The church I attend (and volunteer at) makes a huge push for people to attend small groups (10ish people per group), and about 60% of the people attend these groups. The groups are billed as very relational, and they are. It’s obviously a better way to care for people – or even get to know them – than on Sunday morning.

However, there is a constant push to “multiply” (not “divide”) these groups. The result is that more and more leaders are needed, and more and more attendees are needed to make this happen. I think the church does a great job of raising up leaders from within, but man is it a grind. At times, I feel more like a blunt instrument than a person in trying to participate in multiple community service projects or serving on ministry teams.

Right, wrong, or indifferent, it sometimes feels like being encouraged to invite others (which is a good thing) is done more for the sake of church growth than anything else.

I really liked Larry’s focus on both reaching the lost and disciplining people.

I also loved his emphasis on loving the people you have, not just for what they offer but to care for them because they are important.