Chapter 10 of The Divine Mentor introduces the 20/20/20 program. 20 minutes of reading/20 minutes of focus on one Scripture/20 minutes of group sharing.
I read an article the other day in The Christian Standard where the author is calling for the death of small groups, citing research that small groups are not effective (Shhhh! Don't tell Jesus this!) I think a part of the reason for this is the fact that many small groups do not have a focus. But then again, some big churches don't either! Sometimes we have small groups just because someone said we should have small groups. I am a firm believer that we cannot duplicate the successes of other churches just by copying their programs. But I do think that if I were to be in a small group right now (I have been in the past), that I would want to be in one that takes this approach, or at least try it.
I also find it interesting that the author's small groups meet in public places, as a witness to those who might see them. I like that idea, although I could see where some might be uncomfortable with that.
The author concludes this chapter with a Daily Bible Reading Schedule. These have never worked for me. I either fall behind or want to get ahead. So I struggle with this part, but again stress, do what works for you.
3 comments:
Does that mean 2/3 of the group time with one person sharing and 1/3 with everyone sharing? If so I would not want to be a part of that group.
Actually, at least the way I interpret it, it is 40 minutes of time where you are preparing and 20 minutes of sharing. As with any group, I think it is the time after the meeting is over that is the most valuable. I think it would be interesting to try it sometime. But it would definitely have to be the right fit for the group.
Thanks for the clarification. Small groups sometimes seem to be just mini-churches focused on the teaching of one person. I have been in some great ones where the leader is more of a facilitator and the others are the informal teachers. It is a different model but a life filled one with fewer spectators.
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