Description: Groups form around specific interests, topics, or affinities. The goal is to transform an interest group into a spiritual community through relationships and spiritual practices. Groups may be large or small, and topics are developed by the leader. A key assumption behind this model is that people don't want to be told what to do. They want choices. Another assumption is that, like businesses in a free-market economy, healthy groups will flourish while unhealthy groups will die. As a result, churches should encourage a diversity of small groups and allow things to thrive or whither naturally.

 

Focus: Individual care; community building; bible study, worship and prayer; service

 

Membership Profile: There are almost a limitless number of potential groups that can be formed. A free market group exists when people of similar race, sex or circumstance come together for the purpose of mutual support and growth in discipleship.