A Brief History of Small Groups (part 2)

Exploring the development of small groups in the Bible and the history of the Church

Through the passing of time, we see strong examples of small-group renewal. Consider the Reformation of the 16th century, for example. Spearheaded in Germany by Martin Luther (1483-1546) and supported by many others, the reformers sought renewal and change within the church.

Through a revitalization of God's Word, the reformers confronted the existing church and its strong focus on papal and sacramental authority and human tradition. The thought of "Scripture Alone" for justification was a severe contradiction to the existing church and its teaching. Luther's vision was to bring the truth of Scripture to the common person. Grace was God's gift to those who placed their faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ; no strings attached. Rather than seeing reformation within the church, Luther was excommunicated.

Here began the powerful Protestant movement. Philip Schaff, the famous church historian, states that the Reformation "marked the gradual transition from the Middle Ages to modern times, from the universal acceptance of the papal theocracy in Western Europe to the assertion of national independence, from the supreme authority of the priesthood to the intellectual and spiritual freedom of the individual."

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