Originally posted by M©+square:
Religion and Sociology is closely related, esp the studies of Church system.
Cell Group was started because of the needs in individual.
There was this study by Max Weber and later studies by sociologist, to briefly put across.
The smaller the church, the more emotional, kinship, unity, expressions, openness and warmth.
The bigger the church, the opposites from above - Less expressive, less warmth, cliches formed for unity.
Though bigger churches also do have those listed above, but because there are too many people. each person can only minister or cater to what his/her capability.
When a church gets big, there are bound to have many 'strangers' or people you are not close to or don't know. That is when everyone will search for their 'group' for security/secure their social circle.
Cell group is a way is a social security to many.
Of cos, it have it's benefits.
But ultimately, CG is about security - concern party, sharing, social interaction.
All social groups have it's benefits.
But to me, social science does not explain an initiation of spiritual interaction in the midst of fellowship and application of the Way in a CG. At least where my CG is concerned, one of the difference between social groups and CG is a willingness to keep in consistent prayer for fellow brothers and sisters, and also pray as a group for identified social concerns.
