Let me introduce you to Philip (J. Spener), a
thirty-something Lutheran Pastor from the German city of Frankfurt. His task of
ministering in this important urban centre has been marked by difficulty and discouragement.
However, his response has been simple and direct. Leaving aside the preaching
plan set down by the Lutheran Church for ministers, he made a commitment to
preach through the Bible with specific focus on what it means to be a disciple
of Jesus. Initially he saw few results. But when he started a preaching series
on Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” a significant number of people became
Christians.
Philip gathered these new believers in his home
twice a week for Bible study, prayer and support. This experience drove him to
the conclusion that his country has one major problem. Despite loads of church
activity, there are few who “really understand and practice true
Christianity.”
He wrote a book (topped the bestseller lists!) in which he offered six
ideas to reverse this trend.
Central in his thinking is the conviction that Christians must meet
together out with Sunday congregational worship for Bible study and spiritual
encouragement. This, he believes, will move them beyond mere acknowledgment of
correct beliefs to lives of active godliness.
Actually, I should tell you that my friend, Philip, lived (and died!) almost
400 years ago! However, this apparently incidental comment is what gives his
life and example added credence. The
ideas that captured his heart would become the defining features of the later
evangelical movement. In fact, evangelicalism has been healthiest when it embraces Spener’s founding values. And chief among them is the conviction
that beyond congregational life, small
group ministry is the fire that ignites the flame of discipleship and creates authentic Christian community.
I will develop these thoughts in future blogs. However, two key thoughts
act as a foundation on which to build.
Firstly, Rick Warren (Pastor of Saddleback Community Church, California)
once said that “we grow big by becoming
small.” Giving small group ministry its proper place in the life of a
church can lead to growth in membership. Brad House (author of “Community”)
adds that small groups are not only about the
making, they are also about the
maturing of disciples.
Making and maturing disciples (in
community)…in many ways, Philip Spener inspired this creative thinking. The challenge
is to put it into practice…
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