Over the past thirty years there has been a boom in small
groups, both in society at large and within the church. From Bible
studies to MOPS to Alcoholics Anonymous, it is estimated that four
out of ten Americans belong to a small group that meets regularly
for the care and support of its members. But are these groups
creating true, biblical community, or do they settle for self-focus
and personal gain?
Julie Gorman has studied small groups for decades and presents her
analysis, insights, and suggestions in Community That Is Christian,
an essential resource for building community in church-based small
groups. This comprehensive book serves both as a text for those who
equip leaders or lead small groups and as an interactive manual for
small-group members, helping them transform their relationships
into Christ-centered community.
The book begins with biblical support for coming together,
contrasting it with our often individualistic mind-set that
undermines community. Gorman then sets forth the goals of community
and describes the process of transformation. She draws from
extensive research to address the why and the how of small-group
ministry, giving special attention to gender and cultural
distinctions. Community That Is Christian provides readers with
charts, discussion questions, and inventories to further help them
establish community within their small groups.
Community That Is Christian is an essential resource for anyone
working to build community in church-based small groups. This
comprehensive book guides both those who equip leaders or lead
small groups and small group members themselves, helping them
transform their relationships into a Christ-centered
community.
"If you want to replace shallow and superficial expressions of
church life with a deeper, richer, biblical experience of what it
means to be part of the Christian community, Julie's book is a
must-read."
Bill Donahue, director of small groups, Willow Creek
Association
author, Leading Life-Changing Small Groups
"There is no other small group book like this one. It is important
that every primary leader of small group ministry understands what
Julie teaches."
Gareth Weldon Icenogle, author, Biblical Foundations for Small
Group Ministry
"A fresh, engaging, and solid look at how we are called to live
together as followers of Christ. This is not just a book for
pastors and church leaders, but is rather a comprehensive resource
for everyone who wants to bring back relational intimacy into the
center of the church's life and mission."
Chapman R. Clark, associate professor of youth, family, and
culture
Fuller Theological Seminary
"We are indebted to Julie for pointing out mistakes of the past,
but more importantly, the amazing possibilities for the future. For
anyone in charge of small group ministry, I highly recommend this
book."
Lyman Coleman, founder, Serendipity House
"Over her many years of effective ministry, Julie Gorman has won
our respect and affection as a significant Christian leader. In
this book, she provides a blueprint that will be helpful to every
pastor and congregational leader."
Larry Richards, author and Christian educator
"From her long-term experience in the field, Julie Gorman provides
numerous insights into the nature, types, and dynamics of
community. This is an eminently practical book."
Robert Banks, director and dean, Macquarie Christian Studies
Institute, Australia
“Regrettably, many groups become humdrum and lose vision as time sets in. People who have become old hands at group meetings fail to expect more than what has already been experienced. It takes inten-tionality to maintain the expectation that because God is at work here, every encounter, every happening is an opportunity for life change to occur. It is easier to settle for the status quo of our present situation. Groups where people are new to each other often see more formation and increased insight because of their openness to change.” (source)
“Our God-hunger can be muffled, but it can never be drowned out. Our relational need to know and be loved by others was etched into the very image of God within us. Therefore, community is never optional—it is necessary for being what God designed us to be.” (source)
“While community is God’s intended purpose for when his people get together, it is not automatically present, nor can it be created on demand.” (source)
“accomplishment of purpose; caring for personal needs of individuals in the group; maintaining healthy relationships” (source)
“the Spirit in attitudes and actions so that love triumphs over self-fulfillment” (source)
Julie A. Gorman is professor and director of the Christian Formation and Discipleship Program at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. She is the author of two small-group studies, Let's Get Together and No Stranger to God, as well as The Small Group Training Manual.