The Use of Small Group Ministry at the Metro Church of Christ to Implement the One-Another Theology of the New Testament

This dissertation project investigates the biblical principle of relationships, identified as the one-another theology of the New Testament, and specifically investigates Jesus’ commandment to love one another in John 13:34, 35. This investigation then leads to application within the small group ministry at the Metro Church of Christ in Gresham, Oregon.
This project is an analysis and response to the Restoration Movement’s desire to restore the principles and practices of the New Testament church. It is this author’s contention that the movement has fallen short in the area of restoring the one-another theology of the New Testament. The primary theological basis of this dissertation is developed from a study of the thirteenth chapter of the Gospel of John. The nature of the Johannine community and the command to love are the primary areas investigated.
An additional area investigated is the use of small groups in congregational settings. Both secular and Christian sources are studied in an attempt to see if small groups are a viable vehicle to help implement the one-another theology of the New Testament in a local church.