Resurrection Families for Hope and Meaning
Small Groups that foster spiritual hope and meaning are easy!
Resurrection Families for Hope and Meaning
Small Groups that foster spiritual hope and meaning are easy!
The Heart of the Wesleyan Spiritual Renewal Movement
Biblical small groups living the Gospel.
As Wesley studied the book of Acts, he saw the spreading of the faith happening in the gathering of believers in small groups, usually in their homes.
These new spiritual "families of faith" produced hope filled transformed lives surrounded by a Godly support structure that kept them close to God in contemplative prayer and growing in their faith.
These groups allowed them to live holy lives by sharing their lives in intimate fellowship on a regular basis. Accountable Small groups provided an accountable environment in which seekers could receive support, accountability, and encouragement.
Wesley's development of small groups revolutionized 18th century England and then the whole Christian world by providing a framework to help people grow in a true 'holiness of heart and life.'
From Wesley's point of view, these small groups were especially important considering the temptation of culture to "fall away" and all the social evils that christians were exposed to.
Six Steps to a lasting Accountable Small Group Ministry
1. Start with God's Realm on Earth, a commonwealth of God's grace.
This is the heart of the Gospel, the "Good News" of hope and meaning that Christ proclaimed in Mark 1:14-15, Luke 4:16-21, Matthew 4:17, and John 1:1-18.
God's presence, Emmanuel - "God with us", has not retreated to a distant place, but now is dwelling with us, "tabernacling" (tenting) in our midst, helping us be more present to God's presence, more spiritual and filled with hope for a future filled with love, joy, and contentment.
The Resurrection is proof of God's great grace and mercy in this unusual, unconditional act of love.
2. Consider in Prayer what it means to be a "Citizen of Heaven"
An important realization is that in the Christ, we begin to experience a heavenly, holy, life of contemplative prayer, the gifts of the spirit, along with forgiveness, healing, peace, justice, a heavenly presence, even here on earth. (Phil 2:30)
It's everything we pray for when we say: "Your Kingdom/Real/Commonweath come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven."
God has created a beautiful, spiritual world that while may not be the "full" heaven to come, but is none the less filled with creation, hope, eternal meaning, unconditioanal love, and profound grace...despite of our best efforts to turn away and live a self-centered life.
It is in the Sacraments (Baptism/ Eucharist/ Scripture/ Prayer) that the church affirms this gift of "citizenship in heaven" with the presence of God, Jesus the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, and provides the seedbed that encourages our "holy growth" into perfection. (sanctification.)
It's like we get to live on the "Porch of Heaven", a liminal space that is heavenly, yet also earthly, as we work and wait for the fullness of Heaven and Earth together.
3. Listen for the passion and/or concern God puts on your heart.
3. Listen for the passion and/or concern God puts on your heart.
Sit quietly before God.
Let the cares and concerns of the world be set aside, and let God dwell more and more in your heart.
Participate in some "centering" and/or "contemplative'' prayer where you lay aside all the distractions of the world and let the spiritual presence of God dwell in your heart more deeply than ever before.
Then ask.....
What are the deep questions,, ponderings, and concerns that weigh deeply on your heart?
Are they part of God speaking to you, opening your eyes, urging you to address some pain, some challenge, some hope in your life?
4. Gather others who share that passion and/or concern
3. Listen for the passion and/or concern God puts on your heart.
There are others who share your passions and concerns. God has been working in their hearts to prepare them for this time.
What do you need to help find them?
What consideations, assumptions, and framework can be helpful to you and these new/old friends that help the formation of a small group (3 up to 12) persons?
5. Pray together for God's insight and wisdom into that passion/concern.
As part of laying the foundation for a great small group, sit in silence with others as you prayer together.
Listen for the Holy Spirit to guide and help you explore appropriate scriptures together.
Listen together for how God is directing all of you in this time together.
6. Take action to initiate a Small Group (3-12 persons) that incorporates that passion/concern.
Study carefully what it means to be a small group.
What are the "hospitality" needs?
Who might provide the content?,
How do you connect with others also starting such small groups?
What one step of outreach, mission, caring for others outside your group might you agree upon?
Are others interested in having various small groups around your congregation?
Let the church be a resource to share the power of deep yet outreaching groups that start with the eternal question: "How goes it with your Soul?"
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