Historically, circles (small groups) and rows (Sunday schools) in the church have competed over the number of disciples. Although each has similar goals with different uses, the estranged relationship continues to be a conversation today. Is this the ultimate rivalry or a necessary competition?
The most controversial rival?
Historically, there has been no love lost between the circles and the columns. On Sunday morning, a small group of enthusiastic fans fled from their tense rows of seats. They fled the church building and tried to break the ice and open up. Circle seekers wanted to learn, but they also wanted friends. There were lines and it felt impersonal. People can project any image they want of themselves. In circles, the trajectory toward transparency was more appropriate.
Meanwhile, the queue looked at the circle and got nervous. Small groups come with a lot of risk. A risk that even Martin Luther acknowledged through the Reformation. He even allowed them to meet in small groups at home because the possible danger could undermine the movement’s credibility. Laws also looked at the Circle and identified instances where doctrinal integrity was being compromised. Small groups were lowering the bar for Bible and doctrinal teachings in terms of statements such as “To me, this text means…” rather than what the text meant when the original author wrote it.
competition?
Because of the contentious relationship between rows and circles, churches began offering a hybrid model of Sunday school and small groups. The two lived under the roof of the same local church.
A more civilian route – open peace and covert competition – was wiser. The battle became a competition to persuade others to join the circle or line. A lack of confidence ensued, and the two ministries seeking to make disciples of Jesus Christ became isolated from each other.
When there is competition between these two ministries, people are pulled in different directions, join different types of groups, and end up eating more than they can eat. Therefore, they become less invested in small group classes and Sunday school classes, and leaders become frustrated with the lack of commitment. As seen in Ephesians 4:12-16, when one part of the body competes with another, it can prevent the other parts from growing into the full stature of Christ. “The whole body…when each part functions properly, the body is allowed to grow as it is built up by love.”
I have worked with hybrid church, circle, and row ministries that exist in local churches, and I am amazed at how quickly spiritual growth occurs when both ministries work together. With the elimination of competition and the introduction of ministerial awareness speeches, the amount of growth both numerically and spiritually is overwhelmingly encouraging. Naturally, Sunday school and small groups should not compete. In fact, there should be more. Nothing healthy comes from conflict within an organization, much less the people God has brought together. Circles and columns do not need to cause controversy or competition. They can be complementary and maybe even more…
Is it complementary?
“Will Circle and Row function healthily under the same local church?” The short answer is yes. Both can accept each other. This is the truth. Some people want Sunday school, others want small groups.
My advice is to give people what they want. Sunday School provides a spiritually beneficial discipleship opportunity. The same goes for small groups. are they the same? No. Is one better than the other? Not necessarily. It depends on what area the person wants to grow in discipleship. Discipleship is not just about education and relationships. There is a blend of both that is necessary to satisfy the disciple’s spiritual needs. Some people look at Sunday school or small group ministry competitions and are willing to sacrifice one person to create more unity. However, both bring added value. Here are some simple questions to ask and answer before dropping the ax on a group:
To determine whether a group is achieving its primary purpose of making disciples, we need to ask the question, “Do you see Biblical practices being produced in that group or groups?”
Fellowship, Bible study, prayer, and caring for each other are all signs of practicing Scripture in a group. If they are doing some or all of these practices, there is value that the group brings to making disciples. Allowing both types of groups (medium and small groups) to exist within the local church while publicly encouraging and validating both creates a complementary relationship between the two ministries. More people can now be discipled in different formats, which can help them commit faster and longer. Additionally, you may strengthen areas you didn’t previously realize needed stretching and growth.
How can the circle and the line be complemented? By evaluating both ministries through words, websites, group lists, leader talent, and leader equipment. Do not prioritize one ministry over the other. Include both in your communication channels. Let us regard them all as equals and under a shepherd who is in charge of the souls whom the Lord has entrusted to them in their circles and ranks.
Are you cooperative?
In my experience, circles and columns are best friends. They have different strengths and weaknesses, and both desire to fulfill the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations. However, some people are better at developing certain Christian abilities than others. Sunday School offers lecture-style lessons to deepen your understanding of the Bible and theology. Small groups, on the other hand, allow you to practice the lessons learned from the lectures. By discussing in a circle, you can immediately put the truths you have learned into practice. However, forming a queue allows for deeper research than a circle discussion. The line strengthens Christian knowledge. Circles enhance the application of that knowledge. Both are right, good, and necessary. One won’t work without the other. Are circles and columns inherently competitive? No, they are rightfully positioned as confidants and collaborative partners in developing gospel disciples.
Lines help circles. Circles support rows. Together they create a path of discipleship that is beneficial to people. Doing circles at home can be scary. They are more transparent and therefore more risky in terms of relationships. This can be intimidating and counterproductive to the new person’s spiritual formation. Lines require less transparency and are relationally more secure. Gaining knowledge of the Bible and theology will ease your nerves to feel included in small group research discussions. In an emotionally dangerous environment like a home group, more informed disciples produce more comfortable disciples. Disciples who are relational will have a healthier application of Sunday School lessons. The queue provides an instant connection point where someone can join the group and use childcare services on Sunday mornings. Small groups provide a next step beyond the Sunday school class, measuring what is being learned in discussion and reinvigorating these teachings. When it comes to leadership development, from a competency standpoint, it’s easier to start leadership in small groups than in a Sunday school class. Sunday school classes, on the other hand, allow for better training for those who may preach in worship.
In churches where I have worked as a staff member, with thorough consultation, circles and columns are perfect for strengthening bonds of discipleship in ways that are not possible any other way.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images / FatCamera
Adam Ehrlichman is a pastor and consultant who founded Build Groups, LLC and wrote the best-selling book Group Leader Training.
