Dynamic movements are very “tight” when it comes to core beliefs but “open” with methods.
The best methods are adaptive, flexible, reproducible, functional and simple enough to be contagious.
Here’s an example from my email traffic.
Hi Brian
How’s it going?
I have an Aussie mate living and working in Europe. He’s reaching out to the other single young adults “internationals” at work and around the city.
It might be the beginning of a church plant. He’s a really good connector.
Been talking to him re taking the next step of running some discovery groups/bible studies.
Back in the dark recesses of my mind was our discussion years ago about your simple model of bible studies. It was so simple I forgot the details! But that’s usual for me.
Would you mind giving me a few bullet points describing what you do and I’ll shoot it to him and if he’s keen maybe he could call/skype you.
What do you think?
Steve
Hi Steve,
Yes it is very simple and yet seems to be effective for both Seminary graduates and non-Christians…
Each week we read at least a book before we get together… Genesis week one, Exodus week two… (Joshua, Judges, Ruth week 6)
When we come together for coffee we share the three things we loved about it.
[note: we want people to love the bible and when people share what they loved, they are really sharing the things that jumped out at them… the things God is most likely speaking to them about.}
Primary goal is to focus on what they Loved.
Secondary goal is to teach them to Listen to what God is saying to them through his word.
Lastly, over time the bible is Learned.Life-long Christians have the hardest time with this… they either try to make it a “Bible answer man” time… which we do not allow (if there is a question or two we may talk about it at the end.) or they try and make it a “look how deep and smart I am.”
We had a seminary student who was sharing from commentaries and I had to call him on it… I want to hear what God is doing in your hearts quit trying to impress people with your head.
My group meets in Starbucks (it is a value to us to not do this in homes but in public places) we pray, then we go in a circle three times around sharing our three things, after someone shares it is not uncommon for others to say how and or why they might have loved that same verse or passage… after three times around we pray and end.
Simple. The job of the leader is to have passion for the bible and cultivate it in the people of the group.
Very brief… hope this helps.
Brian.
Brian is a church planter in Glasgow, Scotland. You can read his excellent blog here.
