Is Big Better?

This year has seen New Zealand step back into a second lockdown.  We enjoyed so much freedom in Covid Alert Level 1 after coming out of the first lockdown that I think we grew complacent.  This lockdown has made me all the more determined to help people grow in Christ so we can live distinctively, refreshingly different lives which continue the mission of God whether we are in lockdown or not.

One of the issues we face is not being able to gather in large groups.  This forces us to think creatively about how our smaller gatherings and home groups can lead the way in God's mission.

The kingdom of God often turns our thinking upside down.  Read some of the parables of Jesus that begin “The kingdom of God is like…” and you will see what I mean.  Think of phrases from Jesus like “The last will be first and the first will be last” (Matt 20:16) or “The greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matt 23:11).

Sadly we all experience events needing to be cancelled.  But I wonder if one way God may be working for good through all those disappointments is to challenge our love affair with big.  We often ask “How many people went to …” even in the church.  We subconsciously think “big is better”.  But is it really?  Is a birthday party with 30 children better than inviting their 3 closest friends? Does a church service with 150 people honour God and progress God’s mission more than a small group gathering in someone’s home?

I expect this pandemic will continue to challenge us to find creative ways of sharing the good news of Jesus, and following the way of Jesus, in smaller settings.  I know Jesus spoke to the crowds, but he concentrated on the 12.  Perhaps for now the crowds will be our online work, while we concentrate on being faithful in smaller settings.  If we can’t hold a Christmas Dinner for 100 people, could we reach 200 people by having many little dinners in our homes?  I know some people in our church already live "missionally" in this way.  No big drama.  They simply share hospitality with their neighbourhood, being Christ's people in that place.  Building relationships.  Building the kingdom.  It will take all of us listening to God’s promptings and taking creative, mustard seed sized steps.  Perhaps small and simple can be best.

One resource I am finding helpful in this area is "Missional Small Groups: Becoming a Community that Makes a Difference in the World", M. Scott Boren (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2010).  Although this is written before the pandemic it's challenge is even more applicable now.  "We need to re-envision a way to empower normal groups led by normal group leaders that are full of normal followers of Christ to listen to God and live in such a way that they impact the world around them."p.11