2.08.2006
Elders and small groups
For any of you that have 'small-groups' or similar meetings at your church (and those of you that don't, but want to comment as well I guess): do your groups have to have a church officer present at them?
A small group meeting is a time of incidental, but great teaching. Everyone's theology kind of comes out without meaning to. It's easy to leave thinking to yourself 'I didn't know he believed that.' There is so much opportunity for false teaching and even heresy to creep in unchecked. Often times you have young or untaught Christians in a group, and when a dispute arises the default decision maker is the one who can speak with the most authority, which does NOT mean they are right. It seems odd that the church would allow just anyone to 'throw in their lot' when so many see the small group as their time for 'deeper' teaching.
It's not necessarily that people maliciously try and bring in false teaching, but even comments here and there bear so much importance in a small group, that if left unchallenged, may be represented as the teaching of that particular church. My intention isn't to shut people down, but it seems to me that there should be someone to appeal to, or someone to...watch over the flock I guess.
It seems to me that small groups (I'm using this term loosely) would be a prime target for wolves in sheep's clothing. One of the NT shepherd's primary duties is to guard the flock and identify wolves in sheep's clothing. Should they have to be at every gathering of believers? Of course not, so how do we handle this small group thing? Just let people go and hope that if there is a problem or question regarding teaching that it is brought to the elder's attention? Is it the responsibility of the 'small-group leader' or host to keep an eye on things. If so, what about these men, what are the qualifications for this 'office'? Maybe I am just paranoid and trying to complicate everything, if so, please forgive me. Let me know your thoughts, or if your church has thought through similar issues.
A small group meeting is a time of incidental, but great teaching. Everyone's theology kind of comes out without meaning to. It's easy to leave thinking to yourself 'I didn't know he believed that.' There is so much opportunity for false teaching and even heresy to creep in unchecked. Often times you have young or untaught Christians in a group, and when a dispute arises the default decision maker is the one who can speak with the most authority, which does NOT mean they are right. It seems odd that the church would allow just anyone to 'throw in their lot' when so many see the small group as their time for 'deeper' teaching.
It's not necessarily that people maliciously try and bring in false teaching, but even comments here and there bear so much importance in a small group, that if left unchallenged, may be represented as the teaching of that particular church. My intention isn't to shut people down, but it seems to me that there should be someone to appeal to, or someone to...watch over the flock I guess.
It seems to me that small groups (I'm using this term loosely) would be a prime target for wolves in sheep's clothing. One of the NT shepherd's primary duties is to guard the flock and identify wolves in sheep's clothing. Should they have to be at every gathering of believers? Of course not, so how do we handle this small group thing? Just let people go and hope that if there is a problem or question regarding teaching that it is brought to the elder's attention? Is it the responsibility of the 'small-group leader' or host to keep an eye on things. If so, what about these men, what are the qualifications for this 'office'? Maybe I am just paranoid and trying to complicate everything, if so, please forgive me. Let me know your thoughts, or if your church has thought through similar issues.
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Our church attempts to have an elder present during any smaller Bible studies. The only exception that I can think of is the forum that we have in which the ladies meet together during the week to provide an opportunity for the older women to teach the younger. The elders approve a book for reading and discussion. There have been a couple occasions in which there has been disagreement, although in those instances the elders were asked pertaining to their view.
I agree with your reluctance in this area. I think we need to even be careful when we entertain other families from the church, particularly if we find ourselves disagreeing with the elders or the general position of the church.
Bob
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I agree with your reluctance in this area. I think we need to even be careful when we entertain other families from the church, particularly if we find ourselves disagreeing with the elders or the general position of the church.
Bob
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