Clusters

Book Review
Hopkins, Bob. Breen, Mike. Clusters. Creative mid-sized missional communities. 3dm publishing. 2008

Comment. Henry
In the post-Christendom of the West many new expressions of church have surfaced. Clusters is a response to the challenge of recovering biblical congregation. This is a resource (handbook) presenting principles and practices that will transition church from a one day event happening in one place (church building) to a seven day experience happening in community. Clusters is a term that goes considerably beyond defining a group of people. It addresses the real issues of ‘recovering biblical congregations’.

Clusters “defines a grouping with a specific sociological, ecclesiological and missional identity”. (33) These groupings vary in size from 25-55 people. Clusters are not a strategy for restructuring the church. They are not a variation of cells or small groups. They are “biblical congregations”. (34)
Clusters function within a church environment. They develop structural strength through “purpose summed up in a clear vision, values that created the style and quality of community and some common agreed language”. (34) Leadership is an overarching ‘glue’ of a cluster. Groups of clusters are held together through leadership “Huddles” (Carl George), where leadership skills are addressed. Clusters meet in gatherings (celebrations) from time to time. A further bond between clusters is a “resourcing matrix”. (56)
There are three dimensions to each cluster. The first is a relationship with God (UP). The second is community (IN), and the third is mission (OUT); upward, inward, outward. The dynamic of these dimensions is such that they feed on each other. Then there is a fourth dimension (OF) that unites clusters within the church gathering. This is the traditional function of the chur
Cluster management is high on accountability and low on control. Accountability happens in relationship that supports and encourages. Common convictions and common values provide unity in clusters. Through trust and friendship relational accountability blossoms.
A brief look is taken at the history of “cell, congregation and celebration” (87) going back to Old Testament times. Much has been lost over the years. The shortcomings of the “inherited congregation” (101) are examined. Clusters address these shortcomings. In the “traditional church” (125) clusters can bring about change that can bring about missional community.
The implementing of clusters addresses the challenge of transitioning from a Sunday only Christianity to a seven day church in mission. Transition to clusters may happen through “evolution or transformation”. (148) the process will take around three years and impact the whole church.
The method of establishing clusters is through launching and/or planting. Multiplication should be anticipated and carefully managed. Cluster meetings are very open-ended and focus heavily on community with the goal of empowering and releasing its members. Clusters often reflect specific groupings, e.g. youth, affinity groups, intergenerational groups, etc.
Some frequently asked questions (FAQ) are addressed. Most of the answers begin with the disclaimer, “that de4pends”. (249) A very honest SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis is done on clusters. A very practical set of Appendixes are included at the end of the resource.
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