One of the challenges of multiplying cell groups is that for years we've told people that the purpose of getting connected in cell groups is all about developing community. A couple of years ago it hit me that the purpose of connecting in cell groups is not to develop community. The purpose of connecting in cell groups at 2|42 is helping people take next steps with God. We are on a mission to help people become 3C Christ Followers. Community is a by-product of being on this mission together. Until this weekend I thought I had an original idea for a new book that was going to turn cell group ministry everywhere upside down. Turns out Alan Hirsch beat me to it. There's even a Latin word for the idea that the deepest community is reserved for those that are on mission together. It's deeper than the huddle and cuddle kind of thing we sometimes think of when we think of community. It's the kind of deep connection those that have fought in war together experience. It's the kind of experience and connection that bonds them together for life in a way that those that haven't shared that mission with them can never know. The word is 'communitas'. Communitas is community on a dangerous mission from God. So while I'm disappointed that I have to come up with a different idea for my potential NY Times best seller, I'm excited that I have a new word in my vocabulary to describe what 2|42 cell groups are all about.
By: Steve O'Dell
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Actually, I think in some sense you could turn the argument on its head. Because God's mission is the restoration of the community and relationships that were damaged by the fall (as expresed by love God and love your neighbor) I think you might be able to say that all the Next Steps are about creating, expanding, and deepening authentic community. Or as preacher Dave was suggesting to me this week, ethics are relational.
mcgarryrick@hotmail.com
This one caused me to scratch my head a little also. Kevin Davis posted another article which makes multiplication a byproduct rather than a goal.
Also the church in Acts 2:42 seemed to hang out together - just about every day.
I don't think Steve is conflicting with what you guys are saying. He is arguing that community alone, just hanging out alone, is not the call. It is absolutely a part of the mission/calling/etc, but there must be mission at the core.
The church in Acts 2:42 did a whole lot more that just hang out together, they were also on a dangerous mission to live the teachings of Jesus and share that with the world. I think our Western/Democratic perspective limits us from understanding what being a minority and persecuted early church was like - it wasn't just hanging out, it was fasting and praying for those imprisoned and depending whole-hearty on God. Reading story after story shared in Acts 3 and on indicates that.
SivePiend
ybgd
skyclefacceli
ybog
Blalashiste
yw5g
Post a Comment