The book, Missional Small Groups by Scott Boren is one of my new favorites! As most of my readers know, I’m an unusual figure in the small group movement because I’m not overly passionate about Bible studies, prayer or fellowship. Rather, I’m most passionate about small groups being on mission! As such, this book is right up my alley.
Like myself, Scott is not satisfied with inwardly focussed, consumeristic small groups. He beautifully articulates that the best life-change in small groups happens in groups who are on mission. Here’s on of my favorite quotes, “Instead of doing groups for the sake of experiencing community, groups experience community for the sake of participating in God’s redemption of creation.”
In Missional Small Groups Scott does not teach us how to program mission into our groups, rather he writes about experiencing “rhythms” that bring about mission in the life of groups. He emphasizes that being missional is not about what a we do, but it is who we are, so we must abandon our our traditional notions of church and spiritual growth. Many churches are structured to have people serve on committees, sing in the choir, volunteer for events, etc. If we are to become missional, this must change. Instead, we must lead people to understand that their primary place of service in the Kingdom is service to the world that Jesus desperately desires to reach!
I could go on and on about Scott’s book, but I’ll stop here and just say this: BUY IT TODAY! Everyone leading small group ministry should read this book and apply it. Click here to order a copy.
Disclosure: M. Scott Boren and Baker Books provided me a free copy of this book to review. The opinions shared in this post, however, are strictly mine. I did not and will not receive any financial compensation for writing this post.
Just received my copy yesterday and I’m anxious to dive in. God continues to shape my thinking on the church and spiritual formation. I have a feeling this book will be a key piece.
Thanks for the comment, Eddie. If you ever want to chat about groups being on mission, you know how to reach me!