What Has Been Learned?

In brief, these ten conclusions have been gleaned from the NET Groups prototypes:

1. First, NET Groups are not for everyone. It is not for those seeking a support group where their problems can be processed. A NET Group is first a theological reflection program, not a place primarily concerned with dissecting the feelings of one another. People should be recruited with this clearly in mind.



2. The pastors' support of NET Groups is essential. Without their enthusiasm for NET Groups and their help in the important process of recruiting, the program's success would be limited.



3. A "safety net" for people who do not belong in this type of group needs to be provided. A leader must quickly handle what has come to be known as an "EGR" (a person for whom "extra grace is required"). An EGR can sidetrack a NET Group, and so must be dealt with quickly and firmly, but always lovingly. An example: "Joe, I don't think this group is for you, but you would make a significant contribution in this other group" (the safety net).



4. The size of the group is important. Ten people is the optimal group size for theological reflection; a larger group is difficult to manage. There is no required minimum number of group members, but for a group seeking to edify the larger faith community, no fewer than five or six should be involved. Of course, the size of the congregation will make a difference in the number of groups.



5. The group's leader should be a part of the group's selection process.



6. The weakest area in the congregants' Ministry Experience Reports will be theological reflection. For many, this section has become a place to list biblical verses supporting the issue or to use trite phrases. In the opening event and in the group work following, how to use this section of the MER needs to be constantly stressed. In its simplest form of explanation the group should be told that it is asking the question, "How is God working here?"



7. Because of this weakness in this area of the MER, I raise the question about the need for a theological primer. Many congregants who can easily use language from psychology or sociology do not know how to use the language of theology—at least in the classical sense. This raises the question, "Have we outlived the usefulness of the classical language of theology?" or "Do words like justification, sanctification, or even sin make sense in modern experience?" Is a new language needed to interpret the work of God in the lives of modern people?



8. A complaint often heard by congregants in this program is, "It is difficult to find time to read." Books are fine for some, but difficult for many. Brief articles and audio or video tapes (sometimes in CD or DVD format) could be helpful alternatives. Most publishing houses, as well as Amazon, make such items available.



9. Net Groups are well suited for people comfortable with paper, pens, books, and other baggage associated with the academically inclined. Those attracted to such materials will find the program more helpful than those who are not.



10. Those in middle age will find this program most appealing. This particular age group is more attracted than others to this type of learning.