First Presbyterian Church, Winston-Salem, NC, Small Groups

Small Groups at First Presbyterian

“For where two or three come together in my name,
there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Small Groups at First Presbyterian are intentional community. Intentional Community is the “forging point” of discipleship where we grow in relationship with God, grow in relationship with each other, and help each other grow in our relationships with God. We hope you'll consider making the next step to get involved at First Pres by checking out one of our small groups, or starting a new one! Contact Amy Holloway at 723-1621 x228 or email her to talk about the various opportunities that exist for small groups.

Summer 2010 update

SMALL GROUP TRAINING: One of our new core commitments as a congregation is to grow in intentional community – we want to live lives of discipleship together. One of the best ways to do this is to join a small group. In order to do small groups well we form new groups as leaders are trained. Right now, we’re asking God to raise up people who are interested in learning to be leaders, with the hopes that these people will be trained this summer/early fall, and new groups formed in the fall. Are you one of the people God is raising up? Training is approximately 6 hours of materials that can be formatted to fit your schedule, with no obligation to start a group afterwards. Ask God if this is for you, and then call Amy for details!

Do you have any interest in joining a small group?

Please complete the attached form and let us know. No obligation to join.

Simply open and complete the interest form online and hit "submit"!

Interested in becoming a leader?

As people express interest in leading, we start leadership training groups (formerly the “turbo group”). The leadership training group is either a 7-week 1 hour session small group or a three 2 hour “crash course.” The group is for anyone interested in learning about small group leadership and facilitation in a non-pressured environment. You don’t even have to commit to leading a group to join. If you have pondered the idea of leading a small group, this is the group for you. Contact Amy, x228.

What does a small group look like?

Who is in a small group?

A small group usually consists of 5 to 12 people and has an identified and trained leader who helps facilitate the group.

What happens in a small group?

Each small group will look different, depending on the needs and interests of the group’s participants. Though they will be unique, all small groups will:

· Include five components, with varying degrees of emphasis based on the group:

1) Fellowship

2) Study/ Scripture

3) Prayer

4) Nurture & Care

5) Periodic Service/ Mission

· Begin with a purpose and covenant:

At the beginning of a group, the participants will discuss and agree upon a covenant which outlines the basic purpose and character of the group, the details of when the group meets, and agreed upon shared values.

· Have an “introductory period” and times of on-going evaluation:

All small groups will have an introductory period. After meeting for six to eight weeks, the participants of the group are invited to ask “Is this something God wants me to continue?” As the group decides to continue, the continuing members will decide again upon a covenant that includes another built in time to evaluate in the future.

TYPES OF GROUPS

There are four general types of small groups that form depending on the unique needs of the group and which of the 5 components that a group places emphasis on.

Home Groups. This is the most “traditional” type of small group. It can form with people in the same life stage/age or a group that includes intentional diversity of ages and life situations – married, single, older, younger, with children or without. Home/Intergenerational groups place their emphasis on fellowship, care and prayer, and helping one another apply Biblical truths to daily life. Home/Intergenerational groups usually meet weekly or biweekly in people’s homes. These groups may use the weekly sermon and scripture as their study, read through the Bible together, or use another study to work through short Scripture texts together.

Growth groups. These groups place their emphasis on the study/Scripture component in small groups. They gather around a given topic, such as parenting, marriage, or more in-depth Bible study. Examples of this include a Beth Moore Group and our Men’s and Women’s Bible studies.

Care groups. These groups form around specific life issues and include a high degree of accountability. They place their emphasis on nurture, care, and prayer. People in recovery or in special places of growth find this type of group helpful. Examples include the bi-polar support group and the addiction recovery group. Other examples might be a men's accountability group, divorce care, grief care, or a group for parents with special needs children.

Special interest groups. These groups gather around a shared passion and place their emphasis on fellwoship and/or service and mission. Interests include physical activities, hobbies, professions, or a passion for a particular mission or service. Special interest groups are often flexible and shorter-term.

For more information on Small Groups, email or call Amy Holloway at 723-1621, ext. 228.