<groan!> They've Learned a Lot from JWs!

by Stephanus 20 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  Stephanus

  I just went to my old church's website and found out what they're up to.

  When I was there, the midweek home Bible studies were called Cottage Meetings, then Home Groups. You studied pretty well what the study leader had on his (or her) mind at the time. The Church Growth Movement of the late 80s and 90s has changed all that. Looking for the secrets of success in growth led the leaders of the movement to look even to the cults - apparently "bums on seats" was more important than strong theology.

  So what is the shape of things now? The midweek meetings are "Cells" and you must attend your local one, not the one your mates attend. What you study is exactly the same thing that everybody else across the board in the church studies that night, regardless of levels of maturity, etc (meaning that it is a lowest common denominator exercise - the milk, not the meat, of the Word).

  For an example of what the "Cells" study, see:

  http://www.smewebsite.com/lighthouse/htm/weekly_studies_sub.htm
• 

  Stephanus

  At least they didn't learn this bit from the Dubs:

  RAK Radical Acts of Kindness When people think of outreach or evangelism, they usually think of proclaiming a message. Yet, knowing the message is only a part of the package.
  
  As a part of our outreach strategies we encourage cell groups to commence "Radical Acts of Kindness" in your community.
  
  This is not a chore, but an exciting challenge.
  
  Be creative and have fun! Ideas for RAKs

  • Mow someone's lawn
  • Visit a Ward at your local Hospital
  • Buy groceries
  • Give a gift
  • Wash someone's car
  • Make a meal for someone
  • Baby sit some children
  • Gardening

  Give us your feedback or ideas on RAK
• 

  SYN

  If only the Dubbies were to do a bit of RAK, my car would get washed daily! <evil laughter>
• 

  RunningMan

  The word "cells" remind me of Al Quaida. Isn't that what terrorists call their small working groups?
• 

  Stephanus

  The word "cells" remind me of Al Quaida. Isn't that what terrorists call their small working groups?

  It's a "professional" sounding term. The title "Cottage Meetings" was dropped because it soundly too "villagey" - ivy covered, with freshly baked scones - that sort of thing. The term Cell Groups comes, IIRC from Yonggi Cho, proprietor (oops! - "Pastor") of the world's largest church in South Korea - about 500,000 people, last I heard. I first heard it in the early 80s, and many pentecostal churches in our area adopted it over the years. But the idea is the same - every group meeting on the same night studies the same thing, regardless of their individual circumstances. The focus is on creating a group identity rather than encouragiing individual walks with God.
• 

  nancee park

  God opposes forced sameness. For example in nature He did not make all flowers the same color or fragrance. Variety is good, godly.

  Romans 14:6 says Christians have freedom to hold differing views.

  Unity is not the same as uniformity which is what your group is after as well as what the Watchtower Society promotes. True Love require freedom to differ or vary even while unity is kept by the strongest of all bonds that Colossians 3:14 says is "love."

  If they keep heading into being a cult the same as the WTS, start your own separate fellowship. Ask for a free songbook, bible leaflets etc emailed from:

  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jahchristian

  [email protected]
• 

  LDH

  God may have created a bunch of multi-colored flowers but, hey, this is also the dude who gave Laws for DAYZZZZZZ....in order to "set his people apart."

  Your only option is not believing in God.

  I'm getting closer to that plateau every day.

  Stephanus, sign me up. NOT.

  Lisa
• 

  TruckerGB

  Are not cells what prisoners are put in!.
• 

  nancee park

  God did give laws but they have been miscarried out which is what Christ pointed out. Christ also pointed out that showing love for God by being neighborly to others is a principle greater than all the laws God gave gave Moses.
• 

  Undecided

  Wonder why the love thing had to wait for thousands of years before God thought up the idea. Before that the law of Moses was just a set of rules to follow. You could and was instructed to kill others who didn't agree with this law, without forgiveness or love shown. Maybe God liked it so much he is bringing it back by the WT Borg.

  Ken P.