Small Group Home
“Live creatively, friends. * * * Share [each other’s] burdens, and so complete Christ's law. * * * Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. * * * Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” Galatians 6:1,3,4 & 10 (The Message)
Faith is a journey that should be traveled together with other believers. Faith is a process that should not be undertaken alone. The early church gathered in homes to provide guidance and teaching but also to encourage one another according to the requirements of Scripture. In an effort to uphold, probe and refine each other on this journey the Session’s Nurture and Membership Committee of First Presbyterian Church has begun a Small Group Ministry. For several years we have formed small groups during Lent for studying a common book and fellowshipping together for those 6 weeks. That experience and our vision of a more tightly connected congregation have naturally led to a desire to expand both the length and breadth of the Lenten series.
What is a small group?
- A small group within the church is a voluntary, intentional gathering of 3 to 12 people regularly meeting together with the shared goal of mutual Christian edification and fellowship.
What is the purpose of the small group ministry?
- Fellowship and spiritual growth for church members
- Outreach to the community
How long do the groups last?
- Groups are to form with the intention of being an ongoing commitment
- Individuals and/or couples may belong a group for several months or several years
- Actual meetings will be scheduled on a logical cycle determined among the leader(s) and the group
How frequently will groups meet?
- Work and family schedules should be accommodated, but ideally, groups would meet no less than twice a month
How are groups formed?
- Leaders will be continually recruited and trained
- Leaders will identify content, meeting dates, time and place
- Those interested can sign up or others can be recruited by the leader
What is the commitment I need to make to join a small group?
- At the initial meeting, the leader(s) and the members will jointly decide on the covenant
they are willing to make to the group. Typical elements of a covenant would include:- Commitment to study
- Regularity and punctuality of attendance
- Confidentially
- Honesty
- Sensitivity
- Prayer
What makes these Small Groups unique? How are they different from circles, book
groups, Bible study groups, etc. that are already in place?
- Small groups will be in a range from 3 to 12 to allow for more intimate sharing and accountability than larger groups
- Small groups will observe covenants that define the group
- Small groups will operate under the guidance and tutelage of the spiritual leaders
of 1st Presbyterian Church
- Small groups will have the option to pause in their own studies and join in the Lenten series study
The benefit of small groups is that the Body of Christ is built up as relationships are
developed among the members. Small groups are also a valuable way to challenge
each other to live out our faith. Surveys of our members have indicated that an
overwhelming majority thought that a small group ministry in a church the size of 1st
Presbyterian was “very important.” We think so too.
If you have any questions not answered above, please contact Elder John Pierce at
(856) 429-8683 or send an e-mail to ja-pierce@verizon.net.
