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Community: Taking Your Small Group off Life Support
Community within the church today is hemorrhaging. Attention spans are dwindling, noise levels are increasing, and we can't seem to find time for real relationships. The answer to such social fragmentation can be found in small groups, and yet the majority of small groups―at least in the traditional sense―are often not the intentional, transformational community we really want and need. Somehow we need to get our groups off life support and into authentic community. Pastor Brad House helps us to re-imagine what gospel-centered community looks like and shares from his experience leading and reproducing healthy small groups. With wisdom and candor, House challenges us to think carefully about our own groups and to take steps toward cultivating communities that are able to glorify Jesus, bless one another, and participate in the mission of God.
253 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2011
77 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
September 6, 2024
This book has great value
Too many churches have minimal impact on people outside their congregation and in the neighborhood surrounding the church.
The suggestions in this book
can lead to congregations becoming effective in carrying out Jesus plan for his church. The result can be both real Kingdom growth and great joy for the participants.
Too many churches have minimal impact on people outside their congregation and in the neighborhood surrounding the church.
The suggestions in this book
can lead to congregations becoming effective in carrying out Jesus plan for his church. The result can be both real Kingdom growth and great joy for the participants.
May 14, 2024
Not gonna lie…I had to force myself to finish this one. House made some good points, but much of it just didn’t seem relatable for me as a stay-at-home mom of a large family living in a rural area.
February 25, 2013
While this book contains a great deal of insight into the best means and methods of creating and managing a community group, I am having a hard time making headway in reading this book. Brad House is a creative idea factory regarding community groups, but I am skeptical by nature, and probably need both more time and scriptural support to completely "own" a number of his concepts.
I have to give kudos to House for both innovation and organization. I just wish he did a more complete job of backing up his strategy with scripture. If you are a creative analytic in search of ideas on how to increase commitment in your community group, this book is for you. If you are simply a community group member looking to more fully engage in these gatherings, you may find this book too technical.
Update:
As I completed the book I discovered that the footnotes were frequently references to scripture, so I take back my criticismhttp://www.sacbee.com/2013/02/19/5194... that House tied his views more firmly to scripture. That said, I wish that there was a more detailed explanation of how a viewpoint was derived from scripture.
I have to give kudos to House for both innovation and organization. I just wish he did a more complete job of backing up his strategy with scripture. If you are a creative analytic in search of ideas on how to increase commitment in your community group, this book is for you. If you are simply a community group member looking to more fully engage in these gatherings, you may find this book too technical.
Update:
As I completed the book I discovered that the footnotes were frequently references to scripture, so I take back my criticismhttp://www.sacbee.com/2013/02/19/5194... that House tied his views more firmly to scripture. That said, I wish that there was a more detailed explanation of how a viewpoint was derived from scripture.
April 11, 2012
Inspired thinking through some issues surrounding a small groups ministry. My only beefs with it are that it probably could have been about 25% shorter and there were some things that he didn't talk about much that I wish would have been longer. That's not a contradiction.
I would have loved to have heard what Mr. House had to say about things like:
How is mutual confession beneficial and what are some pointers/pitfalls surrounding it?
What are some practical ways to avoid burn-out in SG leaders?
How does MH place people in small groups? How long does a small group stay together?
The lasting lesson I'll take away is the importance of intentionality. It's a good book for people to go through together to think about your church's small group ministry.
I would have loved to have heard what Mr. House had to say about things like:
How is mutual confession beneficial and what are some pointers/pitfalls surrounding it?
What are some practical ways to avoid burn-out in SG leaders?
How does MH place people in small groups? How long does a small group stay together?
The lasting lesson I'll take away is the importance of intentionality. It's a good book for people to go through together to think about your church's small group ministry.
October 17, 2017
Unfortunately, this book was an extended "sales-pitch" for how Mark Driscoll's Mars Hill organized their community groups. So, both a little bit dated, and considering the demise of that church, a little bit ironic. House certainly offers some good, common sense ideas for how to avoid, as he memorably calls it, "the awkward drum circle." He advocates for leaning away from too programmatic approach to small groups and encourages organic, natural means of engaging in fellowship and Bible study in small groups. There was some helpful content here, but I think there are better books out there on this topic. I'm being generous and giving three stars, only because I can't give 2.5 stars...I'm a nice guy.
May 28, 2013
Life-changing book.
This was such an interesting read. I literally hated the first two chapters. But as I kept reading--and rereading--it just started clicking...and I eventually grew to love it.
And so, yes, this book is about community groups, but it's also a book about how to be a good neighbor. And for someone who just moved into a new home, this was perfect timing for me.
Really looking forward to incorporating this into the life our our church, city, and neighborhood.
This was such an interesting read. I literally hated the first two chapters. But as I kept reading--and rereading--it just started clicking...and I eventually grew to love it.
And so, yes, this book is about community groups, but it's also a book about how to be a good neighbor. And for someone who just moved into a new home, this was perfect timing for me.
Really looking forward to incorporating this into the life our our church, city, and neighborhood.
November 7, 2011
A great book with a theological foundation, practical purpose, and solid reason for building Christian community into the local church. Excellent read! Useful for building and training leaders.
June 8, 2020
Too idealistic, and formulaic.
January 14, 2012
“Community within the church today is hemorrhaging (p. 18),” says Brad House in his new book on small groups titled Community: Taking Your Small Group Off Life Support. Sadly, though the church is a community of believers it often does not function as a community let alone a life giving community that fosters growth among its members. Though small groups are often utilized to help foster community within the local church it often becomes a place to just share prayer requests, discuss some verses and eat some food. These small groups often do not provide the kind of community growth that House believes the NT has in vision.
Small Groups or Community Groups?
What is interesting about Houses’ proposal is that he is not necessarily offering a reworking of the typical small group idea. Most small groups center themselves around an age group, stage of life or a particular aspect that each person has in common like addictions or being a single parent. Usually these groups meet in different places within the church walls and sometimes they meet in the small groups member’s houses. In other words, they usually just meet for the spiritual needs of the church members in the group. The concept that House sketches out for us in his book is quite different. House calls them Community Groups which are defined as “scattered church grouping.” The name itself does not lend to a radical view of small groups but how he describes the nature of its function does. Community groups have three main functions:
Discipleship – This is “about providing the means by which we begin to shepherd people in the direction of maturity (p. 49).” What happens with discipleship is to fit into the larger structure of what the church is accomplishing as a whole which ultimately to start with the pulpit ministry of the pastor.
Pastoral Care – This is about the leaders of the community groups providing shepherding to each of its members. This “ensures that every member is being cared for and is caring for others (p. 59).” Since the pastor(s) cannot shepherd each member the same and meet all of their needs, equipping the community group leaders with the skills to do this will ensure that someone is shepherding each member of the church.
Mission – This is about each community group and each of its members being actively involved in the mission work of God through the church. It is the whole church that is to be involved in the mission of God and community groups are an effective way to make sure this is accomplished.
In my experience and from what I have read this idea of small groups is much different than anything I have seen. This is a whole new model of small groups that calls for not just meeting the needs of the group themselves but reaching out to meet the needs of the world in their own neighborhood. This is a model of small groups that calls for the group to take the task of the mission of the church and to make it the mission and reason for their existence as well.
The book is broken down into three sections through which House sketches his vision for community groups.
Part One – The Foundation: Building Blocks for Life
Part one deals with laying the foundation for your small group. Often times small groups exist to fill a need or a want instead of flowing from the philosophy or mission of the church. This new foundation must be built on a correct image of oneself before God as an individual and group. We were created to be in community with God and each other. Sin has broken that and the cross restores it. Second, these groups must be an integral part of the mission of the church. Finally, in order for community groups to succeed their needs to be complete ownership on the part of the leaders and those involved. The vision and missional necessity must be clearly and passionately be communicated from the top down. Members need to believe in the purpose and mission of their community group and not merely agree with it (p. 71). This requires that the pastoral leadership train and equip the leaders and allow them to run with their group.
Part Two – Health Plan: Redefining Community Groups
Part two begins by comparing the difference between small groups that exist out of pragmatism versus small/community groups that exist out of conviction because it has flowed from the mission of the church. Pragmatic small groups tend to be reactionary, product driven, have a what-we-do identity, are event driven, tend to take the life from people, conformity oriented and function out of obligation. Small groups that exist our of conviction are visionary, purpose driven, have a who-we-are identity, are lifestyle driven, life-giving, creative and function out of a desire to be a blessing to other believers and the world.
Here House also fleshes out his idea of what it means to be a community group in a neighborhood. The best was for the mission of the church to be worked out in a mission minded small group is to exist and work in the surrounding neighborhoods of the members of the local church. House writes:
As gospel density increases with the growth of groups, these groups can begin to collaborate together to reach whole neighborhoods and regions of the city. As groups draw more people to Jesus, they replicate and increase the gospel density of their neighborhoods, increasing the likelihood that more of their neighbors will be positively impacted by the gospel. In this way we can strategically advance the gospel and see whole cities transformed by the death and resurrection of Jesus (p. 107).
In tandem with this neighborhood approach is the thought that small groups need to rethink where they meet (in homes or more public places like a restaurant), how often they meet (weekly or biweekly), the best time to meet based on the availability of the members and the typical work schedules of those they are trying to reach and offering more than one opportunity to meet without making everyone fell as if they have to attend every time.
Integral to redefining a churches view of small groups is the structural makeup of the whole ministry. Here House draws on what he calls the Jethro Principle as inspired from Exodus 18. Here Moses is the only judge and leader of the people and he cannot handle it anymore. His father-in-law Jethro confronts him and encourages him to train other leaders and divide the people so the work is more manageable and the needs are being met. First, there is one person who oversees the entire small groups ministry. Then there are head coaches who oversee a certain number of coaches who in turn oversee a number of small group leaders. How many small groups and coaches a church has is relative to the size of the church.
Part Three – Treatment: Effecting Change in Your Groups
So how does a church with a small group ministry who is pragmatic oriented change their way of thinking and doing small groups? In part three House gives two answers. First, House believes a church must repent. If community is an integral part of the Christian life and life of the church and small groups is the best way to accomplish that, then churches who do not accomplish this through their small groups ministry have failed to live missionally and need to repent. “As we repent of the sin and disbelief that have corrupted our communities and sidelined us from the mission of God, our hearts will be prepared for a new vision. This repentance looks like a people receiving the gospel and living out of their identity as a holy nation (p. 195).” House suggests that the change that needs to take place is missional repentance. Missional repentance is when God’s people repent of their sin which leads to “the advancement of God’s kingdom and the proclamation of his glory (p. 195).”
The second way in which churches can change their small groups into missional community groups is to provide some sort of boot camp. These boot camps are designed to provide training for small group leaders and coaches. House suggests a seven week program and gives the entire outline of what they do at Mars Hill Church. This chapter of the book is worth the cost of the book alone.
If churches were to take seriously what House proposes in Community then they will be forever changed. House is right when he says,
Transformational, life-filled community in a culture of quick fixes is hard to come by. Effecting change will take commitment, hard work, and patience. Changing the culture of community in your church will require a constant plan that starts with repentance on the part of the church and dependence on the Holy Spirit to impart change in our hearts (p. 192).
Change is never easy for churches but it is the power of the gospel that enables us to change our individualistic and pragmatic small groups into community groups that function out of conviction and mission. Community will forever change how you view your small group and make you ask yourself how you can begin to make the change.
Small Groups or Community Groups?
What is interesting about Houses’ proposal is that he is not necessarily offering a reworking of the typical small group idea. Most small groups center themselves around an age group, stage of life or a particular aspect that each person has in common like addictions or being a single parent. Usually these groups meet in different places within the church walls and sometimes they meet in the small groups member’s houses. In other words, they usually just meet for the spiritual needs of the church members in the group. The concept that House sketches out for us in his book is quite different. House calls them Community Groups which are defined as “scattered church grouping.” The name itself does not lend to a radical view of small groups but how he describes the nature of its function does. Community groups have three main functions:
Discipleship – This is “about providing the means by which we begin to shepherd people in the direction of maturity (p. 49).” What happens with discipleship is to fit into the larger structure of what the church is accomplishing as a whole which ultimately to start with the pulpit ministry of the pastor.
Pastoral Care – This is about the leaders of the community groups providing shepherding to each of its members. This “ensures that every member is being cared for and is caring for others (p. 59).” Since the pastor(s) cannot shepherd each member the same and meet all of their needs, equipping the community group leaders with the skills to do this will ensure that someone is shepherding each member of the church.
Mission – This is about each community group and each of its members being actively involved in the mission work of God through the church. It is the whole church that is to be involved in the mission of God and community groups are an effective way to make sure this is accomplished.
In my experience and from what I have read this idea of small groups is much different than anything I have seen. This is a whole new model of small groups that calls for not just meeting the needs of the group themselves but reaching out to meet the needs of the world in their own neighborhood. This is a model of small groups that calls for the group to take the task of the mission of the church and to make it the mission and reason for their existence as well.
The book is broken down into three sections through which House sketches his vision for community groups.
Part One – The Foundation: Building Blocks for Life
Part one deals with laying the foundation for your small group. Often times small groups exist to fill a need or a want instead of flowing from the philosophy or mission of the church. This new foundation must be built on a correct image of oneself before God as an individual and group. We were created to be in community with God and each other. Sin has broken that and the cross restores it. Second, these groups must be an integral part of the mission of the church. Finally, in order for community groups to succeed their needs to be complete ownership on the part of the leaders and those involved. The vision and missional necessity must be clearly and passionately be communicated from the top down. Members need to believe in the purpose and mission of their community group and not merely agree with it (p. 71). This requires that the pastoral leadership train and equip the leaders and allow them to run with their group.
Part Two – Health Plan: Redefining Community Groups
Part two begins by comparing the difference between small groups that exist out of pragmatism versus small/community groups that exist out of conviction because it has flowed from the mission of the church. Pragmatic small groups tend to be reactionary, product driven, have a what-we-do identity, are event driven, tend to take the life from people, conformity oriented and function out of obligation. Small groups that exist our of conviction are visionary, purpose driven, have a who-we-are identity, are lifestyle driven, life-giving, creative and function out of a desire to be a blessing to other believers and the world.
Here House also fleshes out his idea of what it means to be a community group in a neighborhood. The best was for the mission of the church to be worked out in a mission minded small group is to exist and work in the surrounding neighborhoods of the members of the local church. House writes:
As gospel density increases with the growth of groups, these groups can begin to collaborate together to reach whole neighborhoods and regions of the city. As groups draw more people to Jesus, they replicate and increase the gospel density of their neighborhoods, increasing the likelihood that more of their neighbors will be positively impacted by the gospel. In this way we can strategically advance the gospel and see whole cities transformed by the death and resurrection of Jesus (p. 107).
In tandem with this neighborhood approach is the thought that small groups need to rethink where they meet (in homes or more public places like a restaurant), how often they meet (weekly or biweekly), the best time to meet based on the availability of the members and the typical work schedules of those they are trying to reach and offering more than one opportunity to meet without making everyone fell as if they have to attend every time.
Integral to redefining a churches view of small groups is the structural makeup of the whole ministry. Here House draws on what he calls the Jethro Principle as inspired from Exodus 18. Here Moses is the only judge and leader of the people and he cannot handle it anymore. His father-in-law Jethro confronts him and encourages him to train other leaders and divide the people so the work is more manageable and the needs are being met. First, there is one person who oversees the entire small groups ministry. Then there are head coaches who oversee a certain number of coaches who in turn oversee a number of small group leaders. How many small groups and coaches a church has is relative to the size of the church.
Part Three – Treatment: Effecting Change in Your Groups
So how does a church with a small group ministry who is pragmatic oriented change their way of thinking and doing small groups? In part three House gives two answers. First, House believes a church must repent. If community is an integral part of the Christian life and life of the church and small groups is the best way to accomplish that, then churches who do not accomplish this through their small groups ministry have failed to live missionally and need to repent. “As we repent of the sin and disbelief that have corrupted our communities and sidelined us from the mission of God, our hearts will be prepared for a new vision. This repentance looks like a people receiving the gospel and living out of their identity as a holy nation (p. 195).” House suggests that the change that needs to take place is missional repentance. Missional repentance is when God’s people repent of their sin which leads to “the advancement of God’s kingdom and the proclamation of his glory (p. 195).”
The second way in which churches can change their small groups into missional community groups is to provide some sort of boot camp. These boot camps are designed to provide training for small group leaders and coaches. House suggests a seven week program and gives the entire outline of what they do at Mars Hill Church. This chapter of the book is worth the cost of the book alone.
If churches were to take seriously what House proposes in Community then they will be forever changed. House is right when he says,
Transformational, life-filled community in a culture of quick fixes is hard to come by. Effecting change will take commitment, hard work, and patience. Changing the culture of community in your church will require a constant plan that starts with repentance on the part of the church and dependence on the Holy Spirit to impart change in our hearts (p. 192).
Change is never easy for churches but it is the power of the gospel that enables us to change our individualistic and pragmatic small groups into community groups that function out of conviction and mission. Community will forever change how you view your small group and make you ask yourself how you can begin to make the change.
July 10, 2024
I’d put this book somewhere between 2-3 stars. Part 1 on what community is and why it’s necessary is real good. Unfortunately it’s also here that we begin to see some issues in the ecclesiology of the book. I think it’s well summarized in this sentence: “On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit parlayed one faithful community group into a megachurch.” (206) On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit added to their number, he took the church and began to grow it. Throughout the book he seems to argue that the church is just your community group. Sunday mornings are meant for attraction and then community group is where ministry happens. That seems to make community groups essential which I disagree with. Now, I recognize this brother is writing from a mega church perspective which certainly influences it. But, you can be a faithful church and not have a small group ministry and so I felt unconvinced by his argument that community groups are the exclusive way to build community in the church (I don’t think he outright says that, but it seems implied.) I also think this is seen in his purpose for community groups which he basically just says is “to make disciples”. Again I would argue that’s the purpose of the church, so I’m left asking how do small groups fit into that bigger purpose?
Now, there were some really helpful things. His chapter on repentance was great. Change in our community will not happen apart from Jesus changing hearts through faith and repentance. His emphasis on small groups being missional convicted me! I’m not sure I’m fully convinced to go all the way that he does, but I was challenged to think about how our groups might be used to help one another be disciple makers.
Also, just as a note the formatting of the book is AWFUL. All of the footnotes are in the back but most of the footnotes are scripture which should be with the passage or references or atleast on the same page. I had to keep flipping to the back of the book which slowed me down or I just didn’t go to look.
Now, there were some really helpful things. His chapter on repentance was great. Change in our community will not happen apart from Jesus changing hearts through faith and repentance. His emphasis on small groups being missional convicted me! I’m not sure I’m fully convinced to go all the way that he does, but I was challenged to think about how our groups might be used to help one another be disciple makers.
Also, just as a note the formatting of the book is AWFUL. All of the footnotes are in the back but most of the footnotes are scripture which should be with the passage or references or atleast on the same page. I had to keep flipping to the back of the book which slowed me down or I just didn’t go to look.
December 4, 2017
I had to read this book for a seminary class on discipleship and family ministry. The practices in this book are more than worth taking a look at if you are either considering beginning a small group ministry or revitalizing one. The idea that our small groups should be more than another event on the calendar and one that builds community, discipleship, and seeks to reach our neighbors and friends with the Gospel is a goal that all churches and small group ministries should have. Organizing these groups by neighborhoods and not "life stage" is also an idea that House discusses in this work. Having been part of a church in the past where my wife and I didn't fit anywhere because of our "life stage" (i.e. married, but we do not have children, and we're over 30) I can attest to the fact that life stage organization is not ideal.
At any rate, I would recommend this work to pastors, elders, and leaders at all levels of ministry within the church.
At any rate, I would recommend this work to pastors, elders, and leaders at all levels of ministry within the church.
December 31, 2018
A different approach to small groups than what I am familiar with. That is a good thing though. They place a strong emphasis on neighborhood-focussed mission by community groups. This is perhaps something many Western churches are lacking. Worth a read, but you'll have to judge for yourself how much of what he proposes you would want to implement.
February 2, 2020
I was largely unimpressed by this book. It feels like House sees the church as an event to attend and community groups as the real place where people do life together. According to this model, people could only focus on people in their community group and ignore the rest of the church. His book is also riddled with absolutes and grandiose statement that discredit his arguments. There are some ideas that are good to takeaway and apply in a small group setting like discipleship, mission, and time outside of the weekly event of community group.
August 8, 2017
Overall, I found the insights in the book to be very helpful. Not all of them apply directly to my church, but I can see how the general concepts apply. You'll definitely want to read the last two chapters to see the principles in action.
January 29, 2018
This is the most comprehensive and helpful book I have read on community groups within the church. From a theological, corporate, and personal approach, Brad House simply yet exhaustively makes a case for the type of gospel-centered communities for which the church is desperate.
March 15, 2019
The book makes a very strong case for outreaching to the community as the primary focus for community group. It paints a very exciting vision for community group and challenges the way most of us view community/small group ministry.
April 23, 2025
Set aside the baggage that comes with Mars Hill and give it a read with an open mind.
Definitely geared toward leaders in the local church, but also has wisdom for the individual church member.
A vital book for community group leaders to read, and very practical and thought provoking.
Definitely geared toward leaders in the local church, but also has wisdom for the individual church member.
A vital book for community group leaders to read, and very practical and thought provoking.
October 30, 2016
House takes the ideas from Total Church and works them out in his PNW context. It was helpful, but he communicates in a way that almost emphasizes community as the point of the church.
March 9, 2019
Excellent book for those who are looking to rejuvenate, start or restart their SG atmosphere at church.
August 14, 2019
Read this with my community group. The discussion guide didn’t align very well with the chapters in this book, which was confusing. Most of the content was fairly familiar to me already.
February 9, 2020
Definitely worth reading if you're thinking through the community group strategy for your church.
August 24, 2020
Seeing small groups as the basic building blocks of a church
January 17, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. Good theory on small groups and also very practical examples and ideas
August 6, 2024
Really enjoyed this.
I found it to be super helpful and encouraging. Made me pumped for Bible study to start back.
I found it to be super helpful and encouraging. Made me pumped for Bible study to start back.
August 23, 2015
The writing of this book was inspired by the many who have inquired about the success of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Wa (www.marshill.com), which holds community groups as the heart of the church.
I found this book to be very insightful with healthy conviction and practical application. I would recommend this book as a must read for anyone who wishes to lead missional community and grow disciples of Christ through their church. For those without a hard copy to browse through, here is a brief rundown of the book:
PART ONE: Building Blocks for Life
Chapters 1-3: Image, Body, and Ownership
This section lays out the foundational building blocks for life-giving community in your church. Why is it that we even have community groups/small groups in church? House does this by building on three biblical principals: we are created in the image of a triune God in perfect unity, we are the body of Christ with different gifts to help the other parts of the body, and we are called to own the mission of Jesus to make disciples.
PART TWO: Redefining Community Groups
Chapter 4: Community
Intended to display what community groups that are inspired by the Holy Spirit can look like, he encourages you to start by resetting your expectations of what community means based off your previous experiences. Instead, what would community look like if you started from scratch, based off what you find in scripture? A big highlight of this chapter is that it calls us to develop our groups with vision and purpose, rather than a product of reaction. When commenting on how we often design community groups to meet the needs of the church (a desired product), “we can achieve that goal without pointing to Jesus.” He contends that our aim in community groups should have intentional purpose “to receive the grace of God and respond by imaging him and lifting up the name of Jesus.”
Chapter 5: Neighborhoods
To mobilize the body for the advancement of the Kingdom of God into your city by advocating for building groups around specific neighborhoods is the discussion in this chapter. House points out how in the present trend of a transient culture, building life-giving groups based of geographic location is increasingly difficult and therefore needs to be done with considerable care. Building groups based off a neighborhood approach allows your groups to be accessible, inspire ownership, be effective, and are scalable to provide “a place for everyone exercise his or her gifts for the advancement of the gospel.”
Chapter 6: Spaces
Building on the use of the “neighborhood approach,” this chapter focuses on preparing the group (disciples) to engage their neighborhood and culture through what other authors call spaces. Simply, these are the different aspects in which we engage our culture through different spheres of belonging (intimate, personal, social, and public). He states, “To move from passivity to activity for the gospel, we need to repent of our apathy, commit to the missional work of the gospel, and learn how to engage.” House adapts the concept of spaces to community groups engagement by developing four basic spaces: fellowship, hospitality, service, and participation.
Chapter 7: Rhythms
Because community is supposed to be “living life together,” House proposes that small groups should not be considered an event. Rather, we should “hear the beat” of our neighborhood and organize our groups with different times, places and substances to meet the natural rhythms of life. These different structures will provide opportunities to build bridges for the gospel and alter the mindset of an event-based group to an opportunity-based group of people living life together. “Opportunity-based community is the idea that we are always a community group whether we are together or apart.”
Chapter 8: Structure
In this chapter House lays out the structure that is used for community groups at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Wa. He advocates for this structure but recognizes that it may look different. “The structure of community groups should be the outflow of your biblical conviction on community and the ecclesiology of the church.” While many want community that is unstructured and free from expectation, he claims that structure is necessary, like a gardener who creates a structured environment that will produce the most growth and health of his garden. “…I advocate for natural, organic community…that has enough structure to support the healthy expression of the gospel without stifling creativity and authenticity.”
PART THREE: Effecting Change in your groups
Chapters 9-11: Repentance, Boot Camp, and History; Appendix
This section covers the practical applications for the content of the book. It includes a guide for organizing training for your church to implement change in your groups as well as lessons learned from the history of Mars Hill Church’s evolution of community groups.
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Hope you found this review helpful.
I found this book to be very insightful with healthy conviction and practical application. I would recommend this book as a must read for anyone who wishes to lead missional community and grow disciples of Christ through their church. For those without a hard copy to browse through, here is a brief rundown of the book:
PART ONE: Building Blocks for Life
Chapters 1-3: Image, Body, and Ownership
This section lays out the foundational building blocks for life-giving community in your church. Why is it that we even have community groups/small groups in church? House does this by building on three biblical principals: we are created in the image of a triune God in perfect unity, we are the body of Christ with different gifts to help the other parts of the body, and we are called to own the mission of Jesus to make disciples.
PART TWO: Redefining Community Groups
Chapter 4: Community
Intended to display what community groups that are inspired by the Holy Spirit can look like, he encourages you to start by resetting your expectations of what community means based off your previous experiences. Instead, what would community look like if you started from scratch, based off what you find in scripture? A big highlight of this chapter is that it calls us to develop our groups with vision and purpose, rather than a product of reaction. When commenting on how we often design community groups to meet the needs of the church (a desired product), “we can achieve that goal without pointing to Jesus.” He contends that our aim in community groups should have intentional purpose “to receive the grace of God and respond by imaging him and lifting up the name of Jesus.”
Chapter 5: Neighborhoods
To mobilize the body for the advancement of the Kingdom of God into your city by advocating for building groups around specific neighborhoods is the discussion in this chapter. House points out how in the present trend of a transient culture, building life-giving groups based of geographic location is increasingly difficult and therefore needs to be done with considerable care. Building groups based off a neighborhood approach allows your groups to be accessible, inspire ownership, be effective, and are scalable to provide “a place for everyone exercise his or her gifts for the advancement of the gospel.”
Chapter 6: Spaces
Building on the use of the “neighborhood approach,” this chapter focuses on preparing the group (disciples) to engage their neighborhood and culture through what other authors call spaces. Simply, these are the different aspects in which we engage our culture through different spheres of belonging (intimate, personal, social, and public). He states, “To move from passivity to activity for the gospel, we need to repent of our apathy, commit to the missional work of the gospel, and learn how to engage.” House adapts the concept of spaces to community groups engagement by developing four basic spaces: fellowship, hospitality, service, and participation.
Chapter 7: Rhythms
Because community is supposed to be “living life together,” House proposes that small groups should not be considered an event. Rather, we should “hear the beat” of our neighborhood and organize our groups with different times, places and substances to meet the natural rhythms of life. These different structures will provide opportunities to build bridges for the gospel and alter the mindset of an event-based group to an opportunity-based group of people living life together. “Opportunity-based community is the idea that we are always a community group whether we are together or apart.”
Chapter 8: Structure
In this chapter House lays out the structure that is used for community groups at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Wa. He advocates for this structure but recognizes that it may look different. “The structure of community groups should be the outflow of your biblical conviction on community and the ecclesiology of the church.” While many want community that is unstructured and free from expectation, he claims that structure is necessary, like a gardener who creates a structured environment that will produce the most growth and health of his garden. “…I advocate for natural, organic community…that has enough structure to support the healthy expression of the gospel without stifling creativity and authenticity.”
PART THREE: Effecting Change in your groups
Chapters 9-11: Repentance, Boot Camp, and History; Appendix
This section covers the practical applications for the content of the book. It includes a guide for organizing training for your church to implement change in your groups as well as lessons learned from the history of Mars Hill Church’s evolution of community groups.
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Hope you found this review helpful.
January 6, 2022
Mars hill didn’t fall because they had bad ideas. They fell because they couldn’t follow through with their own values at the highest levels.
This book is very helpful in getting leaders to think biblically about what small groups are for, how to make them missional, and why that is necessary to your community’s life and well being.
This book is very helpful in getting leaders to think biblically about what small groups are for, how to make them missional, and why that is necessary to your community’s life and well being.
March 6, 2014
Dare I say it? He's associated with Mark Driscoll's church. I thought this would be a quick fan through and done sort of current day I-am-so-dang-hip we call our Bible studies "community groups," and we do not have churches, no backwards way! we have campuses sort of book. You know? long on words and sayin' nothin'. It's not. It's good. I took notes. I am ready for real community now.
What would it take for small group, aka Bible Studies, to be life giving instead of that mid week event we all kind of dread attending? And it won't help to just change the name aka community group.
"Ironically, for a 'holy nation, a people,' we are comically pathetic at community." Small groups will thrive when they become the place where we experience life-giving information. The question is, are we willing to count the cost, repent, and receive the blessing of community?
The first thing that needs to be determined is WHY have small groups not, how do we get more people; but rather why have these groups at all. The answer needs to come from scripture; the purpose is to display the love of God for the world. (Eph2) Community is essential because we are image bearers of God who exists in eternal community within the trinity. If we do not place a high value on community, then we are disconnected from the conviction that community pictures the trinity. Christianity is not an individual sport; isolating ourselves is a response to sin, community is a response to reconciliation.
Pragmatism will lead to failure; always accommodating excuses lowers our expectations, it causes us to accommodate apathy, cultural priorities, and sin.
When there is a disconnect from the gathered church on Sunday to the scattered church the rest of the week it will be death to the church. If a church has been transformed by the gospel then it will show in the community life of the group.
We live in a culture of quick fixes and community takes t-i-m-e. Committing to each other and to a collective group, requires that we see ourselves as 'a people,' not just a gathering of people. It means seeing the church as 'our church,' not 'the church that I go to on Sunday.'
Brad House has a terrific guideline for getting your small group off of life support and get it breathing living on its own. He makes sure to say it is a guide, they are examples not a formula. Which is a good thing because I just can't see myself sticking a human size bright orange fork in my yard to announce to the neighbors, 'breakfast here for anyone who wants it.' But there is a way for me to know my neighbors and become a part of their lives, and I need to work that out. That's his point; to open our eyes to the opportunities around us to expand community, in our church, in our neighborhood, in our city.
I thought this book was going to be the sort where I quickly skim it, get the point and done. No. I took pages of notes. House is both practical and theological; he writes over and over that "if you want to change the culture of community within your church, you are going to have to count the cost. But the result- a Jesus-glorifying, transformational community that is a source of life- is well worth the price."
What would it take for small group, aka Bible Studies, to be life giving instead of that mid week event we all kind of dread attending? And it won't help to just change the name aka community group.
"Ironically, for a 'holy nation, a people,' we are comically pathetic at community." Small groups will thrive when they become the place where we experience life-giving information. The question is, are we willing to count the cost, repent, and receive the blessing of community?
The first thing that needs to be determined is WHY have small groups not, how do we get more people; but rather why have these groups at all. The answer needs to come from scripture; the purpose is to display the love of God for the world. (Eph2) Community is essential because we are image bearers of God who exists in eternal community within the trinity. If we do not place a high value on community, then we are disconnected from the conviction that community pictures the trinity. Christianity is not an individual sport; isolating ourselves is a response to sin, community is a response to reconciliation.
Pragmatism will lead to failure; always accommodating excuses lowers our expectations, it causes us to accommodate apathy, cultural priorities, and sin.
When there is a disconnect from the gathered church on Sunday to the scattered church the rest of the week it will be death to the church. If a church has been transformed by the gospel then it will show in the community life of the group.
We live in a culture of quick fixes and community takes t-i-m-e. Committing to each other and to a collective group, requires that we see ourselves as 'a people,' not just a gathering of people. It means seeing the church as 'our church,' not 'the church that I go to on Sunday.'
Brad House has a terrific guideline for getting your small group off of life support and get it breathing living on its own. He makes sure to say it is a guide, they are examples not a formula. Which is a good thing because I just can't see myself sticking a human size bright orange fork in my yard to announce to the neighbors, 'breakfast here for anyone who wants it.' But there is a way for me to know my neighbors and become a part of their lives, and I need to work that out. That's his point; to open our eyes to the opportunities around us to expand community, in our church, in our neighborhood, in our city.
I thought this book was going to be the sort where I quickly skim it, get the point and done. No. I took pages of notes. House is both practical and theological; he writes over and over that "if you want to change the culture of community within your church, you are going to have to count the cost. But the result- a Jesus-glorifying, transformational community that is a source of life- is well worth the price."
January 21, 2015
Quotes:
“Community is an instrument of worship, a weapon against sin, and a tool for evangelism--all for the exaltation of Jesus.” (19)
“The local church is a community of regenerated believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord. In obedience to Scripture they organize under qualified leadership, gather regularly for preaching and [corporate] worship, observe the biblical sacraments of baptism and communion, are unified by the Spirit, are disciplined for holiness, and scatter to fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission as missionaries to the world for God’s glory and their joy.”
(22; cited from Vintage Church)
“We are saved to be a community, not a church of individuals.” (33)
“Living in community, reconciled and united by the cross, is a physical demonstration of the grace of God.” (34)
“Scripture emphasizes that we cannot image God’s relational nature in isolation...This means that we were created for community. We were not created simply to appreciate it. We are incomplete without it.” (35)
“In boxing, you fight alone; in war, you fight as a nation. Sanctification is not an individual fight; it is one we fight as a community. By speaking the gospel to one another and living out it’s implications, we participate in a corporate sanctification process. This is true community.” (41)
“Isolation is our response to sin. Community is our response to reconciliation.” (42)
“Shake a man, and you will see what spills out of his heart. watch a community address sin and adversity, and you will see if the gospel has taken root in their lives.” (63)
“Our apathy toward the mission of God is not because of a lack of knowing what to do. It is our blindness to his glory and grace that keeps us satisfied with normal Christianity. If you want to light a fire under your church for the mission, don’t simply trot out your goals; lift up Jesus.” (75)
“Community is an instrument of worship, a weapon against sin, and a tool for evangelism--all for the exaltation of Jesus.” (19)
“The local church is a community of regenerated believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord. In obedience to Scripture they organize under qualified leadership, gather regularly for preaching and [corporate] worship, observe the biblical sacraments of baptism and communion, are unified by the Spirit, are disciplined for holiness, and scatter to fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission as missionaries to the world for God’s glory and their joy.”
(22; cited from Vintage Church)
“We are saved to be a community, not a church of individuals.” (33)
“Living in community, reconciled and united by the cross, is a physical demonstration of the grace of God.” (34)
“Scripture emphasizes that we cannot image God’s relational nature in isolation...This means that we were created for community. We were not created simply to appreciate it. We are incomplete without it.” (35)
“In boxing, you fight alone; in war, you fight as a nation. Sanctification is not an individual fight; it is one we fight as a community. By speaking the gospel to one another and living out it’s implications, we participate in a corporate sanctification process. This is true community.” (41)
“Isolation is our response to sin. Community is our response to reconciliation.” (42)
“Shake a man, and you will see what spills out of his heart. watch a community address sin and adversity, and you will see if the gospel has taken root in their lives.” (63)
“Our apathy toward the mission of God is not because of a lack of knowing what to do. It is our blindness to his glory and grace that keeps us satisfied with normal Christianity. If you want to light a fire under your church for the mission, don’t simply trot out your goals; lift up Jesus.” (75)
January 27, 2016
Chances are, if you're reading this review, you have been a victim of a terrible small group. You've experienced the soul-sucking icebreaker questions like, "If you were stuck on a desert island, what book would you bring with you and why?" Ugh. Maybe you've been in a group with an oversharer, you know, that person who has to give you details from their trip to the dermatologist. Shoot, you've probably even been in a group with 'that guy', you know, the one who was the Sunday School standout and is trying to relive his glory days. If you've lead, or been a part of a small group in the church setting, this book is for you. It's just got too many good insights to pass up. Most reading this book will want to take principles and ideas and incorporate them into their existing small group culture. Before that happens, be mindful of House's warning toward the end of the book when he says, "...don't build a ministry, be moved by the mission of Jesus." That is where transformation in our small groups start. However great this book was, there were a few small quirks that bothered me throughout. For instance, at the beginning of almost every chapter, House would begin by restating what was written in the last chapter. In many places in the book he says things like, "previously, in chapter three..." I understand reviewing and reinforcing ideas, but it was a little too much repetition. My minor qualms aside, this book is a must read for any pastor or layperson struggling with anemic small groups. Go read it.
June 19, 2012
Loved this book... primarily because it was very practical.
Admittedly I was skeptical at first reading a book about how a huge mega-church did "community"... primarily because many attempt to program life and program community (resulting in over programming). But it wasn't like this.
House did a great job and really opened the door to the heart of missions at their Church in Seattle, which is all about Jesus. In turn this book also helped opened my heart to my mission field and local context and helped me with practical insights and ideas.
Who should read this book?
Pastors, Church Planters, Existing missional community or community group leaders or anyone wanting practical missiology insights.
I did feel like the book could have reduced some of the redundancy, my only criticism.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"The best leaders become students of their mission field."
"Living together in community, reconciled and united by the cross, is a physical demonstration of the grace of God"
"Obedience motivated by law or fear is religion. Obedience inspired by love is missional."
"If you want to light a fire under ur church for the mission, don't simply trot out your goals; lift up Jesus"
Admittedly I was skeptical at first reading a book about how a huge mega-church did "community"... primarily because many attempt to program life and program community (resulting in over programming). But it wasn't like this.
House did a great job and really opened the door to the heart of missions at their Church in Seattle, which is all about Jesus. In turn this book also helped opened my heart to my mission field and local context and helped me with practical insights and ideas.
Who should read this book?
Pastors, Church Planters, Existing missional community or community group leaders or anyone wanting practical missiology insights.
I did feel like the book could have reduced some of the redundancy, my only criticism.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"The best leaders become students of their mission field."
"Living together in community, reconciled and united by the cross, is a physical demonstration of the grace of God"
"Obedience motivated by law or fear is religion. Obedience inspired by love is missional."
"If you want to light a fire under ur church for the mission, don't simply trot out your goals; lift up Jesus"
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