Small Groups |
ALL MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF NEW LIFE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ARE INVITED AND ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SMALL GROUP MINISTRY |
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WHAT IS A SMALL GROUP? |
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For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." Matthew 18:20 |
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Our small groups range in membership from 6 - 25. |
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The groups meet every week or every other week in homes or at the Church. |
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The purpose of the "Small Group Ministry" is to provide opportunities for our New Life family to grow together in faith and understanding of Jesus Christ through BIBLE STUDY, PRAYER, CARING, SHARING, and FELLOWSHIP. |
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WHY BE PART OF A SMALL GROUP? |
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Small groups provide you with an opportunity to belong to an intentional Christian community. There you can experience the love, care, support and growth that God, through the Church, offers to all of us. |
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1. Everyone knows your name. |
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2. Knowing other Christians better. |
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3. Developing supportive relationships. |
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4. Sharing personal experiences together. |
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5. Exploring Scripture together through Bible study and discussion. |
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6. Praying and sharing prayer concerns with others. |
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7. Fellowship and breaking bread together. |
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8. Reaching out in service to others as a group. |
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It all began with a "Small Group". |
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They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers…Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. Acts 2:42, 46 & 47 |
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WHO BELONGS TO A SMALL GROUP? |
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At present we have over 500 people meeting in small groups over a 20 mile radius of the Church. They meet on different days and times of the week in 40+ locations. |
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WHAT IS NEEDED TO START A SMALL GROUP ? |
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1. 4-? PEOPLE |
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2. AN ENABLER (SEE DESCRIPTION BELOW) |
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3. A HOST HOME OR MEETING PLACE |
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4. A BIBLE STUDY (a group choice or a suggested study by the small group Elder) |
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We have a resource room off the narthex with a wide selection of materials. |
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5. A desire to grow in your faith with others, and a commitment of your support to the group. |
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NEW LIFE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MINISTRY DESCRIPTION |
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ENABLER SMALL GROUP |
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Coordinate and/or lead a small group. You may start your group with friends, acquaintances, neighbors, or names can be provided by the Small Group Committee based on location or mutual interests and passions. If starting a new group, membership at New Life is required and the enabler must have participated in a small group before. Pray daily and be interested in the formation and growth of a small group. Spiritual gifts of leadership, hospitality, intercession, and a loving nature are helpful. Must be willing to give the time and effort to see the group's faith grow, and develop a sense of community through outreach. |
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HOST SMALL GROUP |
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Provide a comfortable and loving atmosphere. |
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Make sure all members and guests know when and where you are meeting and the study materials needed. |
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Have a commitment to pray for your group and support the group's growth. |
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Attend the group meetings and actively participate in the studies and outreach programs. |
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Share in the leadership and hosting of the group if necessary. |
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SMALL GROUP COORDINATOR |
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Department |
Care |
Staff person |
Pastor |
Contact |
Care Elder |
Training |
Care Elder / Pastor |
Ministry Description |
Responsible for selecting committee members, directing the committee, overseeing the start of small groups, selecting enablers, administering groups, coordinating with Growth Committee, assisting with leadership training, and resource study materials. |
Requirements |
Member of New Life minimum of 3 years, an Elder, or member or enabler of a small group. |
Spiritual Gifts |
Leadership/Administration/Shepherding/Evangelism/Loving Nature/Outreach |
Time commitment |
Monthly meetings, quarterly training, seminars as offered, annual Small Group Celebration. Keep detailed records of all small groups and keep the church secretary informed of all changes. Enable new Small Groups until an Enabler is trained. Maintain the small group resource room and assist Enablers when needed in selecting and obtaining materials. |
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE 728-1861 |
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