Gospel Groups: From Rosters to Relationships

Rosters

• Sunday School originated in England from a man trying to help poor kids get an education on the one day they weren’t working in the factories.
• Once separate from churches, the concept crossed the ocean and became associated with local congregations for religious formation.
• Some now prefer a lecture informing us what the teacher knows while others prefer a discussion allowing us to comment what we think.
• Groups should be more than a weekly lesson given to an inconsistent roster.

Scripture (Hebrews 10:23-25)

• Our faith is in what Christ has done (past), our mandate is in what the church is doing (present), and our hope is in what Christ will do (future).
• While Jesus is reliably faithful, we recognize our propensity to sway from truth.
• The best way to hold to our confession is by holding on to one another.
• Christians should learn how to get the best out of each other.
• Lingering in isolation hurts you and robs others.
• If you want to stay faithful until you meet Jesus, stay faithful in meeting with one another.

Relationships

• Don’t let church hurt keep you from healing.
• Our hope is that Gospel Groups grow in the gospel and go with the gospel.

6 Essential Values

1. Authority – The textbook is the Bible
2. Maturity – The leader is still growing.
3. Authenticity – The group is safe to be real.
4. Accountability – The lessons affect lives.
5. Availability – The needs are met.
6. Reproducibility – The disconnected are prioritized.

• You might feel shallow in your faith because you refuse to go deep in relationships.

‍