Listen "Better at growing when we're with others"
Episode Synopsis
MINI-SERIES: The Theology of Community Groups. While Stu is away, Joey joins Joel and Tim to chat about the Theology-Strategy-Practice of Community Groups...They kick things off with a discussion on Cantopop and Mandopop, as Joey shares his experience attending Eason Chan’s Fear & Dreams concert. From there, they shift gears to explore small groups—how they have developed in churches and what their names reveal about their purpose. They consider the influence of the seeker-sensitive movement from churches like Willow Creek and Saddleback, as well as missional communities from the UK. The key question emerges: What are small groups actually forming? Is it about the activity itself, or something deeper?They then dive into the theology of community groups, questioning whether small groups are truly the only way for Christians to grow deeper in their faith. Joey draws from Colossians 2:6 to highlight the role of God’s Word in spiritual growth, while Tim challenges the assumption that weekend church and midweek groups are the only effective pattern. If the gospel is inherently corporate, then mission and discipleship should go hand in hand.This leads into a discussion on Soul Revival’s core values and how they influence small groups, starting with The Bible is the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). Rather than treating Bible study like a book club, they emphasise that the same Spirit who inspired Scripture is alive in the hearts and minds of believers today. They also explore Prayer & Evangelism (Colossians 4:2) and Discipleship to Maturity (Matthew 28:19), emphasising how the smaller group setting creates space for deeper conversations that help people grow in Christ.Finally, they ask: Why might Christians hesitate to go deeper? Small groups act as a holy interruption to our weeks, encouraging accountability and fellowship. When people prioritse the time, they not only grow as disciples but also as friends. They conclude with another of Soul Revival's values—Worship as All of Life (Romans 12:1-2, Luke 9:23-24), reflecting on how meeting together regularly helps believers resist the patterns of the world and live out their faith more fully.00:00 Intro03:15 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Eason Chan's Fear & Dreams tour08:45 Small groups and their name17:20 The theology of small groups28:10 Meeting together means something37:26 Growing deeper with others48:25 Worship as all of lifeDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEEason ChanMary's Chip Lunch:Episode 161Episode 162Seeker sensitive movementSoul Revival Church's valuesCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: [email protected] Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here
More episodes of the podcast The Shock Absorber
Are we still exiles?
22/10/2025
Tech is a tool drawing people into community
03/09/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.