I have a passion for small communities of faith. Connections that ground us. Relationships that enrich us. Kinships. Families. Cell groups. Home churches. More than a homegrown Sunday school class. It is the body life that recalls the early church. Church without the institutional trappings. Outposts of faith in unsuspected places. Shared life.
Community means "common unity". That is, we know and are known by others and we have a thread which weaves us together. Personally, I have been involved in dozens of small groups and have discovered rich experiences of grace, mercy, love and encouragement. Vital in learning to serving others and full to the brim with opportunities for personal growth. Belonging and interacting (even through difficult times) has been the touchstone where God has met and spoke to us through ordinary people and everyday circumstances. As small groups grow, change and mature we experience bearing one another's burdens, grieving, people moving on and new people integrating into our family.
Making connections that last requires a level of surrender and commitment that is essential for discipleship. Getting a society that values independence to embrace such an intimate personal tie is like herding cats. I want as many other Christians to experience that as well, it is the point where we stop drinking milk and begin to eat meat, as Paul says.
I am developing this blog as a means to walk with others and encourage small group ministries everywhere.
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