A Bondservant's Musings

That seems like a crazy title. It doesn't sit well with my math-leaning mind. How can a small group not be a small group? Let's focus on purpose. Small groups are about sanctification (i.e., the process of Jesus' disciples being conformed into His image as Paul wrote about in Romans 8:29, the often left-off completion to the often quoted Romans 8:28). In the Harvest Bible Chapel ( http://harvestbiblechapel.org/ ) paradigm, small groups are about walking in Christ in community. With the purpose defined, I contend there are groups meeting in your church carrying the small group label that aren't really small groups. So when is a small group not a small group? When it is a Bible study Wait a minute. I cannot possibly be dissing Bible studies, can I? Clearly Jesus' disciples should study His word. But small groups are to be more than a "What do you think?" discussion of our favorite book of the Bible. Small group has to be a vehicle to push to application of G...

A few weeks ago in response to Pastor James’ message on the letter to the church in Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29), I challenged you to make sure your small group confronts sexual sin. What steps can we take to cut off sexual sin in our lives and in the lives of our small group members? What resources are available? Set guard rails far back from the cliff – See Pastor James' "5 Moral Fences" article ( http://www.harvestrollingmeadows.org/Content/4/181688.pdf ) Examine current behaviors – Purity Questions from Pastor James' message "Convicted on Purity" from August 2006 ( http://www.harvestrollingmeadows.org/Content/4/183856.pdf ) Repent and invite accountability - Asking for accountability and receiving it is a fruit of repentance. Support one another and hold each other truly accountable – CRAMP accountability model ( http://www.harvestrollingmeadows.org/Content/4/176131.pdf ) Remember all men’s small groups are to use the CRAMP model for accountability. Ask...