Grace and peace,
Pastor Pat

Components of Small Group Meeting
Time spent in the small group will be focused around four components: worship, community, devotion, mission.

Worship – Connecting with God.
This can be singing together, praying, reading a Psalm, etc.

Community (Acts 2:42) – Connecting with each other.
The group will be a place of building and nurturing relationships through times of fellowship and sharing. This can happen with “ice-breaker” games, enjoying snacks or a meal together.

Devotion – God connecting with us.
The group will study the application of Biblical principles to learn God’s heart and draw close to Him. The focus will be on participation. The leader will serve as a facilitator of the discussion.<

Mission – Connecting with the lost.
The group will look for opportunities to serve together. They may decide to sponsor a child, participate with “Love in Action,” write to a missionary, etc.

Values and Goals

Worship, Study, and Prayer: The small group provides an open opportunity to dig deeply into God’s Word via a designated study guide or book. Members agree to prepare for each session and be active participants in the group. “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Relationships: Members agree to be active in building and nurturing relationships with others in the group. "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35

Authenticity: The atmosphere in the group encourages openness and transparency among members. This is a setting where people feel free to be themselves. “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,” Colossians 3:9

Confidentiality: For authenticity to occur, members must be able to trust that issues discussed are not shared outside of the group. “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

Respect: Group members agree to never say anything that will embarrass their spouse or other members of the group. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29

Availability: As relationships are established within the group, members agree to be available and willing to meet each other’s needs, wherever possible. “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Acceptance, Affirmation, and Accountability: Just as Jesus modeled truth with love for us, we as children of God, will do all we can to express God’s affirming love to all members of the group. “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14