How do we build authentic community?

A church must grow smaller as it grows larger.

Bilezikian A congregation that comprises more than fifty adults is too large to function as community—unless it is organized in small groups where communal life can thrive.

Bilezikian It is in small groups that people can get close enough to know each other, to care and share, to challenge and support, to confide and confess, to forgive and be forgiven, to laugh and weep together, to be accountable to each other, to watch over each other, and to grow together. Personal growth does not happen in isolation. It is the result of interactive relationships. Small groups are God’s gift to foster changes in character and spiritual growth.

Bilezikian For contemporary Christians, to meet regularly in small groups is not an option or a luxury. It is a biblical mandate that they must obey if they want to experience communal life and if their churches are to become biblically functioning communities.

John Stott I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that small groups, Christian family or fellowship groups, are indispensable for our growth into spiritual maturity.

Eddie Gibbs In all my eleven years of itinerant ministry I cannot recall any growing church which does not encourage small groups.

Matthew 18:20 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Luke 19:5 – 10 5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Is your house a home for the Gospel?

Romans 16:3, 5 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus…. 5 Greet also the church that meets at their house. 1 Corinthians 16:19 19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.

Philemon To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— 2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home:

Acts 2:

Koinōnia is the word for “fellowship”. (From koinos, ‘common’) “Koinōnia also expresses what we share out together, what we give as well as what we receive.” (John Stott)

What do small groups look like in KCi?

I can’t come to small groups because…

Just be careful that “I’m too busy tonight” ISN’T ACTUALLY “I’m too busy watching my TV tonight.”

Application for today: Please be actively involved in small groups!

If you want to burn out, discourage your small group leaders: 1. Just don’t show up at all for the meeting and don’t let them know you’re not coming. 2. SMS them one minute before the meeting starts to let them know you’re not coming.

Application for today: Please be actively involved in small groups!