The Church Health Team would like your feedback! We have been working to address Central Baptist’s “minimum factor”: Holistic Small Groups. Holistic Small Groups are “disciple-making communities which encounter God, who reaches the unchurched, meets individual needs (spiritual, physical, prayerful, emotional and social), develops each person according to their God-given gifts and raises leaders to sustain the growth of the church.”
The Team’s goal for Small Groups at Central Baptist Church is “To connect every person into groups of four to ten who live life together in God.” Groups will come together to a common purpose and are led by an identified facilitator who is assisting them in their progress toward full devotion to Christ by intentionally providing an environment for connection, community and spiritual formation. Like healthy body cells, holistic small groups are designed to grow and multiply.
There are seven kinds of groups – some groups can be topical, support, or geographically based.
- Growth group – this group usually involves a balance of sharing, study, support, and service. It is best for producing spiritual group in the general population. Most Sunday school classes at Central Baptist represent this kind of group.
- Study group – this group involves a variety of ingredients, but emphasizes Bible study. It is good for those with a deeper desire to study God’s word. A few Sunday schools represent this kind of group.
- Discipleship group – this group is generally more structured with more specific accountability and spiritual growth goals. It can be designed to meet the specific needs of new Christians and emerging leaders. The new Foundations groups on Wednesday night represent this kind of group.
- Ministry group – the focus of this group is ministry, but members continue to support and encourage one another. The Worship Team, women’s circles, etc. can represent this kind of group.
- Topical group – this group meets for a specific period of time to meet a specific need of interest such as marriage, family or career.
- Support group – this group has a high emphasis on individual support, prayer, encouragement and accountability.
- Recovery group – the 12-step recovery groups are meeting a variety of substance abuse and emotional recovery needs. They are very effective for community outreach. This group does not currently exist at Central Baptist.
What kinds of Small Groups would you like to see start in September 2010 at Central Baptist Church (e.g. parenting skills, bible studies, grief support group, Alcoholics Anonymous, Intercessory Prayer groups, etc.)?
