Concept

The Society Rooms of the late 1600s and the Clapham Circle of the early 1800s are riveting examples of small gatherings of leaders that would convene, dialogue, learn and work together to renew their culture. Consider the impact of these early Society Rooms:

In 1673 Dr. Anthony Horneck, a Church of England minister in London, preached a number of what he called “awakening sermons.” As a result several young men began to meet together weekly in order to build up one another in the Christian faith. They gathered in small groups at certain fixed locations and their places of meeting became known as Society Rooms. In these gatherings they read the Bible, studied religious books and prayed; they also went out among the poor to relieve want at their own expense and to show kindness to all. By 1730 nearly one hundred of these Societies existed in London, and others—perhaps another hundred—were to be found in cities and towns throughout England. The Societies movement became, in many senses, the cradle of the Revival. (Arnold Dallimore, George Whitefield, Vol 1, Crossway, 1990, pp. 28–29)

Following this historical example, these group studies are designed to renew the minds of Christians intending to make a difference in society. Society Room communities are a place where your innermost beliefs and preconceived ideas about life, faith, the world and your cultural responsibility will be challenged. But it doesn’t stop there; every group is characterized by a commitment to put their learning into action.

Here’s how it works. A Society Room group will gather five times to discuss important topics related to the overall theme of the particular study chosen. Sometimes they’ll be given something to do or a short essay to read beforehand, while other times they’ll view a short video presentation during the meeting that stimulates conversation and dialogue. However, every time, the group will reach a consensus on what culture-shaping project they will undertake to embody restoration in their local community at the conclusion of their five group meetings.

This isn’t your typical small group. The leader does not teach or lecture, but instead asks questions, facilitates conversation and debate while seeking opinions and input from everyone. Participants aren’t only recognized for their spiritual needs, but are empowered to think creatively about how their learning will affect their vocation and ultimately their channel of cultural influence. The resulting benefits are that community naturally forms as these groups work together and move their ideas from worldviews and opinion to real, tangible service to their community.