Chapter 3: I Will Grow With Others

THE OVERWHELMING EFFECT OF SMALL GROUPS! THOM’S AMAZING FINDINGS: Those church members who became involved in some type of group in the churches were five times more likely to be active in the church five years later compared to the worship-only attenders. (p. 37)

THE OVERWHELMING EFFECT OF SMALL GROUPS! THOM’S AMAZING FINDINGS: More than 83% of those who joined and were involved in a small group were still active in the churches. But only 16% of those who attended worship services only remained in the churches five years later. (p.37)

The Biblical Basis for Group Phenomenon * Matt. 10:1-4 Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him.

The Biblical Basis for Group Phenomenon * Luke 6: It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God. And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles: Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James and John; and Philip and Bartholomew; and Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot; Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

The Biblical Basis for Group Phenomenon Modeled by Jesus: Jesus preached and taught the masses, but He poured Himself into 12 men!

The Biblical Basis for Group Phenomenon * Acts 2:46 – 47 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God an having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

The Biblical Basis for Group Phenomenon Emulated by the church: Note closely the two contexts where early believers met. They gathered for worship in the temple courts, and then they gathered in groups in their homes. The health of the early church was intricately tied to both the larger meeting and the smaller meeting context. It was not either/or. It was both/and. (p.36)

THOM’S BOLD CHALLENGE CONCERNING SMALL GROUPS If you are not in a group, you are not really committed to your church. If you are not in a group, you are, at best, a marginal church member. If you are not in a group the likelihood of you dropping out from your church is high.

THOM’S BOLD CHALLENGE CONCERNING SMALL GROUPS If you are not in a group, you could be a Christian sluggard. That means you may be an incredibly lazy and uncommitted Christian. It means that you are unwilling to grow spiritually together with others. And if you think that Lone Ranger Christianity is acceptable to God, you need to read the New Testament again.

Growing in Christ Together in Small Groups  The Relationship Affect  The Ministry Affect  The Teaching Affect  The Evangelism Affect

WHY GROUPS MATTER TO THE CHURCH The health of the church is directly tied to the health of groups in the church.

WHY GROUPS MATTER TO THE CHURCH Groups in the church help close the back door.

WHY GROUPS MATTER TO THE CHURCH You as a church member should be committed to being a part of a small group in your church.

WHY GROUPS MATTER TO THE CHURCH Everyone in a group should be inviting others to the group.

ONE FINAL WORD