Small Groups: How One Church Does It
A pastor shares a working model of how Christians can build supporting relationships into each other.
James R. Tozer with Daniel W. Pawley
October 1, 1980
How can churches handle the growing needs for counseling? How can a pastor build a vital, interactive community ? How can he or she effectively disciple and equip throughout the church?
James R. Tozer, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Lafayette, Indiana, experimented in various ways to answer those questions. He certainly didn't find instant answers-but with a lot of prayer and patience, he's developed groups that have become the beating heart of his church.
Obviously, Covenant Presbyterian is not the only model for effective small groups. There are many variations, and we hope to explore some of them in the future. But there are enough common principles and excellent advice here for anyone to give it a thorough reading.
A Quick Lesson
(( S mall groups will produce cliques." "My religion is private." "I sure don't want to sit around listening to people air their emotions."
These were some of the remarks provoked by my first attempt at initiating the ministry style of small group discipleship in my church. I went ahead anyway.
At one service I issued a call following one of my motivational pep talks, and eighty people responded. I divided them randomly into eight groups of ten and arbitrarily said, "All right, you ten will be a group. Here's your leader."
This proved about as effective as pushing a chain. The group members did not feel united and did not develop any real sense of intimacy. Since they derived little benefit, many decided the meetings were not worth the effort, and the groups collapsed.
It was a very quick lesson.
Snapped Muscles and Pieces of a Puzzle
More recently, as the springs of renewal welled up in refreshing, restoring ways within our congregation, I felt a strong push by the Holy Spirit to try again. ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
