The Value of Small Groups

12In those days, Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God.13When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles: 14Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15Matthew and Thomas, James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot,16Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. (Luke 6:12-16)

Thoughts: Jesus built his first church around a small group of twelve (one apostle symbolically for each tribe of the Old Testament).  The purpose of this was not merely to teach content but to exemplify lifestyle and leadership.  The Presbyterian church is built around this concept too- we have elders ("presbyters" in Greek) who govern the church.  It is not one person making all the decisions nor is one person pulling the full load.  John Calvin in the Reformation purposefully went back to this- in recognition of the magnitude of the abuse of power in the papacy of his time. 
     At Lake Murray Presbyterian we have FEAST (Fellowship Eating and Sharing Together) Groups starting up this spring.  Don't forget our many PW Circles, Men's group, Bible studies and Sunday School classes (not to mention Youth and WOW groups).  In the fall we are implementing Missional Communities (similar to Parish groups that we have had in the distant past, but with a purpose and mission).   I am particularly excited about the Missional Community Groups starting up. 
     It is also noteworthy that in this passage Jesus chose Judas.  There is no such thing as a perfect small group.  There seems to be always somebody who throws things off.  Jesus knew this but he still chose his group- risking even betrayal to fulfill His purpose.
    It is interesting that the largest church in the world in Seol, South Korea (Full Gospel Church) has over 500,000 members- all built on the idea of small groups.  They purposefully grow their small groups- and when they reach 12 they automatically and purposefully split into two groups of six and start growing again.  These are small groups with a purpose- exactly what Jesus did.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to seek fellowship not only for myself but for others and your glory.