Small Groups 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What should be the purpose of a small group ministry?
 
The same as the church—to make and develop disciples of Christ. “…God has called the church to be about: creating environments where authentic community can take place; building relational, transforming communities where people are experiencing oneness with God and oneness with one another. Communities that are so satisfying, so unique, and so compelling that they create thirst in a watching world. (from “Creating Community”) While the format and structure of a small group is flexible, the most important piece is that people are growing spiritually, receiving support, and reaching out to others. Small Groups supports the mission statement of The Gathering:
 
Our mission is to grow deep as Christ followers and to grow wide in our
intentional pursuit to reach others both locally and globally.

  

From our pastor….

 I believe it is vital to our personal spiritual growth. We are better together! Many people thing that “Small Group Ministry” is a relatively new, modern, or contemporary fad. Nothing could be further from the truth. Small Group Ministry goes back to the origins of Christianity. Remember, Jesus Himself started by handpicking a small group of men to pour His life into for three years. “…God has called the church to be about: creating environments where authentic community can take place. Building relational, transforming communities where people are experiencing oneness with God and oneness with one another. Communities that are so satisfying, so unique, and so compelling that they create thirst in a watching world. What do we want people to become? We want them to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. What do we want people to do? Continually pursue three vital relationships—intimacy with God, community with insiders, and influence with outsiders. (Creating Community)” My desire is that Small Group Ministry will increasingly become one of the centerpieces of who we are. I believe it is through the avenue of small groups that we can best achieve our stated goals. I sincerely hope you will prayerfully consider engaging in this opportunity here at The Gathering.

–Pastor John