Why Small Groups May Be the Wave of the Future: The Starfish Principle
A wonderful book entitled The Starfish and the Spider
by Brafman and Beckstrom explains why centralization can make the church vulnerable to being controlled by outside forces. The early church operated from the fringes of society. It was loosely organized; although, it had clear leaders, mission, and doctrine. It possessed little or no property, power, status, or wealth. When persecuted many of its people were able to disperse, taking the gospel with them, planting new church groups all over the Roman empire. Constantine changed all that.
When the Roman government made Christianity the official religion of the empire, the seeds of corruption and destruction were sown.
The acquisition of power, wealth, and property fundamentally altered what had been a relatively pure missional enterprise. Instead of being a marginal group that was often despised and persecuted, it became politically, financially, and socially advantageous to be part of the church. This attracted people for all the wrong reasons. Churches were no longer made up of true disciples who risked everything to be a part. They now included mere churchgoers and those trying to leverage the church for personal advantage.
Once any individual or group achieves power, wealth, and status, he or it becomes more easily manipulated and controlled. The fear of losing these things is a powerful incentive to bend to pressure.
This happened in Russia during persecution from the communist government. The Russian church was somewhat vulnerable because its structure was hierarchical and clergy dominated. They also owned many buildings and had great status. Persecutors used the threat of the loss of these things to manipulate and control. This is how it is with the spider.
All you have to do to kill a spider is step on its head.
The Chinese church, on the other hand, had a history and culture of small groups. It held little or no land and had no hierarchy or status. When persecution arose in that nation, the church went underground, meeting in homes. If one leader was struck down, another arose. Everyone was expected to become a church planter and raise up his or her own small group.
This is the starfish principle. You can break off a piece of a starfish, and it will regenerate into another animal. It’s much more difficult to kill one. Decentralized small groups are very effective in places where persecution exists.
Nik Ripken, a pseudonym, in his book The Insanity of Obedience , explains why.
Furthermore, buildings are not necessary; in fact, usually buildings are seen as a hindrance. Constructing buildings requires too much time and money. Buildings are dangerous because they allow the persecutors to locate most of the believers at a set place and at a set time. In a sense, buildings become a kind of “one-stop shopping” for those opposed to Jesus, His gospel, and His followers. [p.125.]
If severe persecution comes to America, underground small groups will be the most effective way to go forward as a church. Right now it has been too easy and convenient to use buildings to gather large crowds, but that day may be coming to an end.
