Sermon Based Small Groups
We will be kicking off some pilot groups that are sermon-based this spring. Pilot in terms of a trial apparatus, a test, or an experiment (this in no way implies that those who are participating are guinea pigs!). Sermon-based, well because they are based on the sermon – duh?! I know sermon may be an old word—we often use the term “message” around Crossroads but “sermon” flows better with “small groups.” Let me give some of the background, philosophy, and understanding behind this kind of group. In other words, I’ll try to answer the question: “What are they talking about???”
Sermon-based groups are based on the familiar lecture-lab model seen in most educational models. There is a large group lecture – in our case the weekend message – followed up by a smaller class for grading homework, answering questions, discussing the substance of the lecture – a lab. Imagine the weekend message as a lecture on Christian living, and the small group as a lab where you get to roll up your sleeves and discuss how the weekend’s message works out in real life.
There are several obvious benefits of this type of format. First, there is a church wide focus on a particular topic or passage of Scripture for the week. In most church settings, one topic/passage is discussed in the weekend message, another in the Tuesday morning Bible study or weekly small group, another in children’s and youth gatherings. With one singular topic being discussed in multiple venues and in different ways, we can move beyond mere exposure to actual knowledge. Here’s a test: What was the topic of last weekend’s message? The message a month ago? It’s gone before we can ever truly apply it.
Another plus is that each group still maintains its own flavor or personality that makes it unique and impacting. People are more attentive during the weekend services, because they know they will be discussing this later in the week. There is more note-taking to have as a reference for further discussion. The neat thing in this format is that anyone can discuss what they heard – everyone has an opinion – no matter where they may be in terms of spiritual maturity. The study is not a rehashing of the weekend message, but rather takes biblical passages that are either complimentary or parallel to the main text but not covered. It allows the hearers, to take the discussion deeper than what can be covered in a large group. In other words, it takes the Word of God and plants it in our hearts and lives better than any twenty minute message could ever do.
Are you ready to jump in and see how this works? Join the Schoons (Jim and Joan) and Moes (Mark and Laura) beginning Sunday, May 10th at 6 PM at 5343 W. 83rd Place in Crown Point.
