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What We Do

We believe that individual lives are transformed when Truth is coupled with relationships.

Truth without friendship leads to personal knowledge and knowledge alone does not change us. Relationships and friendships without a basis of Truth or insight leads to good feelings but no life-long change.

When partnered together, Biblical principles integrated with authentic relationships leads to transformation.

The Power of

Belonging

Hierarchy of Needs

The Bible states: that it’s not good for man to be alone. Business books have been built around this deep need. Maslow confirmed it with his famous Hierarchy of Needs represented as a pyramid with the more basic needs at the bottom.

"Organizations that build their businesses around people’s needs to belong, to be connected, and to be admired, that are focused on relationship over products are winning in today’s economy.”
The Membership Economy, Robbie Kellman Baxter,(page 9)

Why Small Groups?

Belonging can happen with millions (political parties, religions, etc.), with thousands (sporting events, concerts etc.) and hundreds and tens (church congregations, bars, etc.), but we believe the greatest personal change occurs when we are in small groups of 2-5 people. In small groups we can listen and be heard, know and to be known, and where the greatest authenticity can occur.

"The small group is the unit of transformation. The small group is the structure that allows every voice to be heard. It is in groups of 3 to 12 that intimacy is created. This intimate conversation makes the process personal. It provides the structure where people overcome isolation and where the experience of belonging is created.

In the small group discussion we discover that our own concerns are more universal than we imagined. This discovery that we are not alone, that others can at least understand what is on our mind, if not agree with us, is what creates the feeling of belonging."
Peter Block, Community, The Structure of Belonging (p. 204, 205)

The Principles of

Belonging

to produce and reproduce belonging, we know:

A. The leader of a roundtable/small group is the key.

B. Certain characteristics must be present to create and reproduce belonging.

Characteristics

1. A common mission of a group

Belonging does not occur when we try to establish “belonging” then mission. Mission develops community.

2. Like-mindedness is important

Maybe “affinity or life stage” might be more important with this statement (men, women, marriage, couples with small kids, singles, hobbies).

3. The leader sets the tone

The belonging of a group only go as far as the leader’s desired outcome. It can only be mimicked.

4. Belonging demands listening

Belonging is only as good as the questions not the answers. Leaders who talk too much kill belonging. Great leaders only talk 10-15% of the time in a small group setting.

5. Constant communication is key

Belonging demands constant communication (meeting, texts, calls etc.) outside of the “meeting.”

6. Belonging demands grace

Which means that every group member is “messed up” and we need to extend love and grace to others without judgement.

7. Belonging demands introspection

We as humans rarely look at ourselves but rather try to fix others. Belonging demands looking at ourselves.

8. Belonging demands safety

Belonging is safe and confidential.

9. Belonging demands trust

Vulnerability and authenticity is trust. True belonging is very risky.

10. Belonging is empathetic

It allows for empathy of others by “putting yourself in other’s shoes.”

11. Enjoyment is a necessity

Belonging is passionate and must have enjoyment attached.

12. A safe place to disagree

To disagree, manage conflict, and extend grace and forgiveness.

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