Creative Community

Currently, I'm trying to post a few times a week summaries of chapters from books I've read over the past few years. These are the books that have really informed my thinking on discipleship and small groups. Hopefully, they'll provide a good opportunity for you to think through some of these same thoughts.

Today, I'm looking at chapter two from the book Christ's Call to Discipleship by James M. Boice. This chapter is entitled "In the School of Christ".

Boice begins this chapter by suggesting that discipleship is really an activity in which we are going to the "school of Christ." This school is unique, thought, because not only is Jesus our teacher, He is also the content. Boice is building on the truths from Matthew 11:28-30 which begin with the expression, "Come to me". This chapter addresses what it means to truly come to Jesus, suggesting that the core objective of coming to Jesus is learning what it means to know him.

The difference between a religious person and a disciple of Jesus is the difference between knowing about God and knowing God. Boice tells us that this is very difficult, but it is also very easy. He says, "although following Christ is, in a certain sense, the hardest thing anyone can ever do, at the same time it is possible for everyone, because Christ provides his disciples with the will to persist in that calling. He indicates the broad scope of the offer when he says, "Come to me, ALL you who are weary and burdened."

Continuing the theme of knowing God, Boice references J.I. Packer whose book Knowing God listed four elements of knowing God:

1. listening to, receiving and applying the Word of God with the aid of the Holy Spirit
2. recognizing God's nature and character as He has revealed himself
3. accepting God's invitations to us, and doing what He commands
4. recognizing and rejoicing in the love He has shown us

Knowing God impacts not just our mind; but our emotions, our spirit, and our body. It is not just a cognitive exercise, it is a regular activity, an active pursuit, and an exciting revelation.

Boice closes the chapter by talking about three lessons we can learn about discipleship by considering Jesus' use of the word "yoke" in this passage. Drawing on ancient understandings of what a yoke was, He suggests these three lessons:

• Discipleship is submission. Submitting to the yoke of another is yielding all control of your life over to them. Charles Spurgeon said that if someone is to be saved by Jesus, they must make Jesus their master.
• Discipleship is work. The yoke is a tool which enables animals to work more effectively. When we take on Jesus' yoke, we are effectively signing up to work for him and his kingdom for the rest of our lives.
• Discipleship is companionship. More often than not a yoke was used to join two animals together so that they could work in tandem and accomplish much more. Discipleship is being yoked to Jesus, so that we do what he does, and we go where he goes. One who is yoked to Christ cannot live a life apart from Christ.

Finally Boice reminds us that those who come to Jesus and accept his yoke find peace and rest. They find peace with God because their sins are erased and no longer come between that relationships. Secondly they find peace in God. In every situation, they can trust their savior, maker, provider, Lord to do what is right on their behalf.

If you were asked by a stranger to describe yourself in just three sentences, what types of things would you reveal about yourself?

What types of things do you think God has revealed about Himself? Why do you think He chose to reveal those things?

What would we know about God if He hadn’t revealed himself? What would our world be like if God had chosen to hide Himself from us?

What does Genesis 1 teach us about who God is? How does His identity as creator make God different than us?

In Genesis 2 and 3, God teaches Adam and Eve. In what ways do you think of God as teacher?

Read Psalm 19:1-6. What can we learn about God from viewing nature? What are the ways that nature gives evidence of God?

Read Psalm 19:7-11. What are some of the benefits of reading God’s Word?

What do you think it means to:

• “revive your soul?”
• "be made wise?”
• “give joy to the heart?”
• “give light to the eyes?”

Read Psalm 19:12-14. What do you think is the end result of spending time in God’s Word?

What do you think is the difference between hidden faults and willful sins? How can God’s Word keep us from these things?

What do you think verse 14 means by “the words of my mouth”? What about “the meditation of my heart”? How can God’s Word help us make these things pleasing to God?

What are some methods or plans that people might use to read the Bible on a regular basis?

Conclude by discussing how people will read the Bible in the coming week.

Here are some simple ways to build community in a small group. (this is a modified post that was borrowed from Josh Harris who borrowed it from Michael Hyatt).

Ask open-ended questions. These are questions that lead people to elaborate and give us some insight into them as a person. For example,


* What is your idea of a perfect vacation?

* If you could design your ideal job, what would it look like?

* What is the best book you have read in the last 12 months and why?

* What is the most important lesson you learned from your father?

* When is your very favorite thing about your spouse?

* If you were by yourself, and could listen to any music you want, what it be?

* If you could spend a day with anyone on the planet, who would it be?

* What it is like to be your friend? or to be married to you?

* If you were suddenly the President of the U.S., what would you do first?

* Looking back over your life, what would you describe as your proudest moment?

Ask a second question. The most interesting conversations come after the initial answer. It takes extraordinary discipline to refrain from answering your own question and, instead. answer a second question. Yet this is where the deepest conversations occur. I like to ask questions like these as follow-up questions:


* How did it feel when that happened?

* Can you elaborate on that?

* Why do you think that is important to you?

* Do you think you would have answered the same way five years ago?

* What emotion do you feel when you describe that?

Currently, I'm trying to post a few times a week summaries of chapters from books I've read over the past few years. These are the books that have really informed my thinking on discipleship and small groups. Hopefully, they'll provide a good opportunity for you to think through some of these same thoughts.

Today, I'm looking at chapter three from the book The Search to Belong by Joe Myers. This chapter is entitled, "Give Me Some Space."

In this chapter, Myers identifies four spaces within which we relate.

According to Myers we have these four different kinds of relationships with people. Each circle represents a higher number of relationships with a lesser degree of intimacy requiring a lesser amount of effort, but also meaning a lesser amount of meaning from the relationship.

Myers suggests the key in this model is to strive for balance as opposed to moving. Rather than trying to force everyone in the church to develop intimate relationships with everyone else, people should be encouraged to develop different levels of relationships with different people.

Myers' model allows for a fluidity of relationships not typically considered in the church. His assumption is that people will have public, social, personal, and intimate relationships within the church. We need to determine how to best use each of those types of relationships for spiritual formation.

The process of bringing people into our community (often called assimilation) is really nothing more than understanding how people migrate relationally from place to place, then utilizing that natural migration to connect them into appropriate life-sharing relationships which provide a tool for spiritual formation.

Who is the most righteous person you know? Why do you think of them as righteous? How do you think they got to be that way?

Read Job1:6-11.

What do you think it means to be "blameless" and "upright"? How would you define each of those words?

Why do you think God called Job "blameless and upright"? What did Job do to deserve such a description?

Satan suggested that Job was only righteous because God had blessed him so much. Do you think some people only follow God because they've been blessed? What happens to these people when the blessings go away? How can you avoid being this kind of person?

Why do you think God was willing to let Satan test Job? Was God confident that Job would pass the test? Why or why not?

What does this teach us about God?

What does this teach us about Job?

Do you think God would have this same confidence in you? Why or why not?

Satan's attack on Job included the destruction of his property, his ability to earn money, and the death of his children. Verse 22 tells us that in all this Job did not sin.

Read Job 1:20-21.

How would you summarize Job's response?

Why do you think Job still praised God in spite of all this trouble?

When do you have the hardest time being thankful to God? What could you do that might help you in those times?

What are you going through right now that this group can help you with?

What is one "great thing" you dream of accomplishing? Do you think it will happen? Why or why not?

What are some of the things that keep people from accomplishing their dreams?

Give an example of a time it might be good to not accomplish your dream.

Read 2 Samuel 7:1-3. How would you summarize the great thing David wanted to do for God?

Even though Nathan initially agreed with David that his idea was good, God stepped in and altered the plan.

Have you ever felt like you were trying to do right and people were supportive of you, yet things just weren't working out? What did you do?

How can you know whether or not God wants you to do something?

Read 2 Samuel 7:8-11. Make a list of all the things God had done for David, and the things He promised to do for David and Israel.

What do you think God means when he said he would make a house for David? (look at verse 16 for more information)

When Nathan told David of God's response do you think David was disappointed that he didn't get to do what he wanted? Why or why not? (this may not be a "black and white" answer)

Whatever great things we can think of, God can always imagine something better. How should this truth impact the way we live? What are some specific things we can do to rely more on God in our day to day life?

Currently, I'm trying to post once or twice a week summaries of chapters from books I've read over the past few years. These are the books that have really informed my thinking on discipleship and small groups. Hopefully, they'll provide a good opportunity for you to think through some of these same thoughts.

Today, I'm looking at chapter three from the book Why Small Groups, a collection of small group essays compiled by C.J. Mahaney. This chapter, by Greg Somerville, is entitled, "Take This Group and Own It."

The big idea of this chapter is that a successful group is a group in which the members of the group take ownership of the group instead of simply relying on the group's leader to "make it happen." Somerville suggests three questions the members of a small group should ask themselves as they consider whether or not a healthy "ownership culture" exists in their group:

• Do you think of your group as YOUR group?
• Do you OWN your group and its vision?
• Or, do you simply rent a chair on Thursday (insert your night) evenings?

Somerville says, "A small group doesn't belong to the leader. It belongs to God -- and to each member."

Attempting to help develop a biblical understand for Christian community, Somerville looks at 1 Peter 4:7-10 as a key teaching passage to help define the appropriate behavior for small group members.

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

Notice the clear list Peter gives us to help us understand how we should behave in our relationships with one another:

• be clear minded
• be self-controlled
• love each other deeply (particularly as you look past each other's sins)
  
• offer hospitality
• use your gifts to serve each other
• be gracious

A group that lives by this passage will most certainly be a wonderful community in which to share life. The fruit of a list like this is group ownership. If each group member takes it upon themselves to act this way, the group will function very efficiently. Somerville, closes out his essay with a long list of suggested contributions every group member should make to the group. Here is a summary:

• Hunger to know God
• Love for the unity of the church
• Understand your "job description" as a group member
• Assume your leader is not Sherlock Holmes (be willing to share, don't make him/her dig)
• Share the bad stuff also
• Have realistic expectations
• Meet outside the meeting
• Open your home
• Open you mouth
• Be constructive, not destructive
• Laugh at the leader's jokes
• Serve on the "advisory committee" (give your leader feedback)
• Pray on the way
• Give your gifts
• Volunteer to serve
• Expect "awe-full" meetings (anticipate meeting with God when you meet with your group)
• Keep the mission in mind

Somerville's closing words are important:
It doesn't take a highly gifted leader to build a great group. It takes you. You must own it. You must pray for it and invest in it. Whether you feel qualified or not, you and every other group member must "use whatever gift he has received to serve others."

Who is your favorite (have everyone answer two or three of these):

• Movie Star
• Athlete
• News Person
• TV actor/actress
• Reality TV character
• Author
• Politician
  
• Fictional Character
• Celebrity

What makes this person "impressive" to you?

Read 1 Samuel 16:1-7.

Why do you think Samuel though Eliab was God's chosen king? (verse 6) What criteria do you think Samuel was using in his thought process?

Why do you think God rejected Eliab?

Verse seven says that "the LORD looks at the heart." What do you think that means?

How do you feel about knowing that God is looking at your heart right now? Is he impressed with you? Why or why not?

What kinds of things do not impress God? (Read Proverbs 6:16-19) Have a few people give practical examples of these things.

What kind of heart does impress God? (Read Galatians 5:22-26) Have a few people give practical examples of these things.

What kind of people should impress us? What kind of people should not impress us? Have you observed times when people get this backward?

How has this discussion caused you to re-consider your view of yourself and other people?

Who can start a group? ANYONE!

The following are six questions to ask yourself before you start a group. Thinking through these questions will help you get started on the right foot.

What will this group do?
Before you invite someone to join a group, have an idea of what the primary focus of the group will be. This doesn’t have to be set in stone, nor does it need to be perfectly detailed. Likely, once the group gets going you’ll work together to figure out the specifics. It will help, though, to be able to say, “This is a group that will be focused on prayer (or Bible study, or missional service, etc…).

Who will be a part of this group?
Make a list of people you want to invite to join you. Or partner with a few others, and everyone invite a few people. Remember, you’ll likely start small, but if you are an inviting group of people growth will happen.

How will I invite people to this group?
A face-to-face invite is always best. However, you may want to prime the pump by sending an email, facebook message, or making a phone call. Let them know you’re going to be talking to them soon about a small group opportunity.

How will I follow up on those I’ve invited?
Don’t just do a “one and done” invite. Check back within a few days to see if they’ve thought about it or if they have any questions. A follow up contact also lets the person know that you really do want them to join.

When will our first meeting be?
Your first meeting time doesn’t need to be the time you always meet. However, if you can give people an actual date and time when you invite them they will be more likely to join you.

When will our second meeting be?
The first time your group gets together, make sure you set a second time to meet. If everyone agrees on a second meeting time, they will all feel more invested in the group and will be far more likely to continue on!

If you have any questions, or want to talk more about starting a group, please contact Pastor David at: david.rudd@calvarymuskegon.com

Currently, I'm trying to post once or twice a week summaries of chapters from books I've read over the past few years. These are the books that have really informed my thinking on discipleship and small groups. Hopefully, they'll provide a good opportunity for you to think through some of these same thoughts.

Today, I'm looking at chapter two from the book Christ's Call to Discipleship by James Montgomery Boice. This chapter is entitled, "The Call to Discipleship."

Discipleship is the purpose for small groups. Different churches may use different terms, and some churches may suggest that the primary goal of small groups is something different like "community" or "fellowship", but all will agree that community and fellowship are being done for a greater purpose, and that purpose is discipleship. We want to help people be like Jesus, and that's why we do small groups.

James Boice's book on discipleship is a classic treatment of this topic. It is rich in insight and biblical depth and yet extremely readable. He launches his book by saying:

There is a fatal defect in the life of Christ's church in the twentieth century: a lack of true discipleship. Discipleship means forsaking everything to follow Christ. But for many of today's supposed Christians -- perhaps the majority -- it is the case that while there is much talk about Christ and even much furious activity, there is actually very little following of Christ himself.

My hope is that Boice's words and ideas will help us to develop a concept of small groups that is less about busyness and what we do and is more about helping each other follow Christ. Boice believes that this disconnect between the church and discipleship is largely due to a faulty understanding of discipleship. He suggests that discipleship is not something that is separate from salvation, but rather that one cannot be a Christian without being a disciple. He says:

discipleship is not a supposed second step in Christianity, as if one first becomes a believer in Jesus and then, if he chooses, a disciple. From the beginning, discipleship is involved in what it means to be a Christian.

Dr. Boice suggests that "follow me" is the primary command of Christ which must be obeyed by his discipleship. This idea will continue to be a theme throughout the book, but in this chapter, he suggests five elements which are involved in following Christ:

1. Obedience -- Those who are genuinely Christ's sheep obey His call from the beginning and enter into a life characterized by obedience.
2. Repentance -- Jesus said in Luke 5, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."... anyone who thinks he can follow Christ without renouncing sin is dreadfully confused. And anyone who claims to be following Christ while actually continuing in unrighteousness is deluded.
3. Submission -- the Lord pictures discipleship as putting on a yoke...chiefly it suggests submission to Christ for his assigned work. In ancient times it was customary for a ruler, when he had conquered a new people or territory, to place a staff across two upright poles, perhaps four feet off the ground, and require the captured people to pass under it. By this act they passed under his yoke or submitted to his authority.
4. Commitment -- A lack of commitment means deviating from His path or falling away from Him.
5. Perseverance -- This is because following is not an isolated act, done once and never to be repeated. It is a lifetime commitment that is not fulfilled here until the final barrier is crossed, the crown received, and it an all other rewards laid gratefully at the feet of Jesus.

I wonder what impact it would make on a small group if these five elements became core to their time together. If every time they gathered, they discussed and encouraged one another in regards to their obedience and submission; would they be more obedient and submissive to Christ? If they regularly reminded one another to persevere and maintain their commitment would they find their weeks easier? If they spent time in repentance would their struggle against sin be more victorious?

Discipleship is what we desire. Certainly Dr. Boice has presented us with compelling thoughts regarding our journey together of following Christ.