"A Biblical Philosophy of Ministry of Small Groups at Grace Evan"
Community is a present necessity and future reality
Scripture presents God in perfect fellowship and community within the Godhead (John 1:1-3) and forming man for community with Himself (Genesis 1:26-31) and others (Genesis 2:18). We have been redeemed and placed by Christ in a great community of faith, His church with whom there will be eternal fellowship (Revelation 21:3).
Community is a privilege and responsibility
Gathering together in small groups for prayer, encouragement, and spiritual growth is both a by-product of life in Christ and a responsibility of life in Christ. We are redeemed in community and for community with brothers and sisters in Christ. The Holy Spirit places us into the body of Christ so that we are members of one another (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Grace Groups give practical expression to our being one body in Christ.
Community is a means of grace and discipleship
“Christian Community is the body of Christ expressing the life and message of Christ to build up one another and redeem the world for God’s glory.” Christ formed a small group, the 12 apostles, for the purpose of discipleship and training. Early believers met from house to house as have believers in every era of church history (Acts 2:46; 20:20) for the purpose of spiritual growth.
Community is a means to encouragement and care
The Scripture urges the followers of Christ “to consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…but exhorting one another” (Hebrews 10:24). The best place to pursue “one another” living is in a small community like Grace Groups.
Community is a means of protection and accountability
Many of God’s blessings and spiritual safeguards are given through godly relationships. We are supported in difficult, challenging seasons of life (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10), given insights for making good decisions (Proverbs 15:22), and accountability and confidentiality (Proverbs 27:17). Community supplies strength, assurance, and reliability (Proverbs 18:24).
Community is a means of organization and structure
As a church grows larger in the celebration of worship, it must grow smaller through multiplying small groups of community so that everyone is cared for and no one cares for too many. In this way no one “stands alone, struggles alone, serves alone, develops alone, or grows alone.”
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