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Links to Churches with Small Groups and Churches of Small Groups The traditional use of small groups in the Church involved committee work in small groups which organized formally or informally to conduct Church activities, to pull off some unusual event or meet a particular emergency. Sunday School classes have also been an important user of small groups. Prayer groups have shown a continual presence in the work of the Church. In recent years a number of changes have occurred which have placed more importance on the small group. The discipleship goal has taken on more importance. Specialty groups have also formed to continually minister to a wider range of extraordinary needs.
But, recently, another development has been the growth of what has been called the Church of small groups. This type is in contrast to the Church with small groups. In the first or former type, the emphasis and main strategy is to widely use small groups to accomplish the mission. In the second or later type, small groups are used as one of several methods to reach the Church goals. A few links to Churches who have changed to a Church of small groups along with several we might call Churches with small groups are listed here. Chosen because they are from a wide variety of denominations, they represent much of what is exceptional about small groups. These Churches also feature at least one strategy which is a strength to small group efforts. Some include a testimony or comment by leaders of small groups in the Church featured. Click on the links below to view the Web sites of these Churches in more detail.
Links to Churches of Small Groups and Churches With Small Groups
Timberline Church, 2908 S Timberline Rd, Fort Collins, CO, 80525,
http://www.timberlinechurch.org/category/ministries/small-groups/
From Kristy DeAnda
Small Group Director
Timberline Church
970-482-4387
“Small Groups at Timberline are comprised of both the Study/Fellowship as well as Special Interest/Activity groups.
As our church grows larger, there is an increasing need for it to “grow smaller.” Our goal is to be a church
with healthy small group opportunities where people are encouraged to grow in Christ with one another. Spiritual maturity does not happen in a vacuum and when people are isolated from meaningful relationship with other believers, they actually feel disconnected from God (Col. 2:19). We believe that Small Group Leaders take on the role as Shepherd/Pastor for the “equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of
Christ. (Eph. 4:12).” Furthermore, we teach that biblical small group leadership is accomplished through servant hood."
"For equipping and vision casting purposes we offer a Small Group Leader Orientation regularly, this is a one-time introduction to leading a small group at Timberline Church. We also offer ongoing continuing education regularly to our current small group leaders, we call this “Small Group Summit.” Both opportunities take place almost monthly. For more information, you can visit our website at http://www.timberlinechurch.org/smallgrps/.”
Our Savior Lutheran Church,
2500 W. Norfolk Ave.
Norfolk, NE 68701 http://www.oursav.org/
From Jay Daniell
Small Group Director
Our Savior Lutheran Church
Norfolk, NE
"When we investigate the characteristics of the early church as found in Acts
2: 42-47, we discover that the practice of the Christian fundamentals of
fellowship, discipleship, worship, mission and ministry where played out in
both a corporate setting (temple courts) and in a more intimate setting
(house to house). It is our intent to help you participate in these
Christian fundamentals that no matter how you get connected to the Body of
Christ here at Our Savior. Participating in an Our Savior small group will
create for you an environment where you can follow the example of the early
church in your daily life and not only for one hour on Sunday morning."
Bridgeway Community Church
373 S. Schmale Road, Suite 202m P>O> Box 88014, Carol Stream IL 60188
http://www.bwcc.org/beliefs/vision.html
Statements From Their web Site (As of 01/17/08)
Holistic Small Groups
Bridgeway is committed to providing a system of Small Groups where individual Christians can find intimate community, practical help, and intensive spiritual action.
Vision Statement for Small Groups: Small Groups at Bridgeway Community Church exist to glorify God by connecting people relationally in groups for the purpose of building up and equipping disciples of Jesus Christ to reach their world.
Small Group Bible studies are an indispensable part of fulfilling our mission as a church. Part of our mission is to love our God, to be in a caring community, and to have our lives changed as we grow together in Christ. These things all come into focus in our small group ministry.
We believe that being involved in close relationships is the key to spiritual growth. Since relationships cannot flourish in a Sunday morning worship service, we are seeking to be a church of small groups, and not merely a church with small groups. Therefore, being a part of a small group is highly encouraged for every attender of Bridgeway.
Oakbrook Evangelical Free Church,
3126 W. 20th Avenue, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
http://www.oakbrookonline.org/ministry/smallgroups
Notes from their Web Site as of 01/16/08
Part of our vision at Oakbrook is to “intentionally make disciples and train leaders.” To accomplish this we believe Oakbrook needs to become a church “of” small groups, not simply a church “with” small groups.
A church “of” small groups organizes its entire ministry around small groups of people with shepherding leaders. Small group ministry is fundamental to accomplishing the mission Christ gave the Church and small groups permeate every area of ministry. From children to youth to adult ministry small groups is a way of accomplishing the mission and doing ministry.
At Oakbrook we believe that being a devoted follower of Christ is to be done “in community”. Christ “appointed twelve that they might be with him.” (Reference: Mark 3:14) His objective was that they would become like Him. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (Reference: John 13:15) His training them to become ‘Christ-like’ was done in a small group.
We believe “doing ministry” is to be done together in community. “And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Small groups was the norm of the New Testament. (References: Acts 2:46-47; Acts 10:24; 16:31-34, 40; Romans 16:3-5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15).
Willow Creek Association •
P.O. Box 3188
Barrington, Illinois 60011-3188 http://www.willowcreek.com/smallgroups/
Statement From Their Web Site (As of 03/01/07)
by Bill Donahue
Executive Director- Small Groups
Willow Creek Association
Welcome to WillowGroups! Churches worldwide share the desire to become biblically
functioning communities, and view small groups as an integral component in realizing their dream. It is our goal to be a trustworthy and profitable source of encouragement for such churches that are participating in this community-building movement of God. By providing strategic resources, training and conference experiences we seek to come alongside your church and help in any way we can, to the glory of God.
I believe in the work that you are doing and it is my prayer that you are served and
encouraged through WillowGroups.com.
Ebenezer Evangelical Church,
286 Filton Avenue
Horfield, Bristol. BS7 0BA http://www.ebe.org.uk/smallgroups.htm
Statements from Their Web Site: (As of 03/01/07)
"What exactly are ‘small groups’? They are the 'building blocks' of church life. We aim to follow the example of the first Christians (Acts 2:42-47) who 'devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.' They met both in public and in the privacy of the home. Their lifestyle was such that the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
"Our small groups operate in different ways, with some placing more emphasis on Bible study and others running in a cell-type format (welcome, worship, word and witness). Most have a balance between devotional and friendship activity during a season of activity, generally meeting weekly. Some meet jointly once a month to focus on some aspect of their mission."
"However, in general, each small group is a place to: build Godly relationships discuss
the Word of God and apply it to everyday life; explore different ways of worshipping God together; encourage, pray for and minister to each other; discover and practice spiritual gifts; have fun and enjoy the opportunities to socialize with other Christians; to provide unchurched friends with a first level of Christian contact. . . ."
First Presbyterian Church,
2000 E. College Ave. Normal, IL, 61761
http://www.firstpresnormal.org/ce/smallgroups.htm
Statements from Their Web Site (As of 03/01/07)
National surveys show over 77 percent of the 42,000 Christians interviewed by
Church Growth, Inc. indicated they stayed in their church because of friendliness,
caring, new relationships or small group involvement.
At First Presbyterian Church, we want our Small Group Connections to be a place
where everyone who wants to find friendly, caring relationships can be involved in a small group for Bible study and fellowship. We believe those who participate in small groups not only feel a connection with others in their group, but more of a connection with the church, with their faith and with God.
Our ministry's goal is to have 50 percent of our congregation involved in small group
by 2006 and to move toward being a church of small groups, rather than a church
with small groups. We believe true discipleship can take place within the context of
small groups. We invite anyone who wants participation in a small group to be part of their
faith journey to contact Kathy Tosh, Small Group Connections chairperson by email or calling (309) 827-8550.
Gateway Community Church,
7104 McNeil Drive Austin, TX 78729
http://www.gatewaychurch.com/site/connected/smallGroups.asp and http://www.gatewaychurch.com/site/about/valuesAndBeliefs.asp
Comments From Their Web Site (As of 03/01/07)
Mission: "To help unchurched people become a unified community
of growing Christ-followers." (Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:12-13)
Jesus never saw church as a place to go, but as a people who love him and who
are learning to love others. At Gateway, no matter what your spiritual background
or past, we want you to "Come as you are." From there, we'll all grow together
Values: Small Groups. We believe that life change happens best in the context of a
small group of people (Hebrews 10:24-25, Luke 6:12-13, Acts 2:44-46). In these communities we are to be the church to one another and demonstrate the church to a watching world as we live out the "one another" commands of scripture. We must be a church of small groups rather than a church with small groups, committed to the value of every member being cared for in a community that will love and prompt him/her to grow.
Beliefs: The Church. We believe that there is only one true Church universal composed of all people who have asked Jesus Christ for forgiveness and made Him leader of their lives.The diversity of all believers working together, using their gifts to build up one another, form the parts of the body of Christ, the Church. The scripture commands believers to gather together to devote themselves to worship, prayer, the teaching of God's Word, using our gifts to build up one another, outreach, communion, and baptism. Wherever God's people meet in obedience to this command, there is the local expression of the church. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the church, and that every local church has the right under Christ to decide and govern its own affairs.
Rolling Hills Community Church 3550 SW Borland Road Tualatin, OR 97062
http://www.rollinghills.org
Comments From Their Web Site (As of 03/01/07)
"RHCC's Community Groups are about Rich Friendships... Practical Study... Meaningful Sharing... and Effective Outreach. We believe that small groups should be center-stage in the ministry life at RHCC. Our Community Groups provide every participant with that critical point of connection and practical involvement with our active church body."
"Our lives can be enriched and fulfilled as we experience small group community life. Our basic need to know others and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served are met as we connect with others in Christ."
"Our vision is to help 'make the big church small.' Rolling Hills is a big church! But hundreds of people have found that they can become part of a true spiritual family as they follow God’s plan for developing relationships.
Joining a Community Group is one of the most important decisions you can make as a member of Rolling Hills!
Grace Fellowship Church
9505 Deereco Road, Timonium, Maryland, 21093
http://home.gfc.org/?ID=1098&zone=home
Comments from Their Web Site on Their Mission, Vision and Values (As of 03/01/07)
Our Mission: Knowing, loving, following and sharing Jesus Christ through Authentic Biblical Community.
Our vision At Grace Fellowship Church:
We envision a witnessing church, where the good news of Jesus Christ's
life, death and resurrection is shared intentionally, incarnationally, and without
reservation, with our friends and neighbors throughout the Baltimore area and around the world.
We envision a welcoming church, where guests are received as they
are and are invited to enter into the life of our community.
We envision a church of small groups equal in importance to the corporate
experience (i.e. weekend services), where believers and seekers alike encounter and
can experience Authentic Biblical Community.
We envision an intergenerational church, where the unique contribution of each generation is valued.
We envision a praying church, where God is continually called upon,
individually and corporately, in matters great and small.
We envision a ministering church, where everyone discovers and invests
his or her unique giftedness and calling in the Kingdom of God, where people are released
to minister in accordance with the calling of the Holy Spirit.
We envision a serving church, where an environment of selfless love is embodied as people place the interests of others ahead of their own.
We envision a learning church, a community of life-long learners, where God's Word is proclaimed with integrity and sensitivity, in a variety of venues.
We envision a training church, where leaders are honored, equipped, and reproduced into the Kingdom of God.
We envision a multiplying church, where church planting (local, regional and global) is a natural and organic part of church life, where workers are raised up, and where there is partnership with other churches in the region to fulfill the Great Commission.
We envision a Kingdom church, where the Kingdom of God is manifest, where the church is both a sign and an agent of Jesus' Kingdom, where the whole of Jesus' message is taught, and where evangelism, social justice and spiritual disciplines are empowered by the transforming presence of the Holy Spirit.
We envision a desperate church, a church utterly dependent upon and constantly seeking the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Our Values Grace Fellowship Church's desires are best expressed through eight, non-negotiable core values: (Definitions not included here, see the Web site) Biblical Truth: Relationships: Relevance:Excellence: Unreached Peoples: Community: Worship: Reproduction:
The third element of our vision for Grace Fellowship Church reads: "We envision a church of small groups equal in importance to the corporate experience (i.e. weekend services), where believers and seekers alike encounter and can experience Authentic Biblical Community."Since it's very founding, Grace Fellowship has been uniquely focused on the importance of small groups, or "house churches." These are groups of about a dozen people who gather outside of the large weekend services (usually in someone's home) in order to get to know each other, worship and study together.
Saint James Church,
Episcopal 1872 Camp Road James Island, SC 29412
http://www.saint-james.org/groups.php
Comments from Their Web Site (As of 03/01/07)
Small groups, like (and including) families, are at the heart of fellowship in a kingdom community. We come together in large groups for Sunday worship, we attend classes on Wednesday evenings, and we rally together for all kinds of projects and activites.
Underpinning the active life of Saint James are many small groups who meet regularly for fellowship, Bible Study and prayer. In these groups relationships grow and flourish as members share one another's joys and sorrows. And the body of Christ is built up in love. As vital and exciting as the construction of our new ministry center is, this building up of the body of Christ that happens in small groups is of prime importance to the future of Saint James.
If you are looking for a place to belong, or a group where you can share your daily walk in a private, intimate setting, then a Small Group is where you should be. All Christians are called to support each other and live out their lives openly among each other. There is no better place to do this than among fellow Christians in a safe, yet accountable, environment.
Henderson Hills Baptist Church
1200 E. I-35 Frontage Road, Edmond, OK 73034
http://www.hhbc.com/p/2265/Default.aspx
Comments From Their Web Site (As of 03/01/07)
Edmond is a growing community with wonderful people, and people are a very
important part of Henderson Hills. We are committed to helping people i
mprove their relationship with God and each other. One of the ways that we try to
accomplish this is through Small Group Bible studies. Through our Small Group
ministry we provide many classes that teach the Bible and encourage people to build
lasting relationships with others.
Our Main Ministry Focus
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25
Many people call our Small Groups (FLOCKs). Each one of our groups focus on five aspects of ministry:
Fellowship
Leadership
Outreach
Care
Knowledge
A Small Group is a group of people who come together to take part in
each of the five aspects listed above. These groups are where people find a
sense of community since they are surrounded with people living in similar life
circumstances. Small Groups enable you and your family to build relationships with
other church members as you study God's Word together.
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