LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
ANALYSIS PAPER 2
Submitted to Dr. Gowins,
in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the completion of
DSMN 630 – B02
by
Rhonda C. Mustafaa
February 3, 2019
2
Difference between a Clique and a Small Group
A small group is a collection of individuals from a church community whose aim is to
educate each other through the word of God and spread the message of Christ to the rest of
society. On the other hand, a clique is a group of individuals who gather in the church without
any specific religious or spiritual intent.1 The latter has neither a way forward concerning biblical
teachings nor discipline in that respect. They are random and deal with various topics without a
specific focus on a single topic unlike small groups which focus on a given topic.2
The consequence of being in cliques as opposed to small groups occurs when the
individual misses the opportunities and purpose intended for them by God. This would happen
due to the lack of the focus that is contained in small groups. In this regard, Christians follow the
example of Jesus and his disciples as the group was made up of a few individuals with a focus on
growing together through the word of God and building the Kingdom.3
In some circumstances, small groups end up turning into cliques. This may occur when
the members lose their focus and abandon the godly principles that they initially adhered to.
Accordingly, they become part of the rest of the cliques in the church. This creates a threat and
may breed havoc in the church. Earley and Dempsey refers to cliques as cancerous cells which
1 Joel Comiskey, Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church: Developing Disciples Who Make
Disciples. Joel Comiskey, 2012
2Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey. Leading Healthy Growing Multiplying Small Groups. Lynchburg, VA:
Liberty University Press, 2016
3 In Jei, A Strategy on Small Group Leadership Development for Transitioning of Gaeumjung Church into
a Cell-Based Church, 2008.
3
may spread throughout the church fast and cause severe damage.4 It is, therefore, necessary to
realign the cliques to the word of God and abolish cliques in time to save the church.
The Definition of G.R.O.U.P.
According to Dempsey and Earley, a small groups should contain some aspects for it to
be effective.5 These elements are classified according to the spelling of the word ‘group.' G
stands for the guidance provided by an effective leader. This is necessary for the effective
running of the group. This concept determines whether the group will succeed or fail.
Accordingly, emphasis should be placed on the concept. The leader, therefore, has to embrace
this role. He or she has to provide the said guidance while relying on the word of God on
leadership.
R is for regular meetings. This means that the small group has to organize fellowships
frequently to keep each other in check and ensure that their focus has been maintained. Dempsey
and Earley, recommend the meetings to be conducted on a weekly basis to allow the members to
fellowship effectively.6
O stands for opening the word of God. This is necessary to ensure that the small group
gets its guidance from a legitimate source. Similarly, in-depth analysis of the Bible can change
human beings for the better. In this regard, Hebrews 4:12 highlights the impact that the word of
God has in people’s lives.
4 ibid
5 Ibid
6 Ibid
4
U is for being united. Members of a small group ought to work together in delivering
service to the community and the rest of the church. In John 13:34, Jesus commands his
followers to love each other just like He loved them. This would, therefore, translate to working
together in love within such groups. As Christians work together in a united front, they help to
strengthen the body of Jesus.
Finally, p stands for prayer. The members of the small group have to pray regularly, not
only during the fellowships but also at home. They are expected to pray for each other in times of
trouble as well as joy. Similarly, this factor draws the line between a group driven by God’s work
and other civic groups such as cliques.
Questions Related to Groups and Church
The first question posed by Arnold seeks to determine whether Christian discipline is
introduced into small groupings.7 In these groupings, members spend a lot of time together. In
our church, habits are frequently picked from one person to another. Most of the members have
Christian discipline, over the years a lot of others have assimilated this into their character as
well.
Question 2 inquires whether groups build or hinder the kingdom.8 Small groups in my
church strictly perform their activities in line with the vision and mission of the church. In this
regard, the leaders ensure that Biblical teachings are observed in every aspect. Therefore, they
build the kingdom.
7 Arnold Jeffrey, The big book on small groups (ReadHowYouWant.com, 2010)
8 Ibid
5
The next question endeavors to determine if the small groupings train leaders who
become disciples.9 In my church, small groups are made up of members of different ages ranging
from children to the elderly. Therefore, the older and wiser members actively mentor the children
into leadership. During church sermons, the ministry is divided according to generations. If this
were the only form of ministry, mentorship would be rare.
The final question deals with the mentality aspect of small groupings.10 It seeks to
establish whether the church congregation helps in developing the mentality of these groups to
be disciplined. My church highly regards the position of small groupings in the ministry.
Emphasis is placed on their role both in the church and community. Accordingly, the church
supports these groups in various ways to help its members develop a disciplined mentality.
Inward, Outward and Upward Concepts explained in my Context
Earley and Dempsey explore the 80/20 principle as is common in many churches.11 Here,
eighty percent of the work in the church is usually performed by twenty percent of the
congregation. The rest are mostly dormant members who do not engage in any activities. The
church, however, does not cut off these people as would happen to an inactive body part. Instead,
it uses small groups to ensure maximum participation. This calls for the group to reach inward,
outward and upward for maximum efficiency.
9 Ibid
10 Ibid
11 Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey. Leading Healthy Growing Multiplying Small Groups. Lynchburg, VA:
Liberty University Press, 2016
6
Inward reaching includes taking care of the welfare of the group.12 In my church, this is
achieved by tapping into the potential of each member. Those who can sing are made to do so in
the choir whereas those who can preach are given short sessions during the fellowships. A deep
and extensive analysis of the Bible also enriches the members spiritually.
Reaching upwards involves elevating the level of worship and developing a nurturing
attitude. In this regard, small groups in my church provide for nurturing by ensuring maximum
interaction between group members. This enables them to share in their life experiences. In the
process, burdens are offloaded, and lessons are passed on to other people. Members also join in
worship and thanksgiving whenever prayers are answered.
Outward reaching involves spreading evangelism outside the group to the rest of the
community. To invite more Christians into the ministry, my small group performs door-to-door
evangelism on a monthly basis. Similarly, we perform several charity acts such as food and
clothing donations to children homes and the homes for older adults. During these charity
projects, we spread the word of God to the rest of the community.
12Ibid
7
Bibliography
Comiskey, J., Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church: Developing Disciples Who Make
Disciples. (Joel Comiskey, 2012).
Jeffrey A. The big book on small groups (ReadHowYouWant.com, 2010).
Jei, In. A Strategy on Small Group Leadership Development for Transitioning of Gaeumjung
Church into a Cell-Based Church, 2008.
Rod, D, and Earley, D., Leading Healthy Growing Multiplying Small Groups. (Liberty University
Press, 2016).
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