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.
Small Group NEWS: Please join us for small group training being offered this Fall
during Wednesday Night Live, 6:20-7:20pm in room A 208.
Who is this training for?
- For those who want to explore starting a small group – there’s no obligation to do so after the training
- For those who want to be in a small group but aren’t yet - to get to know more about what s/g are like
- For current leaders of any type of small group who’d like to brush up - drop in on any week when the topic fits your needs.
No need to sign up ahead of time, but you can contact Amy with interest and questions. Consider coming early for dinner, served 5:15-6:15pm.
Dates & Topics:
September 8
- The purpose and shape of small groups at FPC
September 15
- Me, a leader? What it means to be a small group leader.
- A new way of thinking: The ministry of reconciliation
September 22
- Building Relationships
- Guiding Discussion, part 1: asking, responding, and listening.
September 29
- Guiding Discussion, part 2: personalities & group dynamics
- Conflict?!
October 6
October 13 – see you at Veggie Tales!
October 20
- Q & A with Dr. Heath Green. We are blessed to have our own Heath Green join us for a open Q & A session. Heath is a growing and committed disciple of Jesus Christ who also happens to be a clinical psychologist who works at Associates in Christian Counseling, adjunct psychology professor at WFU, and is our resident expert on small group dynamics.
- Nuts, bolts, and curriculum
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.
