Why Small Group Ministries?

It is Biblical b Moses followed the counsel of his father-in-law, Jethro, in having small groups of tens (Exodus 18). b Jesus started His ministry by calling a small group of twelve disciples (Matthew 4: 18-22). b The Early Church grew in numbers although they did not have a big church building. They met from house to house (Acts 2:42-47).

It is Based on the Counsel of the Spirit of Prophecy “The formation of small companies as a basis for Christian effort is a plan that has been presented before me by One who Cannot err. If there is a a large number in the Church, let the members be formed into small companies, to work not only for the church members but for unbelievers also” (Evangelism, 115).

Biblical Goals for Small Group Ministries Foster Biblical Love (John 13:35; 1 Cor. 13:13; Gal. 5:13; Eph. 5:2; 1 John 4:7, 11, 21). Promote Fellowship and Unity (Acts 4:32; Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:12, 25; Eph. 4:3, 5, 13; 1 John 3, 6-7).

John 13:35, A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

1 Corinthians 13:13 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Galatians 5:13 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Ephesians 5:2 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

1 John 4:7, 11, 12 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Acts 4:32 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Romans 12:5 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

1 Corinthians 12:12, For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

Ephesians 4:3, 5, 13 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 1 John 3:6, 7

Build the Body (Rom. 14:19; Eph. 2:19-22; 4:11-16; Col. 1:10-12, 28; 2:6-7). Nurture Spiritual Gifts (Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor.12:4- 11). Prophecy Working Miracles Healing Discerning of Spirits Faith Wisdom Knowledge

NEEDED FOR SUCCESSFUL CORE SMALL GROUPS

 Every member is called to minister to others.  The presence of God which makes the groups grow.

Leaders are called to serve.

 Every group reproduces itself.  Groups function as the basic church.  Evangelism flows out of group life.

 There will be clear accountability among members and leader.  Pastor meets with group leaders once a week.  Prayers move the life of the church.  Assistants are developed at every level.

How to Begin  Receive God’s vision on Small Group Ministries.  Decide that Small Group Ministries is God’s plan for the church.  Discuss and obtain permission of the church board.

 Train pioneers in the implementation of Small Group Ministries.  Let the pilot group multiply.  Choose pioneers for a pilot group.

 Have a weekly group meeting for leaders.

Suggested Small Group Meetings Fellowship with those who come early:  Welcome Words  Introduction of guests and get acquainted activity

Thanksgiving: Prayer Singing Praise Reports: Testimonies Expression of appreciation for each other Worship

Intercessory Prayer  A need expressed  Several lead in prayer Discussion of Bible Study  Seek full participation  Seek practical application Closing Prayer

Essential Ingredients  The Senior Pastor needs to be interested and serves as a head coach  The Senior Pastor trains leaders in small groups

 Start Small  Establish Relaxed Atmosphere is

 Group Covenant Purpose?How long? When?

 Leaders’ Meetings  Pastor’s Commitment to Groups  Focus on Evangelism  Church’s Commitment to Small Group Ministries  The Need for Follow-up Program