The Relational Way: From Small Structures to Holistic Life Connections

by Milton Scott Boren

With all the excellent books on small group ministry on the market today, one would think the subject has been covered completely. However, the foundational basis for holistic small group ministry (a highly relational set of values) must be in place before holistic small group ministry will thrive. In this new release, Scott Boren does an excellent job dispelling the most common myths about small group ministry. What are the myths? • Doing the right thing (a small group program) without consideration of the right way (the relational way) will produce community. • Meeting in small groups is the central source of biblical community. • Building a new small group ministry structure on top of old stories of church will transform a church and build community. • Groups will succeed if they are built around a specific strategy, method, or model. • Small group community is best fostered in a context whereby the group members focus solely on ministering to the needs of one another. • Small groups can develop biblical community without an overt dependence upon the Holy Spirit. • The small group/large group structure is all that is needed. • Equipping that solely addresses 'right Christian thinking' will adequately prepare people for relational kingdom living and fruitful small group life. • Weak leaders are the ones who require the most care, oversight and direction. • Small groups will grow and multiply if they simply serve as a place to discuss the Bible and connect people in relationships. Each chapter delves into the missional truths about each issue with detailed views from theologians, psychologists, and Boren's own excellent biblical exegesis. If you've struggled with small groups in the past, this book has the answers you have not found in any other book we have published.

Genres: Christianity

278 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Randall G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boren does a great job of anchoring small group-based ministry in Scripture. He exposed ten common myths held by those who lead a church into small group ministry. The fog index is a bit high on it though... like reading Dallas Willard, which will slow you down, but that's ok with this book because each page is rich with content to be absorbed slowly.

[Michael Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

The model of the church today stands in stark contrast to the church of the New Testament. In this book, Scott Boren calls for a new restoration--a restoration of the "relational way" that is at the very heart of God and His design for His church. The ideas Boren proposes are revolutionary within our culture; indeed they are counter-cultural, which is exactly what he intends and proposes in this book.

I have been an avid reader of books on community, small groups, church growth, discipleship, and leadership for many years. It would not be an overstatement to say that this is the most provocative, visionary, thought-provoking book I've ever read. It is obviously inspired. Every pastor involved in small group ministry (or not involved yet) needs to read it. I've been thinking and writing about some of this stuff for several years, so I am in alignment with Scott's propositions, but he has put this in ways I had not yet considered. I ordered ten copies to give out to our church leadership team.

The book identifies ten assumptions that we as church leaders often make as we start or build our small group ministries. Boren categorizes these as "structural myths" that have quietly crept into how we think and act. In my ministry, I have either believed these myths or, even if I knew them to not necessarily be true, I organized ministry according to them. As I read Boren's book, I tghought to myself that I should have known better. But as Boren says, they have become such a subtle part of our "operational system" that until we read a book like this, we assume them to be true. Boren then provides a relational truth in opposition to each structural myth.

I really like how Boren presents each chapter. He begins with Scripture, presenting strong, sound theology to the relational truth. Then in the rest of the chapter, he provides practical application in accordance with those theological truths. The way Boren has organized this book has helped me to first listen to God speak on each subject and then to consider how I might apply these truths in my situation. I like that. This book has stimulated my imagination, and I'm hoping it will do the same for other leaders in our church as well. It is sure to begin a dialogue that could be transformational for God's church where I serve and you serve.