So far, this is how I understand relational revision small groups. They are learning to do life together differently. They know they have a mission of putting love where love is not. Particularly when it involves relating to each other more as a family. The group chooses to do community with the presence of Christ at it's center. For example, if Bill needs a sitter for 3 yr. old Graham, he can call on anyone in the group to help him out because they are like family. He doesn't need to go out and hire a sitter.
Missional Re-creation groups are groups that get out into the neighborhood and make a difference. They actually engage with the people in their neighborhood, whether they are members of their church or not.
More to read...
Thanks for the clarification. I like your example of relational revision. ;)
ReplyDeleteI look at relational revision as a transformation process where the application of grace begins to happen without barriers. Townshend and Cloud refered to this as 'Unmeritted favor'. It is something you can give to someone else, which they cannot get from themself. In it's most basic form, it can be merely providing another person with a different point of view on their situation. But, it can go deeper to a point where people in the group are treated like family. These kinds of relationships can only develop when people share who they are with others. The social get togethers mentioned are a great place to start. Also, sharing prayer cards with each other is another way to get people to know each other. I remember the Parcell's ran a great Sunday School class where people would bring food each week. That is truly a family thing applied to a small group. Just last Sunday I felt closer to another class member after listening to her describe the events leading up to, and after, the recent death of her mother. However, since not many people showed up to the class, it did not have as big an impact on the group as a whole as it could have.
Missional Re-creation sounds like what I would like to see more of at our Church. I actually read it as missional recreation, as in a 'recreational' ministry. ;) Anyway, talking about missional re-creation, I think providing support groups open to people outside the church is an awesome way to bring in members. The DivorceCare support group is an excellent opportunity to bring outside people in, and is open to non-members. If we had support groups for parenting, alcoholism, drug abuse, overeating, overspending, marriage open to outside members, facilitated by professionals or trained church members, we would have a great way to show non-members how God can work in their lives. Once they see how God can help their real problems, they will become loyal members (I believe). If it is too much Bible based or too much Truth, it can turn potential members off. The groups need to be high in grace, with the truth in the Bible brought in to show how it handles to problems the group is focused on.
Going into a neighborhood and mowing the grass in the common area for example, does show that goodness is out there. However when most households are facing an array of challenges most of them are not equipped to deal with on their own, efforts like beautifying a neighborhood or asking if they need prayers are lost in the muck.
Has anyone thought of opening up the FPU classes to non-members? FPU sounds like it fits the model support group I mentioned above. Solve a common problem, but use Biblical references to strengthen faith.
Sorry for the longwinded comment. What did your book say about those phrases?
ReplyDeleteWe have offered FPU to non-members for the last three years. In fact, I believe most of the people who signed up and came were non-members. The classes were publicized through the Dave Ramsey website and the church.
ReplyDeleteWatching "Big Bang Theory" tonight. Will summarize phrases later!