I looked around
Jesus left and sent the Holy Spirit and the only so called preachers I see holding sway in ginormous 'churches' are preaching to itching ears
so stone me already...
you know, I'm the one Ralph had the original conversation with and we seemed to have understood each other
I see what you are saying, but that was never a part of what I was saying
I did, actually, mention what you are calling 'small groups'
and why do we have small groups? cause the ginormous churches are too ginormous for intimacy and getting to know other people and praying with them and fellowshipping with them
I think you are riding a personal hobby horse that is going in the wrong direction
yeah sure we read about Jesus speaking to 1000's of NAMELESS AND FACELESS people
but it is the PERSONAL encounters we learn from