I’ve been part of simple participatory churches going back over fifty years …

And also helped start and sustain more than a few along the way.

In fact, the very first one I personally helped get going was fifty years ago this month in college …

And it became a beacon for evangelism, discipleship and fellowship on campus.

Over all these years, I’ve seen how the biggest threat to such groups – especially when first starting …

Are those who come seeking a platform for their grievances, ambitions or pet doctrines.

If you let them, they will make your gatherings incessently revolve around them or their issues – whether intentional or not.

So here’s my word to the wise:

You need to understand that they will destroy the group if you let them continue to have their way …

Without exception.

So try to work with them privately, but if they won’t stop you gotta let ‘em go …

Again, without exception.

They’re just not ready to be part of what God wants to do among you.

If you don’t, you will never learn to actually be the church one with another …

As Scripture commands.

That’s because we can’t minister one to another for the mutual building up of each other, as Scripture likewise commands, unless we also learn to prefer one another above ourselves …

And to protect the group from those who won’t – for whatever reason.

Heed this, and your group just might make it and develop into a local expression of the multi-gifted, multi-functional, multi-part Body of Christ in the town or community where you live.

Ignore this, and it never will.

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“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Phil 2:3