Why A Small Group Forum? Options

[Glen]

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?

[IamKoala]

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 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!