Monday, September 8, 2008 |
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Small Group FAQ
What is a Small Group?
We believe that small groups are the place where sustained life-change occurs. In a small group, people study God's Word together and are in a safe environment to discuss the issues and challenges of life. It's also where they pray, care for one another, and are missed if they don't show up. This is the environment where we celebrate the successes and good times of life, as well as help one another during the tough and disappointing times. It is a place to be encouraged, equipped, and
We believe that small groups are the place where sustained life-change occurs. In a small group, people study God's Word together and are in a safe environment to discuss the issues and challenges of life. It's also where they pray, care for one another, and are missed if they don't show up. This is the environment where we celebrate the successes and good times of life, as well as help one another during the tough and disappointing times. It is a place to be encouraged, equipped, and
| challenged to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. At Brooklyn Park Church this small group experience begins in what we call a "Home Group" where newcomers are always welcome. Then the group can close when members agree to hold each other accountable for deeper spiritual growth and ministry, these closed groups are appropriately called "Impact Groups." |  |
Where do I FIND A NEW GROUP?
Home Groups initially commit to meet for six to eight weeks beginning in the fall, winter or spring. After those weeks together, the group members decide if they want to continue meeting for an additional six to eight week study. Home Groups are open small groups that are usually made up of about five to six married couples or six to eight men or women that meet weekly in someone's home for fellowship,prayer and Bible study based on the scripture passages preached the previous Sunday. There are Home Groups for adults of all ages and stages of life.
Home Groups initially commit to meet for six to eight weeks beginning in the fall, winter or spring. After those weeks together, the group members decide if they want to continue meeting for an additional six to eight week study. Home Groups are open small groups that are usually made up of about five to six married couples or six to eight men or women that meet weekly in someone's home for fellowship,prayer and Bible study based on the scripture passages preached the previous Sunday. There are Home Groups for adults of all ages and stages of life.
How long does a group last?
The duration of a new Home Group is between three to six months. After completing the initial six to eight week series the group usually asks to continue to meet using the sermon-based study. Once the group has filled, developed as good friends and has an apprenticed leader, they are encouraged to become a closed accountability group called an Impact Group and to take a journey of spiritual growth and ministry together for another 12 - 22 months.
The duration of a new Home Group is between three to six months. After completing the initial six to eight week series the group usually asks to continue to meet using the sermon-based study. Once the group has filled, developed as good friends and has an apprenticed leader, they are encouraged to become a closed accountability group called an Impact Group and to take a journey of spiritual growth and ministry together for another 12 - 22 months.
When and where do groups meet?
Most of our groups generally meet Monday through Thursday evenings, and some groups meet on Sunday nights. Groups normally meet in a member's home. Usually the location is consistent, but sometimes other group members take turns hosting the group meeting at their house. Men’s and women’s groups sometimes will meet at a restaurant or other alternative locations before work or during the day.
Most of our groups generally meet Monday through Thursday evenings, and some groups meet on Sunday nights. Groups normally meet in a member's home. Usually the location is consistent, but sometimes other group members take turns hosting the group meeting at their house. Men’s and women’s groups sometimes will meet at a restaurant or other alternative locations before work or during the day.
How often do groups meet?
Most groups meet weekly. Some groups meet for three weeks out of the month and either take off the fourth week or do a community outreach service project or a social activity together. Due to schedule conflicts, groups consisting of married couples with children often do not meet weekly during the summer.
Most groups meet weekly. Some groups meet for three weeks out of the month and either take off the fourth week or do a community outreach service project or a social activity together. Due to schedule conflicts, groups consisting of married couples with children often do not meet weekly during the summer.
WHAT HAPPENS at each group meeting and how long does it last?
Each small group picks the length of time they will meet. However, most groups meet for at least an hour and not longer than two hours. During this time they are encouraged to focus a portion of each meeting on our Core 4: Seeking God (worship, conversational prayer); Loving One Another (Bible discussion for spiritual growth); and a brief time for focusing on Sharing Christ (personal evangelism) and Serving Others (ministry).
Each small group picks the length of time they will meet. However, most groups meet for at least an hour and not longer than two hours. During this time they are encouraged to focus a portion of each meeting on our Core 4: Seeking God (worship, conversational prayer); Loving One Another (Bible discussion for spiritual growth); and a brief time for focusing on Sharing Christ (personal evangelism) and Serving Others (ministry).
What do they study?
Home Groups are provided with lessons that are usually based on the scripture passage that was preached the previous Sunday. Impact Groups have trained small group leaders that select from a special small group curriculum resource list that is based on our detailed definition of a disciple. We are seeking to follow Jesus’ model of small group disciplemaking within the context of our culture and time by obeying Christ’s command to make disciples who obey everything that He taught. We offer on-going guidance and support to our small group leaders through our leadership community coaches and area Pastors. Many small group leaders find that having group members take the Core 4 Spiritual Journey Evaluation is helpful in knowing which curriculum meets the current growth needs of the group.
Home Groups are provided with lessons that are usually based on the scripture passage that was preached the previous Sunday. Impact Groups have trained small group leaders that select from a special small group curriculum resource list that is based on our detailed definition of a disciple. We are seeking to follow Jesus’ model of small group disciplemaking within the context of our culture and time by obeying Christ’s command to make disciples who obey everything that He taught. We offer on-going guidance and support to our small group leaders through our leadership community coaches and area Pastors. Many small group leaders find that having group members take the Core 4 Spiritual Journey Evaluation is helpful in knowing which curriculum meets the current growth needs of the group.
Is childcare provided for each group meeting?
Childcare is arranged by each group according to their own needs and available resources.
Childcare is arranged by each group according to their own needs and available resources.
Who can lead a Small Group?
Home Groups can be lead by those who complete the “Starter Kit” training. This way they can “test-drive” the small group leadership experience and enjoy leading a six to eight week small group right away. If they wish to continue to lead they can meet with a pastor and begin the apprenticeship process to become part of our leadership community. Our Impact Groups are lead by members who have completed a the disciplemaking apprenticeship, received the affirmation of an on-the-job training experience in a small group and have verified a foundational level of spiritual maturity. This process can be a few weeks or as long as the apprentice needs to feel confident and competent.
