SMALL GROUPS

The Bible pictures large gatherings of believers and small, intimate gatherings as well. Both are necessary. In fact, we believe that a church should always be growing larger and smaller at the same time. It should be growing larger through evangelism as more and more people come to Christ, but it should be growing smaller as people are plugged into small groups where relationships can be developed. Each of us desperately needs to be connected to others as we journey through what is often a fragmented and difficult world. We believe that life change can most easily occur in the context of a small group of believers. All the ministry of a church (evangelism, fellowship, discipleship, worship, and ministry) can take place in a small group. Pastoral care can be done through these groups as believers care for one another. People who are not yet Christians can come and learn about Jesus Christ in a non-threatening environment. Ultimately, we believe God’s plan is for believers to build a loving and united community within to reach the community without in order to share in an eternal community with Him.

1. Following The Biblical Pattern: Small groups follow the biblical pattern presented in the book of Acts of the church having large gatherings and meetings of small groups.

2. People Are Our Priority: People, not programs, are our priority. Therefore, we will focus on building relationships through small groups.

3. Relating Properly To “One Another:” Small groups are a great way to accomplish the “one another” statements of Scripture.

4. Experiencing Life Together: God is calling us to real fellowship, which is truly experiencing life together. It is sharing the common life that we have in Christ.

5. Authenticity: God wants us to be authentic, genuine, and open. That can often be difficult to do. However, we desire to create an atmosphere that encourages authenticity in the small groups.

6. Every Believer Is A Minister: We are one body with many members and each member is to use his or her God-given spiritual gifts to minister and care for one another through the small groups. This decentralizes pastoral care and allows the Body of Christ to function in the proper manner.

7. Multiplication: God’s plan for every church is to multiply disciples, leaders, small groups, and churches. We plan to do this by being a church of small groups.