LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
BIBLICAL FOUNDATION ASSIGNMENT
Submitted to Professor Dr. Gary Waller
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
By
Patrick Scales
DSMN 630 D01: Small Group Ministries
November 6, 2022
Table of Contents
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………...1
Joel Comiskey Biblical Foundation for the Cell Based Church summarized ……………1
Dempsey & Earley Leading Healthy Growing Multiplying Small Groups summarized ....4
Primary Passages that form a Small Group Ministry ………………………………………...4
Current Church Structure …………………………………………………………………...…6
Current Small Group Structure ……………………………………………………………..…8
Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………...………..8
Bibliography ……………………………………………………………………………………10
1
Introduction
In Chapters 2-4 of Joel Comiskey’s publication, Biblical Foundation for the Cell Based
Church, Comiskey begins with an assessment of God’s trinitarian nature, and an explanation of
how knowing God comes through theology. Theology as explained by Comiskey is the
discussion or the utterance about God. It unambiguously reveals His character and His divine
being.1 For example, the study of theology concerns the triune nature of God as described in the
New Testament, with emphasis upon the individual Persons of the Trinity and the separate, yet
oneness in essences and responsibility for the purpose of redemption as referenced in Matthew
28:19.2 Comiskey lays a biblical trail through his observation and truth about theology that gives
the reader a path to those Persons of the trinity and their creation of humanity as a reflection of
their own relational essence (Comiskey 2012. 39) all of which is supported by Scripture.
Although the word "trinity" cannot be found in the Word of God, it is a biblical truth and
dwells in perfect unity and community. How can one know community without the loving
relationship from the trinity which is the basis for loving one another? We are social creatures,
made in in the essences in the image of a relational God (Comiskey 2012. 44). Therefore, when
God created Adam and other animals to interact with each other, they could not provide Adam
with a communal experience. Thus, Comiskey says God created Eve so the two humans could
commune with one another, as well as with God, not only completing the missing component to
community, but it was also the new beginning of the Family of God (Comiskey 2012. 52). The
1 Comiskey, Joel. Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church: Developing Disciples
Who Make Disciples. Joel Comiskey, 2012. 37.
2 Chafer, Lewis Sperry. Systematic Theology. Vol. 7 & 8. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel
Publications, 1993. 307.
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Trinity created humanity, yet humanity lost its direct communion with God (Gen 3:8). There was
a continual failure to demonstrate God's divine nature and unity to other nations and show them
what the family of God should be. It would take the Person of Christ to come and communicate
what His new family would look like (Matt 12:46-50) by living among humans and showing
them how to love and serve one another (Comiskey 2012. 59). Jesus' examples and teachings of
oneness were nothing less of what He encountered with the Father and assigned in creation. This
had already occurred with the Trinity and has been translated as the model for oneness among
humanity. This is a relationship foreshadowed by the Father and Son relationship (Comiskey
2012. 60). Today the Church stands as God’s family and it is still manifesting through Christ a
strategic earthly ministry geared toward the Kingdom of God, the theological doctrine of God’s
family, and the metaphor seen throughout Scriptures, as Comiskey writes, “God the Father,”
“Jesus the Son,” and “children of God”. All of these are terms of family alignment and reveal the
order of God's household and its hierarchy (Comiskey 2012. 60-64).
It was through Christ's earthly ministry and methods that He accomplished the will of the
Father. He introduced the New Kingdom, proclaiming the good news of God (Mk.1:14-15) while
modelling the Kingdom community. Jesus gave His disciples a zeal for serving others as can be
seen in the Book of Acts. The disciples carried out the community model. Although there were
difficulties etched with egotistical mindsets, the message of community remained clear
(Comiskey 2012. 76). Jesus also initiated a home-based movement with many passages in the
Gospels serving as examples for both the home-based movement and the home-based outreach
mission that would find many households willing to commit to the kingdom message (Comiskey
2012. 81). This would translate or be seen with Paul and Silas and the prison guard to whom they
witnessed. Because of their witnessing, it is written that the guard and his household believed
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(Acts 16:34). Building the kingdom requires the new family strategy given by Christ. It also
requires a community Christ-life approach that is required of all family members of the House of
God.
Having read Dempsey and Earley’s publication Leading Healthy Growing Multiplying
Small Groups, chapters 5 and 6 encapsulate God’s view of small groups as a big priority, is the
same view toward small group leaders.3 In chapter 5, following their introduction, the authors
move to explain the need for those in small groups to work together to seek out Christians
lifestyles as the essence of community (Dempsey & Earley 2018. 23). Considering the heart and
soul of every human and its need for one another suggests a tremendous need for community.
The authors reference said statements based one of Paul’s preferred terms for the church, “the
body of Christ,” underlining that no one part could maintain on its own. Every part depends on
the others (Dempsey & Earley 2018. 23). In fact, a small group is a big priority, with the power
to create community that encourages real communion. Communal genes, according to Dempsey
and Earley, are part of the human makeup. They are instinctive, premeditated, and an inevitable
part of humanity created by God as part of our DNA (Dempsey & Earley 2018. 24). Therefore, it
is essential and significant for leaders to know that leading a small group is biblical, as revealed
in the body of Christ being healthy and functioning correctly. When a leader collaborates with
the Holy Spirit, it is under God’s plan of divine renewal, (Dempsey & Earley 2018. 24) pointing
toward a relational communion not only with God, but also with one another. Therefore, we
should not forsake the assembly of one another together (Heb. 10.25).
How encouraging is it to read about Jesus as a small group leader in both Dempsey and
Earley’s publication and throughout the gospels, seeing the illustrations of Jesus inviting a small
3 Dempsey, Rod, and Dave Earley. Leading Healthy Growing Multiplying Small Groups.
Liberty University Press, 2018. 23.
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group of men into a rigorous, ministry centered in a small group (Dempsey & Earley 2018. 26).
In doing so, as a small group leader, Jesus exemplifies the impact that His disciples would have
throughout the world, through obedience to Christ’s commandments and obeying Great
Commission (Matt. 28:18-21). Becoming a small group leader that models the principles of Jesus
Christ, concerning the Great Commission, has manifested into present day small group ministries
that follow in the shadow of Jesus Christ.
Primary Passages that form a Small Group Ministry
Joel Comiskey’s Group website exhibits an article written by Jeff Tunnel, "Biblical
Values and Time-tested Principles." It describes values and conducts that are essential to know
when forming a small group ministry.4
One of the many values mentioned by Tunnel relates to the gospel truth being the word of
God, the Bible. It is our authority and our only rule for faith and practice and the final authority
of infallible rule (Tunnell 2019). According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 it is our “sola scriptura.”
Scripture alone is what rules Christians and is followed when exercising the action of life,
especially the gospel to go and teach the things that Christ set forth to be observed (Matt. 28:18-
20). This value also lines up with the “With” pastoral roles as the Shepherd taking care of the
sheep.5
4 Jefftunnell. “Biblical Values and Time-Tested Principles.” Joel Comiskey Group, March
3, 2019. https://joelcomiskeygroup.com/2011/09/19/biblical-values-and-time-tested-principles-
2/.
5 Week 2 Lecture Notes, Church Structure Chart. DSMN 630 Liberty
University.https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/323659/files/88865638?module_item_id=4146048.
5
Another value that Tunnell mentions is service unto God and others as an expression of
love (Tunnell 2019). The author of Hebrews says, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your
work and labours of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to
the saints, and do minister” (Heb. 6:10 [KJV]). God will not forsake or fail to uphold those who
promote God’s glory, and who do good, meaning that God will not fail those who minister to the
needs of the saints. Rather, they will be rewarded as they have given full evidence to true piety.
Nonetheless, “Biblical Values and Time-tested Principles”, Comiskey gives several
biblical and foundational values and a cell church model as well. One is example is a community
exemplified by the Trinity referenced by Jesus as a model of unity for his disciples to follow,
describing the relationship to the Father as seen in John 17:21-22 (Comiskey 2012. 43). The
gospel according to John, chapter 17 verses 21-22 illustrate through prayer a Trinitarian unity for
those joined to the Lord is of one Spirit.
Priesthood for all believer’s is another value that Comiskey expresses. Everyone is a
minister, and scripture tells us that we are a chosen people and “a royal priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:9
[KJV]). The context is that all believer’s share in Christ's priestly status (Heb. 4:14) today, with
the responsibility and right authority to facilitate and apply the teachings of scripture.
Current Church Structure
The current church structure that I am under closely mirrors the week two lecture notes. It
would be the “OF” small groups hybrid structure. We are a small church that has recently
combined with another small local church that was without a pastor. We now share our common
goal, with emphasis on leadership development programs, developing ministries of the church,
and discipleship, with development composed of several classes. There is a sign on one of our
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exit doors that says the mission starts outside of this door. Our pastor is equipping and
conditioning the church through biblical doctrines to become disciples and leaders “inside out,”
so that the church can become a “purpose driven group” that functions shine outside of the
church walls.
Current Small Group Structure
Our church is more of an “Attractional” “Of” small groups that practice with the view
that change is accepted because of evangelism. In addition, we are encouraged to become fruit
inspectors of God’s word through self-studies, teaching, and preaching God’s word. Our church
is gaining converts almost every week, and we measure our growth and success in the ministry
based on the evangelism work inside and outside of the church building.6
Conclusion
The small group strategy is a strategic training environment that Jesus used to make
disciples that would glorify God. Therefore, the disciples followed Jesus Christ’s principles and
model structure and became Christ like in the sense of being like Him as a small group leader
(Dempsey & Early, 2018. 26). Today we have that exact model to follow through the infallible
Word of God, and can obtain and accomplish through small groups the commandment of the
Great Commission to teach other to observer and obey the word of God.
6 Week 2 Lecture Notes, Church Structure Chart. DSMN 630 Liberty
University.https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/323659/files/88865638?
module_item_id=41460487.
7
Bibliography
Chafer, Lewis Sperry. Systematic Theology. Vol. 7 & 8. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications,
1993. 307.
Comiskey, Joel. Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church: Developing Disciples Who
Make Disciples. Joel Comiskey, 2012.
Dempsey, Rod, and Dave Earley. Leading Healthy Growing Multiplying Small Groups. Liberty
University Press, 2018.
Dempsey, Rod. “Why Lead a Group.” https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/323659/pages/watch
why-lead-a-group?module_item_id=41460389.
Joelcomiskey. “Biblical Values and Time-Tested Principles.” Joel Comiskey Group, March 3,
2018. https://joelcomiskeygroup.com/2011/09/18/biblical-values-and-time-tested
principles/.
Jefftunnell. “Biblical Values and Time-Tested Principles.” Joel Comiskey Group, March 3, 2019.
https://joelcomiskeygroup.com/2011/09/19/biblical-values-and-time-tested-principles-2/.
Week 2 Lecture Notes, With/OF/IS Chart. DSMN 630 Liberty University.
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/323659/files/88865647?module_item_id=41460492.
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