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Small groups are essential for spiritual growth and connection. The experience of early congregations – which usually met in homes - suggests this. See Ro. 16:4-5; 1 Cor. 16:19; Col. 4:15; Philemon 2. Small groups provide accountability, fellowship, and motivation. Effective groups focus on discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. Small groups can help assimilate new members into the church body.
 
So, our congregation seeks to take our small group ministry to the next level. This effort in recent weeks has occurred in the background but expect it to achieve prominence soon!
 
With input from our Elders, last month our minister Chess Cavitt articulated these core objectives for our small groups:

  • Spiritual Growth: Deepen faith and understanding of God’s Word through intentional study, prayer, and reflective discussions that lead to transformation.

  • Relational Connection: Foster authentic, Christ-centered relationships that provide encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging.

  • Mission and Service: Equip groups to live out their faith through acts of service, outreach, and ministry that demonstrate Christ’s love to the church and community.

  • Inclusive Participation: Offer diverse and accessible group formats that reflect the congregation’s varied languages, ages, interests, and experiences, ensuring everyone has a place to connect.

  • Leadership Development: Invest in the growth of leaders by providing training, support, and resources, enabling them to guide their groups with vision, care, and purpose.

As we re-focus our groups, please explore what role you should play. Specifically, should you serve as a facilitator, host or regular participant? One useful resource is Leading Small Groups That Thrive: Five Shifts to Take Your Church to the Next Level (2020) by Ryan Hartwig, Courtney Davis and Jason Sniff (available as an e-book and audiobook on Hoopla). Some of this book’s ideas follow. Excellent group facilitators enable discussions by asking good questions and guiding discussions (but avoid dominating the conversation). They set up structures that support the group's goals. Optimal group development requires time. The promise of belonging to a mutually supportive circle of like-minded believers can motivate people to attend and grow spiritually. Shared ownership leads to deeper commitment and vulnerability within the group.
 
Watch for information about our small groups! And as we announce our groups (including new ones), if you perceive a potentially viable opportunity for another group, feel free to suggest it to Chess or to Grant Hay, our small groups ministry director.
 
- Lloyd

Elders' Communication
Shepherd's Crook