Are Connection Groups/Sunday School/Life Stage Groups Necessary?

“Are Connection Groups/Sunday School/Life Stage Groups necessary? Do I really need to attend a Connection Group?”

To begin with, I will simply state that, "Yes, Connection Groups/Sunday School classes/Life Stage Groups, or whatever else you might call them, are necessary."

Allow me to expound upon that...

In the book, When the Church Was A Family, the author states:

Spiritual formation occurs primarily in the context of community. People who remain connected with their brothers and sisters in the local church almost invariably grow in self-understanding, and they mature in their ability to relate in healthy ways to God and to their fellow human beings. This is especially the case for those courageous Christians who stick it out through the often messy process of interpersonal discord and conflict resolution. Long-term interpersonal relationships are the crucible of genuine progress in the Christian life. People who stay also grow.

Hellerman, Joseph H.. When the Church Was a Family: Recapturing Jesus' Vision for Authentic Christian Community (p. 1). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Spiritual Formation. I believe that we can all agree on the fact that God’s plan for our lives is that we grow; that we experience spiritual formation. That is also part of our church’s purpose: “Proclaiming the Gospel; Experiencing the Miracle of Changed Lives!”

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29

“My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,” Galatians 4:19

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

Each of those verses speaks of the spiritual formation which God has planned for each of us to experience. (And I’m sure that all of us would certainly agree with that.)

So, yes, spiritual formation is something that God desires that each of experience (and I hope that each of us desires to experience). But are equally convinced that spiritual formation occurs primarily in the context of community?

I will come back to that question/statement in my next note. In the meantime, I would encourage each of you to consider the paragraph I shared above and to consider your own spiritual formation.