What are 2.42 Groups?
In short, 2.42 Groups are intended to be gatherings of approximately 8-14 individuals who come together to enjoy a time of food (optional) and fellowship, sing (optional), engage Scripture, and pray. These intergenerational groups will meet in homes or at church. That's the "what" quite succinctly.
Why were 2.42 groups created?
The "why" of 2.42 Groups deserves a much longer explanation, but here is a summary list of reasons:
Observers of the church (in the U.S.) and culture are consistently coming to the conclusion that Christianity does not enjoy a central place within our culture as it once did. While familiarity with Christianity--and even affiliation with a congregation--might have once been expected in a general way among a majority of Americans, more and more we are hearing that this is becoming less the norm. In light of this, as one author points out, a changing context prompts us to think about the development of disciples in fresh ways. Here's one attempt to practice just that.
Partly in light of the previous point, 2.42 Groups would provide highly-relational contexts into which we can invite 1) people disconnected from a family of faith and/or 2) visitors and new members. Anecdotally, some of us have learned that some individuals who are not connected to a congregation might be inclined to participate in a group like this before they would join us for worship on a Sunday morning. In addition, this would be a simple, organic way to enfold visitors and new members if they chose to accept an invitation to join one of these groups.
Discerning how to apply what we are learning as disciples of Jesus is almost always aided by the insight and wisdom of fellow disciples. These groups would allow us the opportunity for such communal discernment as we seek to live as Jesus' witnesses here in Holland.
2.42 Groups: faq’s
Where does "2.42" come from?
Acts 2:42. There we read that the earliest members of the Church "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Those four activities make up the essential practices of 2.42 Groups, hence the name.
When do 2.42 groups meet?
Groups typically meet on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month starting at around 5:00pm.
How long will each session last?
This is going to vary for each group, but you should probably plan on approximately 90 minutes. If a group opts to not have a meal--or if a group includes younger children--that group might meet for less time. If, on the other hand, a group gets engaged in a good conversation and members would like to stay to give it more time, then they may certainly do so.
Acts 2:42 doesn't say anything about singing, so do we really have to sing?
Nope--but you might enjoy giving it a try!