For those of you who were at the Small Groups Conference, you heard four of the best presentations I have ever heard given at any small groups conference. I will spend the rest of this week giving some of my thoughts on what we heard on Saturday.
I want to start on the personal level. I had the opportunity to eat dinner with Russ and Lynne on Friday night before the event. My number one takeaway from the weekend is the authenticity exhibited in Russ's life. Based on what I heard him say over the weekend and what I know from his books, he is a "tent-making" minister who lives what he teaches. He is the type of person that you leave energized after speaking with him.
The first session is the one that spoke to me most significantly. God is a community unto Himself. He has never been alone. Since we are made in the image of God, we must be made for community. It is so simple, yet so easily overlooked.
The implication is you and I are helping people to become more conformed to the image of Christ by leading them in a small group. This is accomplished by creating a safe environment for community and fellowship to take place. This is a foundation upon which our small groups must be built. Bible study without community is folly.
On my next posting, I will make it very brief and give you the opportunity to opine about what you liked about the conference and ask questions.
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