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> Why A Small Group Forum?
Glen
post Jun 12 2007, 09:13 AM
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Hi Owen! This page on Christian Traditions may help you with the baptism schedule.


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Love & Hugs,
Glen


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cottrel2
post Jun 27 2007, 04:46 PM
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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.
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Glen
post Jun 28 2007, 07:17 AM
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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!


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Glen


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robk
post Aug 7 2007, 11:54 AM
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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
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IamKoala
post Oct 17 2010, 10:03 AM
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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!






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IamKoala
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joshhuntnm
post Sep 15 2012, 11:11 PM
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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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