DSMN Discussion Thread The Importance of Small Groups
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Liberty University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
500
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by davisveronica
Discussion Thread: The Importance of Small Groups Majority of the time, it is a weakness, chiefly in the common church environment that for a believer to grow spiritually, only two things are given much importance- the Word of God and the Holy Spirit of God. Jim Putman writes, “The main factors that cause spiritual growth are the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the people of God.”
1
Another element -the people of God- is
overlooked by many Christians and even pastors in most regular church settings. And the outcome are plainly seen in the health, lack of growth, and no fruits produced by those Christians
believers and the churches. This is, in some cases, because of the reduction of proximate environment within the church. The factor behind producing a small group is to help an individual develop spiritually by taking down those strong barriers of everyday activities that goes on inside a church which has become a tradition to be followed rather than a calling to be lived. God well-established the church with a determination to go and make disciples, but the lack of comparative situations (small groups) deter true discipleship. Putman goes on to say, “The relational small group model the courage for discipleship. A small group may each week at an individual home or on the weekends at a church building. The key is that the small group’s purpose is defined as encouraging discipleship—not primarily fellowship or counseling or even outreach.
2
The author Dempsey summarized the normal of a healthful small group in the cipher gathering. A healthy small group is a group that is guided by a leader, regularly meets, and opens of God’s word, Unites in service and Prays for one another.
3
The small groups can be successful and fulfilling the mission of God, as little as with two/three people or as big as a group of more than twenty individuals. Dempsey introduces the successful group with three to four people that is shaped with a desire to serving each other to stay guided in growing in their three directional relationships (upward, inward and outward) and keeping each other liable. Also the author says, “A growth group is a group of three or four persons of the same sex who gather weekly to encourage one another to make progress in their walks with Christ.”
4
The small group meets regularly with regards to examine three main areas to help one another to grow in Christ with their relationship, with one another and with the mission of Jesus Christ. Every person in the group is to give feedback and ask questions to each other which will mirror their walk and growth in Jesus Christ throughout their life. The seriousness of having growth can be created in the Jesus Christ-faithful liability that it contributes for and to each member.
The effects of accomplishing, participating, growing in small groups and growth expansion of groups can be seen in Christ’s life all through his ministry on earth. Jesus Christ picked twelve disciples to join Him on His journey, discipline and develop them to continue the mission after He is gone. In several verses throughout the word, then we find Jesus Christ outlaying more time
with Peter, James and John. Jesus Christ was willfully contributing his time and purpose with these three of the twelve disciples chosen by Him. He did so, not because He loved Peter, James and John more but because He knew the amount of less people gathering together to progress and benefit others to grow. By doing so, Christ was helping them develop their love for God the 1
Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman, Disciple Shift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013), 178.
2
Ibid, 181. 3
Ibid, 209-210. 4
Ibid, 211.
Father and Himself, flourish in their love for each other, and advance in their love for the ones who have strayed away.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help