Aaron mentioned in his post that we have at various times considered cancelling the Wedesday evening meetings in favor of home groups. That was before he got interested in the penguins. When he was interested in the church, he said that part of the reason for continuing the Bible study was that the corporate gathering (even if it is only 1-15 people) is more formal and in-depth.

Allow me to take this as an opportunity to mention another “distinctive” about life at 3ABC: the corporate life of the church is “favored” over “small” group assemblies. Some churches have, for example, cancelled their Sunday evening services or other meeting times in favor of home groups — and it is usually done with the goal of fostering “community”. Now we are not against “community”, and have home groups meeting at least monthly to help that very thing. Community is not a bad thing, but it is also not the main thing.

The main thing is nurturing the church. The “body” that is the church seems somehow less satisfying to many today. Small, informal groups tend to foster traits and patterns that don’t necessarily benefit the whole body. Would Aaron, or anyone care to elaborate? Surely there is some moral in the penguin documentary that could be employed here.

Posted in 3ABC Life, Church Life |