Growth GroupsGrowth Groups
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Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
(II Peter 3:18)
As a church body grows numerically, it can be difficult to truly get to know each other, support one another and encourage one another intimately and deeply. It is revealing to know what the Apostles did at the development of the first church in Jerusalem. While it had 3,000+ members, Acts 2:46 says, "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts." In other words, many of them opened up their homes for small gatherings of believers.
While no "number limit" can be put on the worship of God's people (we will be worshiping for eternity with multitudes), we do believe that being equipped to live a victorious Christian life happens best in these small group environments that offer opportunities for discussion and accountability. We want to help our people understand and apply everything from the basics of the Bible, to the deepest truths of theology, to the most practical aspects of marriage and childrearing.
Therefore, we have a number of small groups in our church body, some that meet in our church building and others that meet in our homes. These groups are called "growth groups," and they include four elements in each meeting: worship, teaching, sharing and prayer, and fellowship. They are intended to grow our people in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ by enhancing personal spiritual maturity and building interpersonal relationships.
While some of these groups meet year round, others are offered on a "semester" system (March-May and Sept-Nov). Some groups are as long as 12 weeks and others are as short as 4 weeks, so you know exactly what you are committing to. Please contact the church for information regarding the groups that are currently meeting and feel free to contact the leader to see how you can get plugged in. Sign ups will be approximately one month before the new semester starts.
Growth Group Ministry Mission Statement
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To facilitate growth in personal spiritual maturity, in constructive interpersonal relationships, and in the size of God's family.
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Provide support and oversight of small group meetings, held regularly in members' homes and the church building.
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Involve Bible study, worship, mutual encouragement, prayer, and fellowship.
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Provide a venue in which each attendee of Grace Bible Church can be shepherded and be involved in accountability relationships.
A Typical Growth Group Meeting
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Welcome/Fellowship - 10 minutes
Worship - 10 minutes
Bible teaching/study/discussion - 30 minutes
Sharing of praises & burdens and prayer - 15 minutes
Refreshments & casual fellowship - 20 minutes
Visitors and new attendees are always welcome.
(Always advisable to call first to verify the group is not on vacation)
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