Just Ask Me!

I had lunch with Eddie Cox on Thursday, and we talked about a lot of things concerning his vision for Marathon, and the fact that we are, once again, on the verge of reaching another level with our ministry. Marathon is continuing to grow, but it is the relational connections that are being formed that are really making the difference.

You see, attracting a crowd to your church is fine, but it can not be an end in itself. The goal is to help that crowd become a church of growing believers who are worshipping, serving, and connecting in life-changing relationships. Our ability to help people make these relational connections will directly affect our ability to continue to grow a healthy church.

The trick is to avoid letting the methods get in the way of the purpose.

For instance, for several decades Sunday school was nearly universal in American churches. In its prime, more people actually attended Sunday school than their church’s morning worship services. Why? Because, it was where people connected; felt loved and accepted, and shared their lives. Then, over the years, the method replaced the purpose. In many churches Sunday school became just a time for Bible study, which is certainly a worthy endeavor, but not very conducive to the original purpose. Once they became classrooms, and were no longer engaging people in meaningful relationships, pastors and other leaders began to look for other methods to accomplish the purpose.

As a result, there was a huge shift to small groups, or home groups (we now call them Life Groups at Marathon). Where the people could meet together in the relaxed atmosphere of each other’s homes, which was certainly more appropriate than most class rooms to forming relationships. Some churches added small groups as an alternative to their Sunday school program. Others replaced Sunday school all together.

The thing that we have to always keep in mind is that the small group is just the method, and not the goal. The Bible doesn’t tell us that we are to get people together in small groups, it tells us that we are to teach people how to relate, how to grow in authenticity with others, how to help each other through the tough stuff in life.

Small groups have the potential to change lives, but it is only potential. They do not guarantee relationships, but rather offer an environment where those relationships might start, and to experience true Biblical community.

So, let’s talk…

Are you a member of a small group?

Does your small group foster lasting relationships?

What other ways are you working to build those close relationships with those around you?

Want some help? Just ask me!

Robert