Small Groups

See The Ten Exciting Small Groups Being Offered

Click Here

 

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY DESCRIPTION
January 10, 2011
Approved by the Session February 21, 2011

PURPOSE STATEMENT:
The purpose of Small Group Ministry is to be a positive catalyst encouraging all members to build Christian relationships through prayer, study, fellowship and mission that will enrich spiritual depth, build a unified faith community and empower us to share the gospel with the world, as we grow in number and in Christ’s love.
GOALS:

• Study—to learn more about Christian faith, life, and service.
• Self-understanding—to discover greater insights and understanding of ourselves (e.g., feelings, potentials, and gifts)
• Support—to increase our experience of close personal relationships in which we share the joys and obstacles of daily life.
• Mission—to develop confidence to express our faith and share God’s love in service to those beyond our congregation
• Experience of God—to enable us to gain a greater understanding and presence of God.
• Leadership—expand and grow the number of leaders actively involved in the ministries

STRATEGIES:
Phase 1 (current)

• Submit the Small Group Ministry Proposal to New Life and Christian Education Ministries for comment during  February, 2011 meeting
• Submit  the Small Group Ministry Proposal to Session for approval at the February, 2011
• Select and recruit small-group leaders during March, 2011 and April, 2011.
• Plan and adopt a training course for potential leaders by the end of March, 2011.
• Offer a course in leading small groups for potential small group leaders during mid-April and May, 2011.
• Create and implement plans to interpret the small-group ministry to the congregation during May, 2011 and August, 2011
• Plan and provide support for leaders as needed.
• Begin Phase 1 Small Group meetings in September through December, 2011.
• Evaluate results at the end of December, 2011.

Phase 2 (additional small groups will be added)

• Create a plan for phase 2 (January – May, 2012) by October, 2011

THE EFFECTIVE SMALL GROUP LEADER:

• Is open to others and willing to share self
• Accepts others; is nonjudgmental
• Is willing and able to take initiative
• Is a good listener
• Is a growing person
• Is warm and supportive
• Has confidence in groups
• Has a healthy commitment to Jesus Christ
• Is committed to the church
• Is diplomatic

We recognize that no one person is likely to have all of these qualities but it is imperative that a leader has healthy, effective interpersonal relationships.