MINI-SERIES: The Practice of Community GroupsThe episode opens with a quick sidestep into Fantastic Four before diving into Joel’s latest read, The Death and Life of Australian Soccer by Joe Gorman. The book prompts a rich conversation about the origins and development of soccer in Australia, highlighting the deep roots migrant communities have in shaping the game. The guys explore the longstanding tension between preserving those ethnic identities and the commercial push to "de-ethnicise" the sport. This sparks a deeper reflection on how communities—whether around sport or faith—are shaped by identity. For Christians, that identity is grounded in Jesus. Just as football clubs became expressions of cultural belonging, our church gatherings and community groups become expressions of who we are in Christ. Every time we meet together, we reinforce that identity and remind one another of what Jesus has done for us.The discussion then turns to the practical outworking of community groups: how they each approach it, what elements they include (meals, kids, Bible study, prayer), and how different life stages and leaders bring richness to groups. These variations are made possible by being anchored in a strong theology and strategy that gives flexibility to the form.Returning to Colossians 2, they discuss the connection between spiritual growth and mission. When the gospel remains central, it naturally overflows into everyday life—equipping us to live as lights in the world and ambassadors for Christ. Small groups become places where people can share their joys and struggles, pray for friends who don’t yet know Jesus, and encourage each other to keep living out their faith in practical ways.They also tackle an important question: can mission happen within groups? While most groups are designed to help believers go deeper, what’s the best way to love and welcome those who are still exploring faith?Finally, they explore the idea of missional communities—groups with a more outward-facing focus, designed to create neutral spaces where non-Christians can spend time with believers, build trust, and explore faith in a relational way. They share the story of how Grace's missional efforts with friends eventually led to the Ryde church plant—an example of how mission and community can go hand-in-hand.The episode wraps up with a key insight: when you’re clear on the why (theology) and the how (strategy), the what (practice) can be both adaptable and impactful, shaped to fit the people and the moment while remaining grounded in gospel truth.00:00 Fantastic 4 education04:01 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: The Death and Life of Australian Soccer25:32 How you do community group?38:26 The more we grow, the better we are at mission47:44 Can mission happen with groups?59:59 Missional communitiesDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEThe Death and Life of Australian Soccer, by Joe GormanCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: [email protected] Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Ver todos los episodios