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Christian Forums _ Leading Small Groups _ Why A Small Group Forum?

Posted by: Glen Jul 28 2006, 10:18 AM

Why have a Small Groups Forum when most people worship God in a "church", right? Would it surprise you to know that the vast majority of Christians in the world worship in homes, garages, woods, caves, or riverbanks? Did you know the majority of those active in a commercial "church" also take part in one or more Small Group, called by various names (Bible study, fellowship, Sunday School, etc.)? Easily, 75% of active Christians participate in small groups. The commercial "churches" encourage small group participation because they know...

all ministry is personal
Large groups can't produce the relationship and interaction required for personal ministry. At a group size of 25 or more, communication is top-down and programmed, schedules must be rigid, individual needs go unnoticed, accountability is difficult and unnatural and people feel unattached and alienated. At a group size of 5-15, communication is varied and two-way, schedules can flex, individual needs are easily addressed, accountability is natural and automatic and people feel connected and develop real relationships...not those fake, smiley, Sunday kind.

This is why we strongly encourage you to participate in a small group, whether or not you attend a "church." This is also why it's important to have a Small Group Forum to learn and grow how to do the best small group worship we can and to wean ourselves from the services of professional clergy.

I put "church" in quotes as an aside for those who believe you can't worship God without the "big box". Jesus said He would be wherever 2 or more gathered in His name. The Holy Spirit inhabits our praise, not our building. In fact, every home, every garage, every basement, every restaurant, every field or cave IS a church when they contain people worshiping Jesus.

What do you think?

Posted by: EchelonsMarch May 15 2007, 06:04 PM

I definetely agree, I feel most comfortable when I'm worshipping God alone by myself and just Him but a small group for me, would be easier than a large one smile.gif

Posted by: BlessedBee Jun 9 2007, 09:51 AM

Glen, I think the small group form of worship is a wonderful idea, unfortunately, for me not possible at least not in a physical community setting. My illness started shortly after my husband and I moved from New York to Virginia. We have no family in the area; it's just him and me. We moved into a small log cabin, in the woods, with no neighbors, and outside of the people my husband works with, we don't really know anyone here.

I am now either stuck in bed or in a wheelchair, and getting me in and out of a car for transport anywhere is difficult, not to mention most people's homes are not wheelchair accessible. I'm just not physically up for the church hunt, so we don't belong to a local congregation. God is with me, so I am not alone, but otherwise I'm pretty isolated.

I guess my question is how does one go about getting involved with a group when the only humans they see are on a TV screen? I get kind of tired of fellowshipping with myself; I'm great company, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. tongue.gif

Thanks -- PS I'm enjoy your site.

Posted by: Owen Jun 10 2007, 04:47 AM

Hi BlessedBee,

You could join an online group of some sort, with online real-time discussions maybe - Like online chatting for Christians. You could make regular times eventually if you wanted, and get to know a regular group of people as well.

I think the idea is good for someone in your position, maybe you could look into it.

Posted by: Glen Jun 10 2007, 02:45 PM

BlessedBee, I'm glad you like the site. As you can tell from Echelons and Owen, Christian fellowship is available on the web right here in these forums. Owen is right, of course, you could try Christian chat. My problem with that is, I'm not fast enough for the other chatters. I've considered adding chat to these forums, but it gets out of control too easily without the social constraints present with a group of people standing around. Given what passes for Christianity in some circles, I decided it would be best for our on line fellowship to happen in the more deliberate forum setting.

In fact, though I teach that a small group worship is all that's needed...really, all that's needed is you and God, with fellowship happening as God brings people into your life, your home, your computer. As many small groups as we've been part of, my favorite worship time is alone with God. I never worry about how someone else will feel about the wording of my prayer or my worship practices. You and I and the millions of others like us, who, for whatever reason, don't get out to the other worship opportunities are the reason I prepare a weekly worship service and have on line forums. God is beyond time and space, so, we can worship together at different times and places. As little as this makes sense to our minds, I Cor 5 suggests it is, indeed, possible.

I sure feel like we're all part of the same "church," regularly gathering together in Christian fellowship.

Posted by: BlessedBee Jun 11 2007, 05:33 AM

Good Morning Glen,

I'm not a big fan of chat rooms either. Maybe it's our age laugh.gif ; I, too, have a difficult time following the conversation in chat rooms. I have all I can do to keep up with IM'ing with more than one of our daughters at a time! I have been to other Christian forums and have been dismayed at the amount of bickering going on regarding interpretations. So many people seem focused on beating others over the head with their interpretation of what the bible says, and sometimes getting nasty if you don't agree, than trying to help the person asking the questions; I stopped going to them.

Contributors on the forums here, for the most part, are respectful of each other. I know when I'm looking for answers in the Bible, I try to listen to what God says to me, personally. I am interested in what other people feel God has told them, but really do not like being ridiculed or judged regarding what I believe God has told me. It's not anyone's place to attack or judge another Christian's belief, even if you think they are off-base.......pray for them and let God handle it.

I guess the biggest problem I have with online groups, in general, is the lack of physical presence of another person. Not everyone has the ability to express themselves adequately in writing, and making friends, online, is even harder than in the real world. People just don't stick around long enough to get to know one another. Even in this forum, I have noticed many people join the forums to ask for prayers or ask questions to get relief for some type of hurt or problem; they may receive replys, maybe not, but poof they're gone. Oh well, I know it's the nature of this type of communication.

For the time being, this is what I have to work with, so I'll let our Lord guide me as to what He'd like me to do. Have a blessed and peaceful day.

Posted by: Glen Jun 11 2007, 06:42 AM

I see you know exactly why I don't have chatrooms. Having been a pastor in traditional churches for 11 years, though, I really don't see much of a difference between the forums and a church. Every church I've been in has had about 30-50% of the people just floating through, getting a need met and moving on. I think what may look different to most people is the fact you also have a large number...about 20% that are solid servants who have been and will be there for years. I believe when our forums have been here for years, that's what we will have. The forums have been up less than a year. For five years prior to that, we had an email prayer team where some of the first members had been active participants since the first months. Unfortunately, the technological leap to forums was too much for most of them, but a number of them are members here, who quietly pray for people and another group stays in touch with me via email. I'm sure it will never match the face-to-face fellowship for those who are used to that, but the Spiritual aspects are just as real.

A way in which I've noticed Internet ministry is superior to the face-to-face is honesty. Because everyone is remote and anonymous, people feel more free to be open and honest. The Bible says to confess to one another and bear each other's burdens, yet, how often do you see someone admitting in a church fellowship to being a pedophile, theif or a porn addict, for example? In most churches, it just doesn't happen. I didn't see anything like it in 11 years. People just don't feel safe in church with their secret sins. That isn't the case on the Internet. They are using artificial names, which seems to make it safe to be real in other ways. Another example of honesty...everywhere I've served the Lord, people have told me they loved me, I was their brother, yet, when God called me to another church or another ministry, it was as if I dropped off the face of the Earth. Maybe you've experienced the same thing. I suspect from your posts, you have.

Now, I seek genuine fellowship with people who love me for more than weekly visits to the same local building. If that means I fellowship with fewer people, at least the fellowship is genuine. It's my prayer that those who stay here and fellowship with us won't be doing it out of religious compulsion, tradition or habit, but genuine desire. See John 4:21-24

Posted by: BlessedBee Jun 11 2007, 12:00 PM

I agree with your post, Glen

God must have led me here because I was getting pretty discouraged with the other sites/forums, and you have made this forum very comfortable. I can feel the sincerity and spirituality coming from the different forums/posts I've read.

I know what you mean about belonging to a church. I was born and raised Catholic; that pretty much took care of being comfortable about confessing anything in church rolleyes.gif . The last actual church we went to was a very nice Baptist church, people were friendly enough, pastor was knowledgeable and bible-oriented, but you are right, very regimented. And, forget trying to get involved in anything; I attempted to get involved with a couple of church groups; you would have thought I had the plague. Apparently, they were satisfied with the regular, long-standing members they had in their groups and didn't need any newcomer's influence.

My longing for human contact stems from being couped up for weeks, sometimes months at a time without seeing anyone except for my husband. My husband's employer has been gracious enough to allow him to work from home part of the day, but he's still working. I do have my dogs, but their conversation skills need some improving...lol

I appreciate your being a friend.

(((((HUGS!)))))

Posted by: Glen Jun 11 2007, 01:49 PM

Your dog sure looks like it can talk. I can't get a thing out of our deer.

Posted by: Owen Jun 12 2007, 05:28 AM

funny Glen, maybe you should try de-antlering that deer, you might get something out of it then.

Oh well, the online chatting thing seemed like a good idea at the time BlessedBee. It doesn't cater to your needs, I hope you find somewhere that does. Here seems good enough for me, except I need to organise my baptism, and that can't really be done online.

The reason I like it at this congregation, is because it is not so organised, and it doesn't matter what I wear. At my parents church, they dress the young people up like they are from the 1920's to 1940's and it's more like a cult because of this, and not a real fellowship of Christians, in the world, but not of the world. They focus so much on the dress that it makes you uncomfortable, and God looks on the heart, the other stuff just makes you awkward. So, I don't go there anymore, but didn't want to leave the fellowship out of it.

I don't know very many people, but Glen has lots of experience and knows a lot, and Maddy's posts are interesting, reading the forums as new people post is good too. Even though I'm only 22, I do have some life experience in a few areas, and the Lord has seen fit that I live on to tell my story, and to help others with problems that I have had success in. Also, I can definitely pass on some advice on consequences... Things to stay away from... Paths of trouble...divorces etc... What a recipe of disaster for the family. If anyone listens, at least my having to go through such things will be worth it.

Owen

Posted by: Glen Jun 12 2007, 09:13 AM

Hi Owen! This page on http://www.web-church.com/christian_traditions-practices.htm may help you with the baptism schedule.

Posted by: cottrel2 Jun 27 2007, 04:46 PM

Hey Glenn and All,
I'm just a newbie here. I not longer feel comfortable in a church setting. The church my wife and I attend is really a good church: small but hard working and out-reach oriented. It's a 35-40 minute commute, though. I've been in larger churches in the past but now eye them with a lack of trust (maybe a topic for another day/forum). We seem to have a hard time holding onto good christian friends. Our last friends moved to California. Even in churches where I've actively participated in home groups we seem to always drift apart. I've coined a phrase called "churchy friends". Not really a good phrase, either. I guess what I am hoping for and desiring is to get involved in a home group or home-based church. Maybe even lead one sometime. Please pray that I might make the right connections.

Posted by: Glen Jun 28 2007, 07:17 AM

Hi Dave! I have the same problem. In fact, the schedules of the others in my life are so crammed, I can't get them to commit on a weekly basis to any time. I make up for it by regularly visiting with different Christian friends and relatives, keeping my need for fellowship fulfilled. Every two weeks, I spend a whole day with one man, where we share what God is doing in our lives and all the opportunities He's given us to reach others, along with looking at the world events from a Godly and Biblical perspective. Others, I meet with less often, but you get the idea. Of course, then there's here!

Posted by: robk Aug 7 2007, 11:54 AM

QUOTE(Glen @ Jul 28 2006, 10:18 AM) *
Why have a Small Groups Forum when most people worship God in a "church", right? Would it surprise you to know that the vast majority of Christians in the world worship in homes, garages, woods, caves, or riverbanks? Did you know the majority of those active in a commercial "church" also take part in one or more Small Group, called by various names (Bible study, fellowship, Sunday School, etc.)? Easily, 75% of active Christians participate in small groups. The commercial "churches" encourage small group participation because they know...

all ministry is personal
Large groups can't produce the relationship and interaction required for personal ministry. At a group size of 25 or more, communication is top-down and programmed, schedules must be rigid, individual needs go unnoticed, accountability is difficult and unnatural and people feel unattached and alienated. At a group size of 5-15, communication is varied and two-way, schedules can flex, individual needs are easily addressed, accountability is natural and automatic and people feel connected and develop real relationships...not those fake, smiley, Sunday kind.

This is why we strongly encourage you to participate in a small group, whether or not you attend a "church." This is also why it's important to have a Small Group Forum to learn and grow how to do the best small group worship we can and to wean ourselves from the services of professional clergy.

I put "church" in quotes as an aside for those who believe you can't worship God without the "big box". Jesus said He would be wherever 2 or more gathered in His name. The Holy Spirit inhabits our praise, not our building. In fact, every home, every garage, every basement, every restaurant, every field or cave IS a church when they contain people worshiping Jesus.

What do you think?


Right on again Glen,
I am attending a church ( a rather large one). Sometimes I do feel like a very small fish in a big pond., but I have met some great people. Before church, all my friends might have said they were Christian but their lives sure did not reflect it. I think church is what you make of it. I joined a small group and there is where most of my spiritual gains were attained. It took a while to trust each other but when we did WOW. Lots of growth, Lots of testimony and Praise Jesus Lots of redemption. I know my group (Deep Water Warriors) is on the right track and I am looking forward to Gods mercy and grace that will be as promised bestowed on its members for obeying the Spirit that lives within us.
(Deep Water Warriors) we named the group on retreat. We figured it was time to get out of the kiddie pool... wink.gif
God Bless

Posted by: IamKoala Oct 17 2010, 10:03 AM

Glen,

You are so right on point with your statement ... "I put "church" in quotes as an aside for those who believe you can't worship God without the "big box". Jesus said He would be wherever 2 or more gathered in His name. The Holy Spirit inhabits our praise, not our building. In fact, every home, every garage, every basement, every restaurant, every field or cave IS a church when they contain people worshiping Jesus."

I believe in what the scriptures say as you clearly reminded us of ...John 4:21-24 (keying in on vs 21)
:21 - "For it is not where we worship that counts, but how we worship - is our worship spiritual and real?"



We all have a personal relationship w/God in our own way. I used to go to church regularly, serve in various ministries, and offer encouragement and hospitality to people. I did this not just because I loved God, but because I love people and serving. I have always been this way. But when my christian marriage started falling apart, I w/drew and became helpless feeling. I would serve, but satan was always there knocking me down and making feel insecure. satan (through my husband) tore down my emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being to the point that I left my husband and eventually stopped going to church altogether. I am still not in a church, not because of him, but because I've gotten used to the 'freedom' (not in Christ) away from the church body. Getting to my point...I strive and excell when I have 'church' fellowship. W/out it, I struggle deeply spiritually. So, I go online to 'chat' with people and try to serve God via internet by offering advice to others and getting the spiritual help I need too.

I am looking for a church, but for now the internet is my 'church' refuge. I do know that some people hide behind the mouse wink.gif and some don't...But even if they are hiding, they are seeking refuge for themselves too. Whatever gets them to seek out God and search for truth is great w/me! I'm glad that we have an opportunity to fellowship w/others all over the world via internet. It has always been a blessing to me.

***side note*** I totally agree w/you Glenn on not allowing or creating a 'chat' in here..... it's very difficult to control and sometimes you can get angry people in the chat that winds up hurting people w/their words and unbelief. I've been in many a chat-room for christians and it wasn't pretty.

Keep up the good work for Christ!





Posted by: joshhuntnm Sep 15 2012, 11:11 PM

The bible teaches that we only grow as we are connected to one another.

Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV)
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Josh Hunt
www.joshhunt.com

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