Comments on: group thinking

By: Robin Davis

Robin Davis — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:10:43 +0000

I still think that a group of supportive christian friends is the key. It may not be as organized as a “small group”, but is just as effective. As you live life together, you naturally discuss what you are reading (Bible, christian books etc…), discuss your trials and pray for one another. No doubt each person is a blessing to the others in the circle if friendship. Perhaps some people need something organized and church promoted. Certainly there is nothing wrong with that. It may be a matter of learning styles or growth styles. There is no room to for anyone to feel guilty about where someone feels comfortable leading, growing or getting needs met. This has been a great discussion. Well done Jen!

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:49:21 +0000

Excellent thoughts, Jen. Much of what you wrote resonates w/ me and I passed them along to my elders and staff. I would like to be in a group such as you described and might start one. I’m also going to read the “organic” books.

Blessings!

By: Diane

Diane — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:35:40 +0000

Thanks for the article link!

I’m sure the answer IS complicated, as you say. But I think expectations are a big part of the answer. I’m quite sure that if I had not been offered the opportunity to read through the Bible in a year with our group, I wouldn’t have done it on my own.

For so long I thought the Bible was a book that had to be studied to be understood. Now I realize that study can increase understanding, and we should study the Bible too, but first, we should read it, a lot! And ordinary people CAN. That’s the thing.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:35:34 +0000

There are probably some who feel that way, but my hunch is the majority would LOVE to see more of their flock devouring whole books of the Bible but don’t think people will do it–so they ease them in with Max Lucado or a bite-sized curriculum.

Perhaps they are underestimating their members, and many would rise to the challenge of an LTG (or whatever). Or perhaps they are right, and our churches are full of milk Christians who really aren’t ready for the meat. Perhaps both. I think it’s complicated.

I just keep wrestling with Ed Young Jr.’s response when Neil Cole told him about the commitment of the LTG members and how they read 30 chapters a week: “Thirty?? That’s incredible.”

It makes me sad that a gigachurch pastor (or any pastor of any size church) finds it “incredible” that people will spend roughly 20-30 minutes a day reading scripture. But notice he didn’t say “That’s risky” or “That’s brave”–he said it was amazing. Thus, my hunch.

What do you think?

(read the whole Young/Cole interview here: http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2008/fall/11.34.html)

By: Diane

Diane — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:38:56 +0000

Do you think church leaders are reticent to let people just dig into the Word? And if so, why?

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:11:44 +0000

I would love to be in a group with you! I agree, and I think it’s the simple focus on Scripture and prayer that made our Bible-in-a-year group the only “small group” so far that I consider a really great experience.

By: Diane

Diane — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:12:27 +0000

Jen, I love the LTG idea. Scary, but wonderful. My son-in-law is part of a group with this kind of transparency. And my group of seven women has come close to this over time, but not fully. We have used just the Bible for our studies (as you know), reading through the Word each year in one fashion or another, and I think that close encounter with Scripture each week is a big part of what has helped us develop openness toward each other. We’ve seen some definite life transformation too. But I can see how with just two or three others the impact would be much greater. So, one of us should move and start a group together!