Restoring Community
From Biblical Foundations for Small Group Ministry
by Gareth Icenogle
Understanding first of all that sin has dominion within every human group, the small group can them become a place for the healing and restoration of broken individuals, and broken relationships. Every small group is a reenactment of the “hiding behind” garden leaves and trees [here he is referring to the Garden when Adam and Eve sinned and then hid themselves from GOD and from EACH OTHER--two dimensional 'hiding' that we play out over and over again as a result of the Fall when we come together in community with each other] Every group will experience the feelings of fear and shame that our nakedness will be seen by God and by others. But as continuing paradox, in admitting that these dysfunctions are happening, the small group can establish a confession base to REBUILD INTO GOD’S REDEMPTIVE FUTURE.