Circles are Better than Rows

On Sunday we talked about the concept that “circles are better than rows” when it comes to spiritual depth.  Rows of people are great for a weekly worship service, but in order fully experience church as God intended, we need to have circles.  A circle is defined as a small group that meets regularly to discuss God’s word, pray for each other, and do life together. 

There are many “one another” commands in the New Testament.  Consider:

• John 13:34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
• Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
• Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
• Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another…
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…
• Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
• 1 Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
• James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other...
• Galatians 6:2 Carry each other's burdens...

When you consider each of these commands, you realize that most of them are impossible to fulfill in rows.  We can only do them as we relate to each other in the context of smaller groups.

Are you part of an intentional small group with the purpose of spiritual growth?