​Circles & Rows

​Circles & Rows
 
Recently in our Sunday worship we have emphasized the need for both the small group and the large group in Christian community. This year at Bethel Church we are seeking to better understand and grow in that Biblical pattern. Why do both the small and large group matter?
 
Andy Stanley said: “You can’t do in rows, what you can in circles.”
 
There is something about meeting regularly in a small group of believers that Sunday worship cannot accomplish. In small groups we find intimate community where we can share our joys, struggles, doubts, and hopes. Each believer has a high sense of ownership because leadership in worship, studying the Scriptures, and prayer is shared together. When someone has a baby, gets surgery, gets a promotion, or loses a loved one – the smaller community is there to be their primary support and point them to Jesus. Whether in times of satisfaction or want, the small group is steady and consistent.  When someone is young in the faith, the small group provides a unique opportunity to learn from intentional community. 
 
While it is true that the small group might be the place where our discipleship hits closest to home, the large group is also essential. In Sunday worship we come together as small groups, families, and individuals. We rub shoulders with others along the path.  We celebrate what God is doing in our midst, lift up His Name, witness baptism, take the Lord’s Supper, and become equipped & challenged through the preaching of God’s Word.
 
Without Sunday worship, a small group is an island. Without small groups, Sunday worship is just an event. We need both. It is Biblical to be engaged in both.
 
Are you primarily Sunday-oriented and today is the day you sign up for a small group too? Is the small group your sweet-spot but today God is calling you to commit to regular Sunday engagement? I’d love to chat with you. 
 
 
Pastor Ryan

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