SMALL GROUPS
Church is
family. The other
members are our spiritual brothers, sisters,
sons and daughters. We do not "go to" family
– it is not an event or a place. We are
family.
Of course,
healthy families do get together – often.
But it is not their getting together that
makes them family; it is their relationship
with one another. Likewise, it is not the
meeting itself that makes a church, but the
relationships. Being the body of Christ
involves much more than meetings. Christ
commanded us to love one another (John
15:12, 17) and said that the world would
know us by that love (John 13:35). The early
disciples understood this and shared their
lives together in deep and meaningful ways.
…
Wolfgang
Simson writes,
…
This community lifestyle is molded
in the spirit of love, truth,
forgiveness, faith and grace. … the
way we love each other, forgive each
other, mourn with those who mourn
and laugh with those who laugh,
extend and receive grace and
constantly remain in touch with
God’s truth and forgiveness. It is a
place where all masks can fall, and
we can be open to each other and
still keep loving each other.
Authentic
fellowship. It is
being real with one another, loving and
caring for one another genuinely and without
hypocrisy. It is the knowledge that if
someone is having difficulties, we know that
person well enough to recognize the signs.
It is learning to take off the masks that we
all wear and allowing people to know us as
we really are. True fellowship takes time
and commitment. -Tony & Felicity Dale,
George Barna; The Rabbit and the Elephant
P.64-66 (Bold added)
The Purpose of the
Church
Matthew 28
(NIV)
18Then
Jesus came to them and said, "All authority
in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19Therefore go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you. And
surely I am with you always, to the very end
of the age."
We see from this passage
that Jesus sent out His followers to make
disciples and teach them to obey everything
He commanded.
The purpose of the
church is evangelism and discipleship.
God uses many methods to
touch hearts with His love and salvation and
to motivate His children to greater
obedience. However, in a culture and time
where accountability is scarce and many have
heard-it-all before, traditional approaches
can be ineffective.
Given our time in
history, the culture in which we live and
His command to go, small groups are
ideal to these tasks .
The Role of Small
Groups
Intentional relationships are key to
effective evangelism.
Realizing that we have been strategically
placed by God right where we live now
and leveraging our influence in the lives of
those near us continues to be a primary
avenue God uses to introduce Himself.
Many
friends, coworkers or even family can be
intimidated by a church setting or
charismatic worship service. Often believers
can be reluctant to invite others because of
the uncertainty of the service or the
reaction of their guests.
That's why
the environment of small groups are a
perfect opportunity to introduce the
unchurched to the body of Christ. In a small
group, people can welcome each other’s
guests within a safe and accepting family
atmosphere.
Intentional relationships
are key to sustained spiritual growth.
That's why small groups are such an
important part of discipleship. In a small
group, people study God's word together and
discuss the issues and challenges of life.
It's also where they pray, care for one
another, and are missed if they don't show
up.
Practically speaking,
there will never be a way for the staff or
elders of Agape to personally minister to
everyone who attends our church. That's why
we are placing such a high premium on group
life. It's how we will all minister
effectively.
Small Groups at Agape
The goal of small groups
at Agape is connection. To connect the
believers that meet at Agape with one
another. To connect believers at Agape with
a safety net during times of crisis. To
facilitate communication and discipleship
with believers who meet at Agape. To provide
a safe place to invite outsiders. To better
communicate the needs of the body at Agape
with the leadership of the church.
In this day and age
believers in the U.S. can readily receive
quality, Biblical teaching and instruction
from a vast variety of sources and
ministries via television, radio, literature
and the internet (audio streaming, video
streaming, podcast, etc.). We also enjoy
access to multitudes of worship and
inspirational songs and music by the same
means.
However what most often
lack is the connection, accountability,
purpose and care that comes from
intentionally participating in a life-giving
community.
The Bible encourages each
of us …
Hebrews 10 (NIV)
4And let us consider
how we may spur one another on toward
love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up
meeting together, as some are in the habit
of doing, but let us encourage one
another—and all the more as you see the Day
approaching.
1 John 1 (NIV)
7But if we walk in the
light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship with one another, and the blood
of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
We want small groups to
develop and meet in believers homes all over
Camden County as well as at Agape. We are
opening up the Agape campus for groups to
utilize at all times throughout the week. We
have already converted several rooms into
"living spaces" for this purpose and have
plans for further modifications.
Our heart is to remove
every possible obstacle that would hinder
the body of Christ the meets at Agape from
growing up together in Him (Ephesians
4:15-16).
Your Invitation
I believe that small
groups are a purer and more authentic
expression of the church. And I want to
invite you to be a part of a small group at
Agape Christian Fellowship.
This is entirely
voluntary. Our intention is not to
"stick" you with a group or, if you decide
not to participate in group life, to treat
you as an "sub-saint."
We want to nurture a
culture at Agape where Romans 12 is
manifested in life of each believer on a
weekly basis.
Romans 12 (NIV)
9Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil; cling to what is
good. 10Be devoted to one another in
brotherly love. Honor one another above
yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but
keep your spiritual fervor, serving the
Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in
affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share
with God's people who are in need. Practice
hospitality.
14Bless those who
persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice
with those who rejoice; mourn with those who
mourn. 16Live in harmony with one
another. Do not be proud, but be willing to
associate with people of low position. Do
not be conceited.
Prayerfully consider this
possibility for group life. And as you do
perhaps discuss and invite others here at
Agape to join you as you enter into a deeper
commitment to Christ and His body.
If you are ready to
connect in this way, please print your
name, phone number and current
email on the sign-up list in the Agape
church lobby and we will be in contact with
you in the near future.
Thank you.
Pastor Jonny
