|
|
 
A place where people can be known, cared for, held accountable and encouraged in their spiritual journey.
The ideal Connect Group is made up of 8-10 people who are "doing life together" Connect Group leaders have a pastor's heart to pray for their group and be there along with other group members in time of need, but their role would better be described as that of a facilitator. FACILITATE (definition) - to make easy or easier; to make less difficult; to be of use, to increase the liklihood of. -
Our Connect Group leaders endeavor to facilitate our vision as stated above.
GROWING SPIRITUALLY TOGETHER - The group has a curriculum they are studying together. Members study on their own during the week and come together to discuss what they've learned, thought about or asked themselves. The study is not an end unto itself, rather it is the framework for growing spiritualy and doing life together. The discussion from the week's study is applied to everyday life. For example, suppose the group were studying the bookf of James and read, "My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." (James 1:19-20, Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright, 1996 by Tyndale Charitable Trus. All rights reserved.) The study book might ask, "what did James mean by being slow to speak?" but members might also be asked apply-it-to-real-life questions such as, "When are you slow to speak? How can you quicker to listen?" This kind of personal sharing is encouraged and helps members:
Confess shortcomings, failures and sin (James 5:16) -
Receive correction and feedback from brothers and sisters (Proverbs 9:8-9) PRAYING TOGETHER - Groups pray together for each other's needs. There are differing levels of openness and vulnerability, but in a safe environment, groups draw closer together as members share personal, real-life needs, struggles and victories. Members have an opportunity both to minister and be ministered to in prayer. -
DOING LIFE TOGETHER - This is simply sharing in the ups and downs of life. If a group member has a baby, the group might throw a shower. If a family member is sick, the group might plan meals. If a member is having trouble getting through an issue with their teenage son/daughter, they might share about it and let someone who has already gone through it share from their experience. Through this last key, we are trying to live out what the Scripture says, "When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow." (Romans 12:15, Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright, 1996 by Tyndale Charitable Trus. All rights reserved.)
|
