Group Life – Scott McKnight

Posted on 27. Sep, 2007 by frank in conferences

I just completed our opening session at the Group Life Conference and Scott McKnight just gave the opening teaching. He is the author of a book called The Jesus Creed and he really casted a vision for a transformation in group ministry that is needed.

He started by sharing a phrase that Bill Hybels often says which is “The local church is the hope of the world.” McKnight wants to add to that. He shared that, “If the hope of the world is the local church, than the hope of the church is group life.”

McKnight then challenged us in 5 areas:

1. We shape group life by the principles in Jesus’ life – Love God and love your neighbor
2. Group Life is not about technique but it is about fellowship with Jesus
3. Group Life can break down purity lines – we need to be open to others that are not yet followers of Christ
4. Group Life has to be a safe place for others to share critisim, confess, and ask questions
5. Group Life must aim for community and personal transformation.

I look forward to posting more and translating what I am learning hear from the teaching and the team of leaders that we brought and then applying that in our church context. I will post again soon.