Group Resource: Sticky Church

In Sticky Church, Larry Osborne, pastor of North Coast Church, write about sermon based small groups.

He makes the point that most discipleship programs are very linear but most spiritual growth comes as a result of life putting us in "need-to-know or need-to-grow situation."

Osborne has a chapter entitled "How Small Groups Change Everything."  Some of the key points in this chapter are key thoughts for us to consider.  I am going to list some of his key points in italics with my thoughts following.

1. One of the measurements that tells how important small groups are to a church is the participation level of senior staff and key lay leaders.  Every pastor and almost every deacon is involved in Soul Care as a member and/or leader.
2. The second measurement is the percentage of adults who attend a small group the critical mass of a small group ministry is 40% to 60% of the average weekend adult attendance.  Our average Sunday service adult attendance has been around 550 and we have approximately 200 people in groups, which is 36%.
3. One thing that begins to happen when critical mass is reached is the demise of the Holy Man Myth - the idea that pastors somehow have a more direct line to God.  This myth cripples a church because it overburdens  pastors and under-utilizes the gifts of everyone else.
4. Another falsehood that loses its grips is the Holy Place Myth - the idea that God's presence is somehow great in some places than in others.  We can and should speak Biblical truth anywhere.  It doesn't need to happen only in church building.   
5. Another advantage is the number of opportunities for high-impact, life-on-life ministry.  More people are able to speak into more people's lives.
6. Small groups offer the best children's program.  Click HERE for more about this.