Growing The Church - Chapter 1 Series

Chapter One

The purpose of Small Groups

Why should we have small groups?

Matthew 28:19-20

19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

When we read these verses, we can’t help but notice the clear instruction given to us to

”GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES”.

To go and make disciples is more than just giving a person some information about the bible; it basically means to transform the life of another, to become an influence. But, how can we achieve this? DO we not all have limitations? Are you able to have a deep relationship with many people at the same time? If we are honest, we will say No.

1 Peter 5:2-4

2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly,[a] not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

These verses encourage us to care for the flock and it clearly tells us that one-day we will answer to the Chief Shepherd.

The word of God teaches us what it means to care for the flock. It means to preach, warn and teach in all wisdom.

Colossians 1:28

28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

And how do we accomplish this effectively?

Lets study the bible to find out just how God intends for us to follow his instructions.

Exodus 18:13-26

13 And so it was, on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood before Moses from morning until evening. 14 So when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?”

15 And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. 16 When they have a difficulty, they come to me, and I judge between one and another; and I make known the statutes of God and His laws.”

17 So Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you do is not good. 18 Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself. 19 Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God. 20 And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do. 21 Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace.”

24 So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. 25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people: rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 26 So they judged the people at all times; the hard cases they brought to Moses, but they judged every small case themselves.

What was Moses’ problem?

Why was it necessary for him to delegate responsibilities?

What was the result?

Were the people being cared for?

What was the basic size of each unit?

What were their responsibilities?

What responsibilities did Moses have?

What conclusion do we draw after reading this passage of the bible?

The New Testament church that we are a part of had two basic kinds of meetings. Lets read the following verses to discover what they were.

Acts 2:42-47

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.