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legitimize a new social order by altering lateral relationships\u2019 (2001: 175). Miller from studies of churches in developing countries affirms that this process is growing: \u2018in the last decade or so, many Pentecostal and charismatic churches around the globe seem to be increasingly catching a vision of addressing the social needs of their communities\u2019 (2006: 18). Although there may be variations this tendency is also observed in these churches through the family groups.\u000ATo sum up, it could be said that although the FGs have as their primary target numerical growth, they function as a support network. They provide their members with a sense of community which helps them to relate to each other, offer mutual support for them at times when they need jobs, or have spiritual, economic or health needs. These groups also provide ethical values for them to orient their personal, work and family lives. These groups are also exposed to certain slants of a vulnerable nature. The constant division of these groups creates a certain anxiety because members must transfer to a new group once it reaches twelve. Some of the churches give more attention to numerical growth that could affect the objectives of those groups.\u000AA former leader of these groups expressed that he left the group because of the pressure of the numerical emphasis and his disagreement with the strategy. Some critics indicate that the G12 model follows a vertical style of leadership that imposes the authority of its pastors without the possibility of being questioned. They say, \u2018the programme, in short, is like a marketing brand, which is based on a method, a product which can be marketed aimed at the establishment of \u201CG-12 franchises\u201D in the market of the faithful\u2019 (La Prensa Evang\u00E9lica, Poder de lo Alto, No.33/2006: 36). The majority of the NPL say that in their experience the FGs are an important asset for the development of the life of the church and of the families of the church.\u000A 155\u000A


































































































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