|
|
| Author |
Message |
Davep
Veteran
Joined: 02 Apr 2002
Posts: 463
|
 Posted: Sun May 12, 2002 4:31 pm Post subject: |
 |
|
| Would you bring a new believer, or someone exploring Christianity for the first time to your "accountablity group" to sample and see what things were about? |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
webacus
Veteran
Joined: 02 Mar 2001
Posts: 607
Location: Behind you.
|
| Posted: Mon May 13, 2002 10:58 am Post subject: |
|
|
Depends on the group. 
How long has the group been meeting? Are they mature and stable enough to accomodate someone who is spiritually seeking?
What is the group charter? Groups I've been in have always had an "open chair" for new people. That requires lots of flexibility.
If the person is just dropping in, then minor impact and minimal adjustments will be needed.
On the other hand, if the vistitor is a non-Christian and the group wants to intentionally "reach out" to her, the group needs to be prepared for this and make adjustments accordingly. [Group dynamics/content are vastly different between a mature group and a "Christianity 101" group!]
All that to say, YES, I think I would invite a friend to my group. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Davep
Veteran
Joined: 02 Apr 2002
Posts: 463
|
| Posted: Mon May 13, 2002 11:24 am Post subject: |
|
|
Description of Our Group:
Open setting with about 15 to 20 men, with about 10 men on average showing up every Saturday morning. Hard hitting, no holds bared discussion of men's issues. Nothing said goes unchallenged, there are no free trips, statements made will be debated by all. There isn't a topic we won't discuss and everything is up for grabs. While we laugh alot and are light hearted, we are very serious and intense most of the times. We have Bibles in hand, and people are ready to use them. We promote and challenge men to get together with other men outside of our meeting in order to establish firm relationships so that problem cans be discussed with a friend one-on-one. We have been meeting for a little over a year, solid groups of guys, with new people coming and going. Some are very consistent, while others pop in from time to time.
Question:
Due the atmosphere of our setting, the comment was made that "this group isn't someplace I would bring someone who hasn't come to Christ yet, or a new-believer"
The debate then raged on that "You're limiting where God can work" etc etc. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
webacus
Veteran
Joined: 02 Mar 2001
Posts: 607
Location: Behind you.
|
| Posted: Mon May 13, 2002 11:43 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: | | The debate then raged on that "You're limiting where God can work" etc etc. |
I certainly wouldn't want to short-change God, but... I could see your group being really intimidating to a new/non-believer.
So, before the invitation:
1] You definately need buy-in from the group. Everyone
needs to be on board.
2] Decide what that session [when the person visits] will
look like -- introductions, discuss the group's
purpose, perhaps decide not to go as deep... Make it more
user friendly. I would strongly consider creating
a "different" session for the visitor. Make it a "Taste of
Small Group" or "Small Group Lite".
3] Discuss groundrules The visitor does not need to
participate. It's okay to just listen.
4] PRAY about it!
Additionally, there needs to be strategic follow-up with the visitor. Don't just let him visit and forget about him. If he's uncomfortable with the group, help him plug in to a different group that fits him better. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Davep
Veteran
Joined: 02 Apr 2002
Posts: 463
|
| Posted: Mon May 13, 2002 12:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Are only rule is there are no rules 
We have no planned topics, no agendas, no game plan for each Saturday. We attempt to discuss and get into the light, all our convient sins that we hold onto and rationalize as OK, or worse yet don't even know is actually a sin, or we aren't even aware that what we are doing something is a sin.
Any new person to our group, is usually coming in because someone in our group brought them in. This groups play Christian Tackle Football. That is why the comment was made I wouldn't bring someone fresh in the faith to such a hard hitting group first. Somewhere down the road, but not right from the start. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
