Picture this scene: The Lord Jesus has been called to a home because a little girl has been very ill; in fact, so ill that she has died before He actually arrives. As He enters her room (to raise her from the dead) he takes with him Peter, James and John. Some time later, he goes to the mount (of transfiguration) and He leaves nine of His disciples at the foot of the mount while selecting Peter, James and John to go with Him. And later in the Garden of Gethsemane, our Lord takes three disciples to pray with Him, and – you guessed it – the three were Peter, James and John.

I suppose we might want to ask the question, did the Lord Jesus form a clique, and if He did, then can we?

A common criticism of churches is often that “there are too many cliques in the church.” And the fallout can be that people can be tempted to withdraw from the gatherings and ministries of the body. Feelings of jealousy, neglect and a sense of insignificance can arise with serious negative consequences to the church.

Such an accusation may be inevitable but it should not be acceptable. That is, we should not dismiss this with a carefree, “That’s your problem!” Though at the end of the day this accusation may simply be a cheap shot to excuse one’s own contempt of others, we would do well to soberly investigate and address this issue.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines a clique as “a small, exclusive group” or “a coterie,” which it defines as “a circle or set of persons exclusively sharing interests.” The emotive word is “exclusive,” with which we associate the obvious corollary: in a clique some are excluded. When we speak of cliques we generally think in terms of being people being treated rudely, snubbed and rejected by ‘the group.’ God forbid that this should ever be the case at BBC. We are in this race together, on the same team and thus none are to be excluded from the ‘team.’ But is it possible that sometimes what we label as cliques are actually cells: healthy units of fellowship which are contributing to the overall wellbeing of the Body?

BBC is a Body – specifically, the Body of Christ – and thus each member is a vital part and of equal value before the Lord. But this does not mean that each member is going to share the same intimacy of relationship with every other member. Certain shared personalities, interests, habits, age groups and life challenges (e.g. childrearing, retirement, etc) will often lead, quite naturally and spontaneously, to groups “pairing off” for fellowship. And contrary to popular opinion, this is not condemned in Scripture. What is condemned, however, is an attitude of superiority, or an attitude of rejection. But just because certain people “hit it off” better than with others is no justification for hurling the pejorative label “clique” at such groups.

Some cells are formed because of a very deep love for each other due to shared circumstances. Perhaps because individuals have experienced similar trials or experiences, deeper friendships are formed, and thus a “group” of close relationships is formed.

Again, a cell may result because of similar gifting and responsibilities which will require that these individuals spend a significant amount of time together, with the result that close relationships are forged. In fact, since Peter, James and John were “leaders among leaders” it is actually quite understandable that Jesus would have forged an “exclusive” relationship with them. He was pouring more time and attention into them because they as a “cell” would give important leadership to the early church. It was because of His love for the whole that He invested so much time in the part.

Having defended the existence of cells, let me clarify some issues related to this.

First, we should be grateful that we are connected to one another in this body. We are a part of something that is ‘wholly’ wonderful. Each is a significant member who is loved by the Head. This is a privilege by God’s grace.

Second, we should be realistic in our gratefulness. The fact of the matter is that though all cells are equal in importance, not all cells congregate together! Again, this is not wrong; it is rather a fact of both biology and ecclesiology. Let us be grateful for all of the cells and help to strengthen the cells in which God has wisely closely connected us.

Third, we should be sensitive in our realism. That is, though it is true that we are at times prone to be closer to some than to others we want to be careful that we avoid sending a message of rejection to others. Beware of good intentions sending the wrong signal that others are not welcome in ‘our group.’ That is, our ‘cells’ should actually be more of an ‘unconscious’ reality than an orchestrated one.

Fourth, in acknowledging that cells do exist in the church, let us beware of assuming that we are being excluded from them.  Is it possible that sometimes our accusation of ‘cliquishness’ is actually a confession of our own aloofness? Could it be that when we accuse a group of being a clique that we are actually revealing more about our own wrong social behaviour? Is it possible that our accusation “clique” is actually a confession of our unwillingness to make the effort to build relationships?

For example, if you say “no thank you” time and again to invitations to fellowship, then don’t be surprised if eventually you feel excluded. For, in fact, you have excluded yourself. You have formed your own clique!

The same thing happens if you allow your spiritual interest to diminish. You will probably then find yourself less comfortable being in the presence of those who are pursuing Christ with determination and discipline. And all too often it is easier to label such people as a “clique” (or a “cult”) rather than repenting. Let us be honest before God and then jump into the body. You never know what healthy cells you may find.         

Finally, let me give an important caution to those who “hang together.” Make sure that you are behaving as a healthy cell, not as a clique. That is, just as healthy cells contribute well to the whole, just as they are in a mutual and harmonious relationship with other cells in the body, so must our “cells” be to the Body of BBC. We must never be rudely exclusive or carelessly cloistered to the neglect of others. “Cells,” brothers and sisters, not “cliques.”