idea that he did not expect his disciples to be in this alone. Paul continued Christ’s mission by instructing new believers to gather together in churches for fellowship and corporate worship. Christians need each other–especially in times of trial. When one believer falters, fellow believers rally in support and encouragement. This is why the New Testament regards the duty of living by example as a necessity in the Christian faith. One person’s example of faith and courage can inspire and unite others to follow suit. Conversely, when one believer cracks under the pressure of persecution, it is easier for others to give in as well. History holds high the camaraderie of Christian community–especially during persecution”.