We believe that the church has always been, by Heavenly design, a place where friendships, relationships and a sense of Spiritual family are to be developed. We can therefore think of no better place, no place more conducive to that end than a small group setting. Small groups are the setting where Christian relationships can extend beyond the church facility walls to a more personal level. It is in this environment (small groups) that commitment to Jesus Christ and to His body may be deepened and matured, and that real Biblical "Koinonia", or fellowship, may be experienced on a regular basis.
Several reasons why every person should be in a home (small) group:
- It is the New Testament norm, (Acts 2:46 ). Biblical Koinonia (fellowship) is more than a once-per-week meeting, a handshake and a "Praise the Lord!", (Acts 2:42 ; 4:32 -35; I Cor 12:12 -27; Romans 12).
- Because every believer needs to be trained in a practical way in order to be discipled, committed followers of Christ, (Mt 28:18-20; II Tim 2:2).
- Because Christian maturity is not only the knowledge of Biblical truth, but real maturity is also the ability to understand oneself and to relate to the Body of Christ, and the world in general, as a solid, socially and emotionally healthy, seasoned, Saint!
- That one may be taught to become servants, which is the first step to becoming a leader, through real, practical, hands -on experience (Mk 9:33-37; Phil 2:1-11).
- It provides a place to bring new converts for nurturing, rooting, and preservation of God's harvest for the local church and His Kingdom, (Acts 2:47; Lk 10:30; Lk 14:23 ).
- It provides a place of encouragement and protection for believers, (I Thess 5:11; James 5:13-20).
- In a growing church, small groups provide each participant the opportunity to receive Pastoral care through delegated authority, (Ex 18:13 -23; Acts 6:1-6; Acts 20:28 ).
- To see that each person will be able to discover and exercise their spiritual gifts and callings, (I Cor 12:7; Rom 12:3-8).
- So that each person might be a channel of life and a Living Stone in the Body, ( Col 2:19; I Pet 2:5-9; John 7:38 ).
- It provides opportunity for timely discussion, teaching, clarification of prophecy, preaching, and vision as it comes from the pulpit ministry, or Gifts of the Spirit, (Hab 2:2-3; Amos 3:7; II Chron 20:20; I Cor 14:26).