http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/books/wsg.html This a link to CJ Mahaney's site that has a full online version of an exceptional book (Why Small Groups?" I think you may find it quite helpful brother To your question - "Is this a biblical definition?" - While community is God's intended purpose for his people, it is not automatically present, nor is it created on demand I think 1 John 1:1-3 would disagree that real fellowship is indeed automatic - for those whom God has brought into His Church - nevertheless real community and the experience of it - must I agree be striven for and therefore pursued by the Church. I am a huge proponent of small groups ministry and have experienced the fruit of such fellowship on a weekly basis - not just because I lead 3 groups - rather I lead them because of the kindness of God to work through them in my life and that of our church. _____________________________________________ Peter Charlebois Assistant Pastor: Fort William Baptist Church 1800 East Moodie Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7C 4E9 (807) 622 3739 www.fortwilliambaptistchurch.com "Only one life, t'will soon be past; Only what's done for Christ will last" (C.T. Studd) ----- Original Message ----- From: Didiloo@... To: soundofgrace@... Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2004 4:02 PM Subject: [soundofgrace] Small Groups..... Community I attend a church that is implementing "small groups" within the Church. I am wondering if anyone can tell what the correct biblical definition of what the word "community" means. Here is an example from the Small group packet I received: +++++++++++++++++ Promoting Community Jesus revealed his heart for community shortly before his arrest when he prayed to the Father that the Christian church "may be one as we are one" (John 17:11). We see that true community finds its essence and definition in the very nature of God. While community is God's intended purpose for his people, it is not automatically present, nor is it created on demand. Biblical fellowship takes time, energy and a willingness to share the "fine china" of life with brothers and sisters in Christ. Relating honestly with one another is at the heart of becoming the people of God. +++++++++++++++++++ Is this a biblical definition Thanks Jim Largent -- Read the Sound of Grace pages at http://www.soundofgrace.com To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: soundofgrace-unsubscribe@... To view our online archive go to our web page at http://www.associate.com/groups/soundofgrace --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.654 / Virus Database: 419 - Release Date: 4/6/2004 -- Read the Sound of Grace pages at http://www.soundofgrace.com To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: soundofgrace-unsubscribe@... To view our online archive go to our web page at http://www.associate.com/groups/soundofgrace