God makes grow!

Paul explains: "My was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it. watered it; but it was God - not us - who made it grow." (1 Corinthians 3:6). God allows growth! We rejoice in the growth that he and gladly accept the responsibility that comes with it. For example the small groups are given a new function.

In a manageable family congregation, everyone knows each other. each other. New people quickly gain an overview and can easily find their easily find a home in the large community. In this kind of congregation small groups are an additional way to have fellowship in a smaller fellowship on a smaller scale. Often, the same people meet in these groups over many years and people meet in these groups over many years and maintain their friendships.

In a larger community, social structures change fundamentally. structures change fundamentally. You come to church and have the impression that you no longer know half the people, that you no longer know half the people. This experience is connected with a pain. Later you realise that this also has a charm. charm. But it is the "new" people who are challenged the most, if not overwhelmed. Although many nice first contacts are soon made, it can take weeks weeks can pass before you meet the same people again. So of course it is difficult to find a real home.

The bigger the church, the more important the small groups! In fact in larger congregations, small groups play a key role in integrating new people. small groups play a key role in the integration of new people. In sociological terms, the small groups are of friends, but a place of hospitality, where new people are welcomed by the existing ones and where new people are welcomed and integrated by the existing ones. Not It is not uncommon for good friendships to develop for life as a result of this mix. The "welcome welcoming" new people requires a willingness to share the group if necessary. share. It may even become a stated goal to share the group by a year from now. to share the group.

In addition to these "sociological" tasks, the small groups are mainly small groups, it is above all a matter of putting faith into practice in everyday life and growing spiritually. grow. Together we want to translate what we heard in the sermon into everyday life. everyday life.

This new way of thinking will challenge us somewhat in the coming months and years. Let's stay tuned, it's worth it!

Foreword from the seetal chile Poscht 04/19