An Organization for Spectators or an Organism for Ministry?« Back to Blog

3/6/2008

Posted By Pastor Jeff Noblit

Without question the primary foundation of ministry for the church must be the preaching of the Word.  We often say, “When the pulpit is right, many other problems will take care of themselves.”  Preaching is central to the life of the church.  When the foundation has been laid, other ministries can function well. 

 

The second ministry that deserves attention is the ministry of Small Groups.  It is vital to the life of the church.  Small Group ministry is the hub of the wheel of the lay ministry within the church.  Through small groups, every church member is enabled to minister.  All are called to serve the body of Christ in one way or another.  Small Groups is the vehicle that enables everyone to serve. 

 

At First Baptist Church our strategy statement for small groups is as follows: “The Church Organized into Small Groups to evangelize the lost, equip the saved, and provide fellowship to meet individual needs.”  Using Small Groups to mobilize every member into ministry is not a new concept.  We see this principle in Exodus as Jethro led Moses to organize small groups. (Exodus 18:13-26) Jesus called to Himself as small number of men in Luke 6. The early church was organized into small groups in Acts 2. And Paul told Timothy to, “entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

 

If we desire to minister effectively as the body of Christ, we need small groups.  The church is not an organization for spectators to be entertained, it is a living organism where every member ministers.