Group Dynamics – How does this affect us as Christians?

The body fitly joined together & growing.

[KJV] Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

The older Economic theory

The older way of doing things was that, for the group to benefit everyone in the group did what was in their own best interest & so the group, as a whole, was benefited.

The old way gave us Supply & Demand and also Demand Destruction. This “economy driven” model will fail when the resources run out. We need a better model, a better dynamic for us as a group, small, big or huge. After all, our resources to live in the presence God the Father are without limit and have no limitations. Our resources are infinite. They do not need to be renewable because they are boundless and endless in their supply. Almighty “more than enough” God is the source of our life.

The new Economic theory

This is the exact opposite of the older economic theory or group dynamic. This way shows that, for each individual to reach their own individual best benefit, then, each individual in the group does what is in the best benefit of the whole group’s best interest. This is seen in the benefit of the whole group, in this way each individual will arrive at their own best benefit because they seek the best benefit of the group as a whole.

Yes, I did notice this in the film “Beautiful Mind” about Nash & his understanding of the dynamics of groups. The analogy in the film was about the group of boys chasing the good looking blond girl. They would all go home alone. The best solution was for the boys to leave the “best” girl alone and seek the girl’s friends. This way all would win not just one pair. It’s this principal of group dynamics that will change the way we perceive things and, so, moderate our behaviour.

But I have known this for years from reading the scriptures with spiritual understanding

EPH 4:1 – 16

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

There is nothing new here, in this new theory of group dynamics. But very few seem to understand it. If you understood it then you would pursue it. You would not cling to an “old way.” It is really about Groups & Individuals.

There is each individual who forms part of a group. The dynamics of the group show the interchange and networking between the members of the group. It is the dynamic of the Fellowship of the group and how that Fellowship is realised.

There is the Groups within churches

There is the family group

There is the local church group

There is the group of local churches

I have just spent time with Christians whose understanding of the church is of the world wide invisible church. With these people the group takes predominance after
the welfare of their own life & then their own families. As they pursue their families welfare then they expect the church to be enriched. The church is really “local” in nature.

We are called to assemble together in the name of Jesus Christ to “break bread.”

This is the part of the church that we directly relate to. This is our group. When we seek the “best benefit” of this group then we will each arrive at our own best benefit.

The major corporations are now following the dynamics of “Teamwork” but with the old view.

Unfortunately the modern church follows the old group dynamics. Each member strives for ministry and leadership &, so, pursues each one’s own personal best. It’s how leadership arrives at itself. There is the top & then the rest falls under the top into a rough pyramid whose base is far wider than the top point. This is the way that “leadership” is taught. There is very little understanding of what the scriptures call “Behold my servant, whom I have chosen”

[KJV] MAT 12:18 – 21

[18] Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. [19] He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. [20] A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. [21] And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

[KJV] ISA 42:1 – 8

[1] Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. [2] He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. [3] A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. [4] He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. [5] Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: [6] I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; [7] To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. [8] I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

I think that these scriptures produced the best message that I have ever preached.

But remember that the individual receives the greatest reward when the group does well

It is my vision that

The local church is made up of a co-active group

That each individual recognises that they are in a group

Each individual is linked in very practical ways that go beyond just meeting together to remember an “emblem” for their personal benefit

This scripture says what I mean

[KJV] [EPH 4:16] From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

What is true of the whole body is also true of the local body and so the local body is a team.

The local body is reflection of the larger body the local body is complete & so fits into the whole body & we are fitly joined together into a body – into a team.

In order to gain the best advantage for the individual member of this body that individual must seek what is the best interest of that body

Compacted by what every joint supplies the body forms & moves forward when each part seeks what is best for the body as their own best interests

The effectual working of every part, this is the challenge & the mission.

To enable every part to effectually work towards the best of the group (the local body) so that the body achieves its best potential & worth – then each part (individual) will arrive at their own best state & fulfilment. This way the body is edified.

This way each individual is edified & love strengthens the whole body (the local church) & each individual member (part of the body – team member)

Ascension Ministry has 5 jobs to do if the local body is to arrive at its development that is planned by the Lord Jesus.

This can only be done as each individual member allows the process to continue in them.

We all are affected by the outcome of the purpose & practice of ascension ministry

What are the 5 jobs

1 feed the body

2 tend & care for the body

3 protect the body

4 Respond to the “great commission”

5 Help the body Develop in all its parts

As we come together in this, under our great head & chief minister, we will all become complete in the greatest potential of our lives & the time we have to spend on this planet in this life J

I hope that you can see the effectual power of this different style of group dynamics, where, in order to arrive at your personal best you must first seek the personal best of the whole group. Please get this revelation because it is entirely scriptural and then put this revelation into practice and you will find that your life will be greatly enriched. God bless you, I hope that you have enjoyed this explanation of the different types of group dynamics and the results that can be expected from them.