Dr. Mark Elliott

Primary Purpose Small Groups: on Purpose, Not on Accident! Dr. Mark Elliott

"The most comprehensive and detailed account of what does and does not work for small groups that I've ever seen." - Bill Easum

"150 Books Wrapped Into 1"

     We live in a time of great troubles and uncertainty. The continuing threats to this generation have caused many people associated with churches to seemingly engage in cocooning and nesting activities that have caused them to become increasingly isolated from their church community in particular. Although local churches cannot solve all of people's problems, meaningful relationships within the church body may be able to solve some of the most urgent ones.
     I have conducted a serious investigation of Biblical and extra-Biblical literature to develop a pertinent historical, theological, and leadership premise upon which to base the rationale and the framework for an assessment of four flexible small group models or cell group models (interchangeable terms) proven to be effective in the U. S.
     Based on this assessment, a review of the relevant leadership styles and literature (150 books read) is also conducted to determine the most effective means for small group composition, function, accountability and goals to promote genuine Biblical community.
     My researchable question focused on the need to have small groups meet Christians' basic felt-needs in the context of close, meaningful relationships. The intended outcomes of this book project included moving people from the outer rim (that is the fringe of church life) toward the committed and growing inner core of the church or from Door to Core.
     The intent is to help people connect to others through relationships, for people to have a sense of belonging and the ownership of their local church and its people. The goal is for the local church to become a network of meaningful relationships rather than just an address, weekly event, or crowd of strangers and acquaintances. This small group process should cultivate a caring, nurturing, and warm environment in the church. The questions I ask myself and address within these pages are as follows:

* Are New Testament small group principles transferable and relevant
for today?

* What modern-day small group models seem to be working in North
America?

* Is small group ministry the relevant vehicle that can meet the above
mentioned needs?

* What hybrid of these modern-day small group models would perhaps
work best in my local church location and culture?

* Can a small group model be created that is flexible enough to work in
most any local church situation and culture?