Neil Cole takes a look at the possibility/probability of heresy in small groups and how to avoid it. He hit the same subject in the Verge 2010 conference.
We have an excellent antibody system in the organic church movement. In fact, I believe it to be better than the solution in the traditional church system.
Heresy usually emerges because of three things:
- A strong, opinionated leader who wants the most followers he can rally.
- A biblically illiterate group of Christians who will follow him.
- Scriptures are used out of context to construct a false doctrine.
see also:
The best solution to heresy in the church is not to have better-trained leaders in the pulpits, but better-trained people in the pews. While many will say that the key to better-trained people are leaders who equip them, this unfortunately is most often not the reality. It is true that we need better leaders who empower and equip common Christians to know the truth, spread the Word, and do the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11), but that is very different than the sort of leaders who screen all beliefs and are the gatekeepers of God’s Word. As long as our leaders are considered the gatekeepers of truth, we leave the majority of God’s people in the dark—which makes them susceptible to leaders who do the thinking for them, because that is what they have been trained to do. It is ironic that the very thing we think will prevent heresy actually feeds the problem.
what do you think? is anyone in a small group? how do you make sure that you are doctrinally on track.