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ChristCare Ministry
South Bay Community Church -
COMMUNITY
- God created people to live in Christian community -- one of God's most precious gifts. Small groups are one of the best places for people to experience life-giving relationships with Jesus and with one another.
- People long for warm, meaningful relationships with others, but often find it difficult to form and keep them. Small groups overcome obstacles of awkwardness and superficiality by providing people with comfortable ways of building personal relationships that can grow and deepen over time.
- Congregation members -- both new and sometimes even established members -- can have a hard time developing a sense of belonging. Small groups make it possible for members to connect personally with others, establish strong bonds of friendship, and be part of the life and mission of the congregation.
CARE
People in congregations have a variety of needs for care. Small groups are an excellent way to provide specific kinds of nurturing care:
- Sustaining Care. Small groups excel at the day-to-day nurture and support that everyone needs.
- Healing Care. When group members go through time of suffering or crisis, group members can be right there, sharing the love of Jesus Christ.
- Encouraging Care. Group members also care by encouraging one another to grow as Jesus' disciples.
The caring atmosphere that begins in small groups spreads throughout the congregation. The entire church becomes a more caring place.
DISCIPLESHIP
Jesus' Great Commission is to "Go...and make disciples..." Small groups are fertile ground for growing disciples and helping members mature in faith.
Group members are prepared for Christian life and service through the Biblical Equipping that takes place in small groups.
ASSIMILATION
New church members are much more likely to remain members when they form meaningful relationships in the congregation. People more easily form such relationships in small groups.
Research indicates that 80% of new members are willing to join groups, and will do so if groups are available.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Christians grow spiritually when they regularly encounter God's word. Relevant, participatory Bible Study is a major part of small groups.
Through word and deed, group members help one another understand that God cherishes them.
In groups, members discuss their relationship with Jesus and encourage one another to trust God more completely.
CONGREGATIONAL GROWTH
Small group members get excited about their groups and invite others to come and experience the same blessings.
Small groups are an attractive "port of entry" into congregational life, especially for those who may be reluctant to come to a formal worship service at first.
Those who are not Christians come to believe in Jesus as Christ's love is lived for them and shared with them in small groups.
Many people will seek out a congregation when word gets out that it provides small group experiences of Christian community.
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