2014-02-17 Partisapatory Model of Small Church

If you haven’t already, have a read of this article before reading my comments - Partisiparoty Model of Small Church - Article

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Open-participatory model - thoughts and discussion.

Quote,  "...while this means everyone can contribute, it does not mean everyone should."  

Opening Remarks

This is a very important point. Often in the traditional small group meeting, through to Bible studies, discussion groups, etc, this is the style that we are acustomed to. Both as attendees and as leaders / facilitators of these meetings it is clear that we are schooled in trying to draw out responses from each other. Kirkby is redefining how we should function, if we are to hear the most of what God, through the Holy Spirit is communicated to the group.

For me one of the most significant points that Kirkby makes is that as a group, we are, …to discern together what God is revealing to us. Leaving from a time of focus together as a group should leave us with a clear, un-ambiguous, usefull and poignent message - for the group.

What this means, on the ground is that beyond just attempting to practically apply scripture, or asking for prayer points, the group is placing those methods aside and intern are waiting on the Holy Sprit to set the adjenda.

Quote- And it probably goes without saying that to “judge” what God has said is not a dry, clinical hair-splitting analysis; rather as we clarify and affirm what appears to be revealed, we engage enthusiastically and intentionally with the heart and will of God.  

Where does this leave conversation, community and supporting each other?

Using this model of group meetings does present some challenges that need to be addresed. Without the oportuity to communicate / converse / share between members of the group, I believe that the ability for the group to hear the voice of God clearly will be difficult, as members of the group can be distracted, simply from a desire to know, with genuine love and care, what is going on in the lives of the others in the group.

This places great emphasis on the need to have meaninful connections, regularly throughout the week - so that the need to ‘chat’ is not imposed on the focus time together. This is most difficult for the ‘day job’ workers, and some clear, well-defined and intentional times need to be established to make sure this happens - especially when there are real challenges that require support, encouragement and prayer for.

Comments, Concerns and other Thoughts

1. Being able to discern what God is saying needs to happen through the lens of scripture Acts 17:11, and it may be very important that we seek to confirm what God is saying through scripture.
2. God has a purpose and plan for his church. Not only is this in practical, pragmatic terms, but also in his church, through the incarnation of Christ living in us, act as a proclimation of the Lordship of Christ, expressed in part by living in freedom from the chains of sin and death. It is in this way - that through this type of meeting, we can corporately, seek God for more. Not in terms of experiential goose bumps, but in regards to growing in holiness, christ-likeness, humility, joy and love (not to mention the fruit of the spirit* Galations 5:22.
3. It is exciting to look towards a new season that may usher in personal and corporate growth - that we might be effective agents of God in our city. To God be the glory, for ever and ever.