When I first started attending church as an adult, there was a clear emphasis on participating in Sunday school programs in conjunction with other church activities such as worship services. If you are north of fifty, you probably had a similar experience.
The purpose of being a part of such groups was to educate the adherent in the fundamentals of the faith namely, the history, doctrines, ordinances and so forth. It was profitable for the steadfast attendee in gaining knowledge.
Today, many churches have recognizably shifted to a small group model of community fellowship, with a lessor emphasis on instruction regarding core beliefs and practices. Perhaps you are part of such a gathering currently.
In an interesting book by author J.T. English entitled, “Deep Discipleship,” he considers this change and speaks to the difference between the two models including their respective strengths and weaknesses.
He writes,
“At our church we had basically abandoned Christian education and adopted a philosophy of ministry that relied almost entirely on small groups. We had a lot of environments that had the highest stated purpose of community and almost no environments where the highest stated value was learning.”
English notes that both education and community are of equal importance in the local church but worries that each structure emphasizes one to the detriment of the other. If it is true that small groups are the new norm, then Christian education may be in peril.
To be fair, it is possible to do both simultaneously, but if you have been a part of small group community, you may see the author’s point.
My concern as a pastor is, if the current model of small groups is not achieving a proper understanding of the faith and basis for it, then we may be producing members that are a mile wide in community and an inch deep in their knowledge of the Bible to roughly paraphrase recognized pastor, Andy Stanley’s sentiment.
Furthermore, as we become more focused on community and less focused on knowledge, we risk being unable to articulate our faith in a coherent fashion.
Jesus’ parting words to believers is insightful, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
It is of notice that teaching is instrumental to the faith community in instructing both followers and seekers regarding the propositions within scriptures. The Apostle Peter would later tell us, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
Ask yourself this week about the emphasis you place on personal knowledge of biblical basics. If you know more about the members of your small group than the core beliefs of your faith, then the shift has already happened.
Kent Simmons is the pastor of Canyon Community Church in Kingman. He can be reached at kent@canyon-church.com