Small Groups –growing in faith through intentional community

What is a small group?

 small-group is gathering of people who come together on a regular basis to engage in intentional community in order to:
• Grow in relationship with God. 
• Grow in relationship with each other. 
• Help each other grow in their relationships with God.

Grow in relationship with God – Community is a primary context in which disciples grow in their relationship with God.  It is the "forging point" of discipleship and transformation, where the Biblical truths are applied to daily living.  (Genesis 1:26-27; John 17:20-26)

Grow in relationship with others – Intentional community is the place where people can share their lives – can know each other and be known, living life together.  (Hebrews 10:24-25; Proverbs 27:17)

Help each other grow in their relationships with God – In small groups, disciples can encourage each other, hold each other accountable, pray for one another, and learn from one another. (Mark 2:1-5)

Why are small groups called intentional community?

We want people connect with a small group, not simply to be in a small group, but to help them participate in intentional community.  So, what's the big deal about 'intentional community?'

Community – Genesis tells us about why and how God created us. 

"God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness....  27 So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (1:26-27)

God created us to be in relationship with him and relationship with each other.  Living in community with the Triune God and with one another is fundamental to what it means to be a human.   Scripture also tells us that the community of believers is one of God's gifts to help us live daily life and grow in spiritual maturity.

Intentional – Though we were created to be live in community with God and with one another we also realize that we live in a world marred by sin, our relationships included.   While relationships are a source of blessing, they aren't always a bed of roses!  Fostering relationships takes time, attention, and effort.  Yet God uses even the difficulties in community to help grow us and shape us into Christ's image.
 
What does a small group look like?

Who is in a small group?
A small group usually consists of 5 to 12 people and has an identified and trained leader who helps facilitate the group.  A small group can form on the basis on a number of factors: age, stage of life, interest, servant ministry, or location. 

What happens in a small group?
Small groups will take a variety of forms.  But typical a small group will look like this:

• It will include five components:
1) Fellowship 
2) Scripture/Study
3) Prayer
4) Nurture & Care
5) Service/ Mission
 
• It will begin with a purpose and covenant:
At the beginning of a group, the participants will discuss and agree upon a covenant which outlines the basic purpose and character of the group.  The covenant will include:
1) The purpose of their particular group: What is our vision for our group? Do we gather with a particular emphasis such as prayer, study, or accountability? Will we invite new people to our group – if so, when and how?
2) The details of their group time: When, where, how often, and for how long will we meet?  How will we structure our time together? How will discussion take place – will facilitation be shared?  What will we study? 
3) Shared Values:  The group will decide upon basic values such as confidentiality, respect, and shared participation.

• It will have an "introductory period" and times of on-going evaluation
All small groups are encouraged to have an introductory period.  After meeting for six to eight weeks, the participants of the group are invited to ask "Is this something I want to continue?  Does this small group fit with what God is doing in my life right now?"  This question will be asked without judgment or pressure to continue.  The group as a whole is encouraged to ask, "Is our covenant working out?  Are there parts of purpose or character that we'd like to revise?"   As the group decides to continue, the continuing members will decide again upon a covenant that includes another built in time to evaluate in the future.

 
How do I join a small group?

As discipleship itself is a process of growth, so is the small-group program at First Presbyterian! 

There are currently a number of small groups that meet now, some of which are open to new participants.  If you have heard about one of these groups and would like to explore joining, you may ask the group leaders or contact Amy Holloway, Associate Pastor of Adult Discipleship (723-1621 or AmyH@1stpres.com)

There is also a plan to begin new small groups within our congregation and develop a system where small groups will continually be formed and nurtured as leaders are trained and people express interest.  Here is how the growth process will look for the 2007-2008 program year. 

1) A handful of new small groups will begin on October 7.  The number and nature of these groups will be dependent on the kind of group the people who volunteer to train and lead these groups want to facilitate.  If you are interesting in joining one of these groups, please contact Amy.  Here are the focuses of the new groups forming:

? Marriage 
? Movies & Faith
? Clemmons/Lewisville – a group for adults, married and single people, who live in Clemmons, Lewisville and surrounding areas. 
? Turbo group -  a group for all those interested in exploring the potential of leading a small group in the future.   

2) Come to the new small-group kick-off on October 7.  Whether you are certain if you want to join a small group or not, you are encouraged to come to this one-time event from 4:30 – 6:00 at the church.   At this event, we'll talk more in depth about small groups and how new small groups will be forming.  If there are open spaces in the new small groups beginning this day, you can connect with a group then and there!  If you are ready for a small group, but there isn't a group ready, you can sign up for the next round of small groups that start in January/February as leaders are trained and willing. 

3) Potential Leaders small-group ("turbo group") beginning October 7.  A group of 6 to 12 people who are interested in exploring the possibility of being small-group leaders in the future will meet through the fall in a small-group format.  These potential leaders will then have the option of leading a small group in January/February 2008.  Another turbo group will begin in January.  If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Amy.

4) New small groups will begin January/February 2008.  As leaders are trained there will be more small groups beginning.  Call Amy anytime with your interest to join a group as they are formed! 

For further information, please call or email  Amy Holloway at 723-1621, ext. 228.