The Lord intends his people to experience genuine biblical community, in a context of caring and commitment. Authentic community requires the building of relationships, the sharing of love, the meeting of needs and the speaking of truth. This kind of community takes place in a variety of contexts, most particularly in engaging small groups.
Authentic biblical community requires a commitment to loving relationships. This includes
a) A commitment to congregational unity
b) An atmosphere of healthy conflict resolution
c) An inclusive concern for “the last, the least and the lost”
We are convinced that commitments matter and that significant Christian growth occurs in the context of significant relationships. Active involvement in a small group is an essential part of true community where significant relationships are formed, love is experienced, care is given and fellowship is realized.
The goal of an effective small group is to carry out the biblical injunction to “stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). This involves the expression of love, the giving of care, the sharing of burdens, the encouragement of spiritual growth and, as necessary, the confronting of sin. A simple but memorable way of describing the function of small groups is to speak of the ABC’s of an effective group: accountability, belonging and care.
Small groups are to be places where genuine fellowship (koinonia) takes place, in the context of prayer, study of God’s Word, personal interaction and shared ministry.
