Bill Donahue, Willow Creek 

If a member came to you and asked, “I want to develop a great group—what should I focus on?” Or, “We have a monthly gathering in our home with folks in our neighborhood—what should we do to make it function well?” In essence, people are saying, “Net it out for me—what does it all boil down to?”

If we “net it out” for the communal life of the church, it would include 3 core practices: the creation of authentic relationships, the pursuit of spiritual growth, and the focus on a common mission or purpose.  In recent history, the church at large has typically emphasized one of these three. In the 40’s and 50’s an emphasis on the mission dominated. Christians returning from WWII now had a burden for taking the message around the globe, and great evangelistic ministries were birthed or expanded.

Then, in the 60’s and 70’s disciple-making ministries were peaking on college campuses and beginning to impact the local church as well. Small groups became a way for people grow in the faith and find wisdom for life. Then, in the 80’s the seeker movement burst onto the scene, bringing evangelistic passion back to the local church. In the 1990’s evangelicals became re-acquainted with the spiritual practices and disciplines used throughout church history—spiritual depth and growth were emphasized once again.

Now, as we stride further into the new millennium, and the emerging church movement begins to find its voice, it appears that there is a convergence taking place. The church is more intentional about integrating the missional, relational, and formational aspects of community—and group life in the local church is at the vortex.

Groups of various sizes and shapes are re-discovering the power of community when all three of these elements are present. Life-giving communities foster real relationships, pursue spiritual growth together, and seek to fulfill a God-honoring mission.  This “convergence” of these core essentials, rediscovered in recent decades, makes this era of church life exciting and challenging. No longer can we be content with primarily an evangelistic emphasis, or to focus on growth, or to make everything about relationships. That is why we have chosen this theme for our Small Group Conference this fall—bringing all three aspects together under the banner of community.

What does a missional community look like? How does a group form strong, authentic relationships? What does a group do to foster and maintain a passion for spiritual growth so that the community is transformed from the inside out? These are the kinds of questions we will be addressing this fall at the conference.

Effective groups—the kind that Jesus modeled and led—embraces the fullness of the Trinitarian community: the Father’s heart for the poor and the lost, Christ’s love for his body, the church, and the Spirit’s power in transformation. It’s a powerful combination in any group that gathers in the name of Jesus.

And more than ever, it’s time has come.