Small Group Ministry
Small Group Ministry - what is it?
Jesus said,
"Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them" (Matthew 18:20, NRSV).
Lives are formed and transformed in small groups when people meet together to pray, to study, to engage in fellowship, or to work on a specific task. The possibilities to serve our Savior are endless, and we are His hands in this world. Each of us is placed on this earth for a purpose, and that is to worship our God and enjoy Him. In a small group we become a family of Christian friends enjoying the fellowship with God together.
Why small group ministries?
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Phillippians 2:4 NIV)
God created us to be in relationships. We weren't meant to travel life's road alone. Relationships take time to develop and it requires commitment on our part to bring about this connectivity. A small goup helps and enables a person to prioitize the necessary time together and provide a fellowship where vulnerabities are respected. It is where we learn to become a disciple of Jesus.
Why is it necessary to become a disciple?
What is a disciple? Simply, a disciple is one who accepts and assists in the spreading the doctrines of another, in our case, of Jesus Christ. It is why we exist today. God has called us to be and utimitately to make disciples.
"Therefore go and, make disciples of all nations, ...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
How does discipleship happen?
After joining a core group, you will experience multiple believers, listening, studying, and sharing with each other, interacting with God's Word, seeking to apply it to their lives and challenging each other to align their conduct with their belief. In a core group people pray for each other, listen to each other and speak the truth in love to each other.
What is my commitment when I join a small group?
Simply folllow the 4p's:
- Pray about getting involved
- Prioritizea 2-hour meeting at least twice a month if not each week.
- Participate in the discussions and activities
- Promote your core group
How do I find and join a small group?
It's easy! Just:
- Write "small groups" on a communication card. Someone will get in touch with you.
- Call the chuch office - 753-8484.
What small groups are there at North Lake?
(Below are the small groups that have come together at North Lake Presbyterian Church and a brief description of their makeup. As this Web page is updated, more groups will be added and more complete information for Small Group Ministries will be added, so check back frequently.)
-
Johnnie's Jokers
This group is named in memory of John Rucker, and is a family of Christian friends. Our activities are many and varied:
- Enjoy going out to eat together;
- Attend social events together such as weddings, funerals and birthday parties, music parties, etc. We have fun serving the Lord working in LOGOS (dishwashing);
- Parking lot ministry;
- Christmas caroling
- --and much more
- Serendipity
Serendipity was formed in the fall of 2005 in the Winifred neighborhood of The Villages for the purpose of meeting together for Bible study. In nearly three years this once small group has grown to its current 16 members from other neighborhoods as well. Besides time for study of the Bible, the group has put their faith to work in supporting the Christian Food Pantry through monthly food collections at the postal station in their neighborhood, raising money for the American Cancer Society (over $3000 to date)through forming a Relay for Life team, golf cart wash, a pancake breakfast at Up The Creek Restaurant, and other activities. The group also participates in other fellowship activities - eating out together, going to Disney World, ushering at church, and going out to breakfast after church.
|