Post #81 Smaller...

In a culture surrounded by images and advertisements for the "next big thing," we often have difficulty finding value in the "small things." This is especially true in the Church where, for the past two and a half decades, the mega-church movement has seen hundreds (if not thousands) of very large congregations explode in growth. Understand, this is not necessarily a "bad" thing. However, some of these churches are beginning to realize that there is real importance to growing smaller.

In churches over 1000 in attendance, it might seem contridictory for there to be an emphasis on growing smaller. But there is. The small group and house church movements have focused on a very Biblical concept: Discipleship through close, intimate relationships.

Jesus had a core group of followers comprised of the twelve disciples as well as his mother (Mary), the sisters (Mary and Martha), their brother (Lazarus), Mary of Magdala, as well as the Pharisee (Nicodemus). If all were told, Jesus probably had a group of 20 or more close followers, however, the 12 had an important role and were thus closer, in many ways, to Jesus. Even among the 12, Simon (Peter), James, and John were his closest pupils. They were his smaller group within the small group.

Smaller does not imply insignificance. If a congregation seeks to reach as many people as possible with the message of Jesus, it must learn to grow smaller; this is where life lessons, mentoring, challenging, and accountability take place. This is where small groups and house churches should find their purpose: in discipling others. The larger congregation should see small group and house church ministry as an integral part of the discipling ministry.

This leads me to the next topic: Deeper.