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How to Start and Run a Local Church |
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| Reaching Out to Other Congregations |
Much can be gained when brethren visit other congregations, whether that is done in a formal or informal manner. Your entire congregation can plan
joint activities with other congregations or visit some of their Bible studies or activities. Or, one ore more brethren can simply show up at their service. There is a tendency for people
who have attended only one group to think that they have all the right doctrines and that the Holy Spirit is working powerfully in their group, and not so powerfully (or not at all) in
other groups. Visiting other groups helps both the visitor and those who are visited to see that spiritual gifts seem to work very similarly in different groups. It is often beneficial to
attend a group with which you may have significant doctrinal differences. When they see your Christ-like love toward them, they are much more likely to be willing to listen to and learn
from your group's doctrinal teaching. Your group might possibly learn something from them. Remember that God loves the people like you, and He loves the Samaritans—those with some
truth, but a lot of error. One point to keep in mind when visiting other groups: someone should be at your congregation at the usual time and place—in case you have visitors.
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