Our focus is conversation and discussion in order to build relationships with one another - rather than just sitting in pews not talking with one another. We believe 'church' is simply better when we can talk with one another rather than having lectures every Sunday. That learning is best when we are actually reading and discussing scripture together like disciples. We believe we can 'learn' and grow 'relationships' at the 'same time' when we practice talking with one another - simple right! Yes, people learn much faster, grow relationships, grow friendships, and become like the one anothers that Jesus prayed we would become. Growing and maturing through sharing and talking with one another like that which the bible speaks of.
As bible teachers, our mission is to grow in Gods Word with other believers - and at the same time grow relationships with other believers as we all grow in our knowledge and relationship with God Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Our story: and why we meet around tables rather than sit in rows and in pews.
60% cite cost as barrier
Why group discussions are much better for learning, developing as disciples, than lecture style studies.
Our impact on the rest of the world and for ourselves as believers:
The importance of communicating :
We really cant stress how important communicating in church is - it would seem so obvious, but years of church traditions have wired us to think some professional clergy should do the talking for us.
What we are: Interactive mature Church fellowship, bible study, conversation. Learning thru discussion and the sharing of God and His Word with one another, like true disciples - the freedom from passive lecturing!
Your growth and joy is Gods desire and our ambition.
Being disciples:
“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples"
John 15:8
Being connected with one another and with Jesus the father and the Holy Spirit
'So that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them”
John 17:26
Using our time wisely. To get the most out of our meeting and being together
'Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity'
Colossians 4:5
What actual church was meant to be; simple, meeting together around Gods Word and growing together as disciples:
‘They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer... '
Acts 2:42
‘And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul'
Acts 4:32
,
‘To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is only fitting, because your faith is increasing abundantly, and the love of each and every one of you toward one another grows ever greater. 4 As a result, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith’
2 Thessalonians 1:3-4
Statistics prove conversation is by far the best way to learn
Statistics prove much more of conversation can be recalled than is ever remembered from a lecture of the exact same material. Also: When the hearer is personally involved in the subject and discussion they are engaged in the development, analysis, personalization, and response to the subject by being in the conversation about the topic. So it is not just the percentage of retention, but the amount retained is exponentially higher by having already engaged the thoughts. You potentially have more thoughts about the topic than was actually verbalized by the original topic or lecture, had it only been heard. interesting as the ability to verbalize, add and grow the ideas in your mind has already started just by the fact of the discussion.
Participating in small group discussions teach people to communicate
Participating in group discussions teach people to communicate their faith and relationships with one another - that is discipleship - and that is what develops us into mature Christians
Ready for life in the real world
Thinking through questions and answers together doesn’t only increase our biblical and spiritual knowledge, thinking together improves our understanding and compassion for one another. This ability in making decisions also helps immeasurably with family, work, and personal life decisions. This is how we develop together into mature christians adults ready to take on a world full of problems and difficult decisions.
Problems with sermons / lectures:
Conversation is ‘the’ thing that sets us apart from the animals. Conversation IS the thing that makes us intelligent and great. Speech is how we have relationships.
None of the gifts of the Spirit are practiced or used during a sermon, unless your gift is sitting.
Consideration, kindness, grace, understanding, empathy, listening, diplomacy, humility, etc, are all things we develop and practice when having good God centered conversation.