Throughout Scripture, community is has always been a powerful theme. God has always
been calling people to choose His style of life and community over the
ways of the world, beginning with Abraham and the Covenant, and
continuing with Israel and the New Testament church. Even when the
Jews were dispersed among enemy nations during times of captivity, they
organized themselves into groups and ultimately formed synagogues where
they could serve one another and live out their beliefs.
The Biblical basis for small groups is very strong. There are plenty of accounts in the Bible of small groups in the early church (Acts 2:46, 12:12, 20:8, 20:20; Rom. 16:4-5; I Cor. 16:19; Col. 4:5; Philemon 2). And many Biblical commands given to the church seem to require them. These especially include commands for Christians to minister to one another (Heb. 3:13, 10:24-25; Gal. 6:2; Col. 3:16; James 5:16; I Peter 4:8-9; Eph. 4:32). The very "one anotherness" of these commands necessitates Christian fellowship in configurations small enough for ministry to be truly mutual. Combining this strong Biblical basis -- with our own experiences in the effectiveness of small group ministry -- gives a very strong rationale for small groups.
Small groups are intentional efforts to create an atmosphere that
causes believers and non-believers to grow in their understanding and
application of God’s direction in our lives, and to help create
Biblical community.
Our prayer is that every covenanted member and regular worshippers of Kaw Prairie will view participation in a small group as an integral part of their privilege and responsibility that comes with being a part of the Body of Christ. God desires to heal us and satisfy our deepest needs, and that happens best when it happens--up close and personal.
To learn more about current small groups or those under development, contact Small Groups Concierge Jason Moxness.