Of course, small groups have become a part of the programming most churches offer their people. For the most part, they are disappointing and short-lived – by the very admission of those who try them. There are two reasons. One, you can’t just throw a random group of people together for a twelve week study of some kind, and expect them to become intimate allies. The sort of devotion we want and need takes place within a shared life. Over the years our fellowship goes camping together. We play together; help one another move; paint a room; find work. We throw great parties. We fight for each other, live in the Four Streams. This is how it was meant to be.
I love this description of the early church: “All the believers were one in heart” (Acts 4:32 ). There is a camaraderie being expressed there, a bond, an espri de corps. It means they all love the same thing, they all want the same thing, and they are bonded together to find it come hell or high water. And hell or high water will come, friends, and this will be the test of whether or not your band will make it: If you are one in heart. Judas betrayed the brothers because his heart was never really with them, just as Cipher betrays the company on the Nebuchadnezzar and as Boromir betrays the fellowship of the Ring. Good Lord – churches split over the size of the parking lot or the color of the carpet. Most churches are not “one in heart.”
God is calling together little communities of the heart, to fight for one another and for the hearts of those who have not yet been set free. That commeraderie, that intimacy, that incredible impact by a few stouthearted souls – that is available. It is the Christian life as Jesus gave it to us. It is completely normal.
(Waking The Dead ,193, 203; John Eldredge)
Small groups of Men doing life together, blending their families not from tradgedy as many are blended these days but for Comradery, Support, and Community. Start with 2 or 3 and advertise. Don’t feel as though you have to work through a book or get a degree in “Christian Leadership.” Just talk about life with a focus toward growth in Christ and God will show up.
Bert – I considered forwarding that to you today, I see I was right to assume you had already read it.
It means something – really. This same topic has been continually repeated to me in the last month from at least 5 different voices.
I guess there is something missing that God desires to repair…
Have you read that book? I tried once, but never made it through.
I like the shared life. I enjoy helping my friends move or paint (I hate painting). I also enjoy helping them eat their food, but I enjoy it when they do the same.
I wish we all did more of it.
By the way, what are the Four Streams?
I’ve been told that “Waking the Dead” is the best book he’s written. Most inspiring anyway. But I haven’t read it. This came from the daily email from Ransomed Heart Ministries.
I’d would agree you are the most consistent friend I’ve ever known. From trees to cut down to painting the nursery …BTW we may need some help painting the nursery
And I’m sure that our lifegroup is what it is because of you and Katie getting us together for meals and micro missions.
I wondered about the Four Streams too. I looked it up and its either a Golf Club in Beallsville, MD or “The four streams through which Jesus offers his life to you are discipleship, warfare, counseling, and healing.” from the book Waking the Dead.
men in life of a man is a must.
punch me.
spit on me.
cry with me.
make fun of me.
encourage me.
Um, I’ve seen it get rough but I haven’t seen the punching and spitting yet
But, yes, trash talking is a big part, and I like to think the encouragement is up there too.