If you dig into past articles, you’ll discover that I prefer small churches – 10 to 20 members – without a designated leader, such as a pastor. This does not mean I’m against leaders, pastors, or other callings because I’m 100% for them.
My reasoning for small groups are:
1) Go therefore and make disciples… (Matthew 28:19)
The Great Commission says,”Go.” But the traditional church says, “Come. Sit down. Keep quiet. Listen up. Give money. Come back next week for more of the same-o,same-o.”
Yawn!
Jesus discipled twelve men by allowing them to be involved in His ministry and life. Although He preached to thousands, He only assembled with twelve. The twelve men were even sent out on their own and also ministered along side of Jesus.
Paul followed the same example, especially during his stay in Ephesus.
And how did this discipling model work? It turned the world upside down in just a few years.
2) …When you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. (1 Corinthians 14:26)
If the average American church size has 71 members and the median church is 184 members, there is no way all the people can be involved during a normal service. Thus, only a few chosen people can speak what God has placed on their hearts.
In a small group, each member can speak what is on his heart if he chooses to do so. By doing this, Christians will grow faster because they are involved. They will learn more from sharing, than by just sitting and listening to one person speak each Sunday.
And few things are more exciting than watching believers minister to others, especially new converts.
3) For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. (1 Corinthians 14:31)
The Lord wants Christians to hear His voice and to speak words of edification, encouragement, and comfort to other believers or to prophesy.
But obviously, 71 or 184 believers can not prophesy in traditional services. It would be too time consuming, and to be honest, the average believer would probably feel too intimidated to prophesy in a large group setting.
Yet, in a small group, everyone can prophesy and the others can judge the prophetic words.
4) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12)
New callings can be raised up and allowed to grow in small groups because they can minister there.
5) …And breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart (Acts 2:46)
Fellowshipping in homes allows Christians to lay down their religious attitudes and build deeper relationships with other believers.
6) The unchurched – believers or unbelievers alike – will more likely attend a small group than walk into religious buildings.
7) All of the above will help prepare believers to be leaders and the helping hands of Christ during calamities.
I am a radical, but admittedly, I’m also a realist.
Although the Barna Group estimates that in twenty years traditional churches will lose half of their market shares to alternatives, such as home churches and workplace ministries, I disagree and think their enthusiasm has clouded their predictions.
So, what does a radical believer, like myself, propose?
(Continued in Part 4)
Larry Who 
You took the words right out of my mouth.
Naphtali,
Hopefully, it continues.
Mr. Larry, you may be a radical, but the points you listed really blessed me and gave me more understanding about the church. You have really helped me by simply asking me what God showed me each Tues. and Friday, when we pray. When no one ever asks you and you never have to share . .you tend to not listen as closely. (I know! Now I’m tuning in again!) God bless you and your radicalness for Him!
Debbie,
Thanks for being there for me. It’s been a two-sided relationship because I have profited tremendously from knowing you.
I’m way behind–what are the Tues and Friday gigs?
Caddo Veil,
On Tuesdays, we fast for America, and on Fridays, we fast to remember the prisoners of North Korea and other nations. We hope God speaks to us on each day. Thus, we check to see if God did. To be honest, God seems to speak more to Debbie than me.
We are always open to more people joining us.
Now that’s a church! And I do believe God is preparing a few people in towns & cities around the world for this, Larry. Without wishing to sound “exclusive” I think it’s always only been a few and always will be; but the ministerial potential is mind-boggling. Praying! Thanks.
rogerw,
Thanks. I agree, but hope to see many more.
I can’t shake the feeling that we’ve projected a modern corporate organizational structure on to the Church instead of letting it be a genuine community of believers. Having said that, it’s hard to imagine the church any other way. I guess we’ll see what God does!
Judy,
I agree with your thoughts about the traditional church resembling a corporate structure, but since I’ve been a part of many home groups, I can envision a different way. But I agree, we need to see what God does.
Good writing, Larry. You are dead on with the dynamics being different with a small group rather than a large one. I appreciate you and appreciate your writing.
Bill Sheridan,
Thanks. As always, you encourage me.
wow.. we use to have this kind of gathering too. we don’t have a pastor. in the gathering we break bread, sing songs of praise. someone speaks to the group about the gospel which is grace, then it becomes a fellowship as each one of us spontaneously shares testimonies, revelations. most of us are complete strangers and come from different denominations.
I believe it is something that is going to happen these days. the true church of Jesus is without walls and is without a name.
am glad to have gone to this site…
– grace and peace
savedbygrace,
Thanks. I’ve been a part of many groups like this and I’ve always enjoyed myself…and usually stayed late.
Hi Larry, I have nominated you for The Reader Appreciation Award because I really enjoy following your blog posts. Blessings to you, brother. You can see details about the award on my blog at http://dgcoy.me
Thanks for sharing, Larry
your post took me back to some serious highs and lows in my life … I’m remembering that it was the small groups that helped and kept me going. I’m thankful for the place they occupy in my life.
I am now a part of a large church (with a bunch of small groups)… This large/small setting has also played a part in my life. I think I’m more inclined now to ask Him to place me where He wants me to be in that moment or for that time and season.
Piggybacking on the Tues / Thursday activities: I’m praying for my country of birth and for my adopted country. Both national anthems can be recognize the hand of God in keeping the nations blessed and free. Your Tues/Thurs move has inspired me to pray for these nations on a more consistent basis.
Blessings and thanks
ann
P.S…. In answer to the question,I am maybe not as radical as I need to be…
Derrick,
Thanks. I appreciate it and will check it out.
Ann,
Thanks for your input. If the Lord has told you to be in a certain church, go there. That’s where you will be blessed.
I’m sure we could all stand to be a little more radical in our faith…especially now.