This is the first small-group report that I can remember during my time in the church (11 years). However as the church was birthed out of a small-group the concept is probably in our DNA.
Last year we ran a ‘pilot’ small-group whereby we invited a number of people to be part of a group for a year. The group allowed us to try out some ideas and introduce the concept to the wider church.
This year we launched the scheme church wide and had 57 people sign up to participate in a group. We have set up four groups, which meet on the last Tuesday of every month, and are very grateful to those who have agreed to lead them (David & Sarah, Bill & June, Simon & Helen and Chris & Sue). Where all of this will lead to we are not sure however we do believe that this is what God would have us do and so we have embarked on the journey. Not knowing the destination has a way of keeping us on our knees before the Lord.
In the letter to the church introducing the small groups we explained something of the reasons we had for setting up the groups. I think it worth repeating in our first report.
Why are we setting up small groups? Perhaps the easiest way to answer this question is to refer to a phrase we heard another church using to describe the reason for their small groups. “No one stands alone” was the phrase they used. We like this as it captures well the need we all have for fellowship, prayer, support and encouragement. In addition we see the groups facilitating growth which our current structure doesn’t naturally allow. Growth in the individuals who participate and growth numerically as others are drawn to what the groups have to offer.
Although we are all using the same Bible study material the groups are largely free to structure an evening as they see fit. Our Pastor and his wife rotate around the groups lending support and encouragement. They find they come away enriched by the evenings encouraged by the growth they are observing.
The leaders have met together several times this year for training, encouragement and prayer. From the feedback shared at those meetings it is obvious that many of those in a group are glad to be in a group and finding it a good way of getting to know others in the church.
As with many ventures it is often what we put into it that determines how much we get out of it. This will be true of the small groups.
If you are not part of a small group and would like to be then please see me or one of the leaders and we’ll help you become a part of a group. You don’t have to attend every month to be a part of a group. If you are unable to attend regularly but would like to be associated with a group and kept informed of their activities then this also can be arranged.
Chris Morgan