Mentoring and Small Groups

Mentoring

Howard Hendricks has said that every Christian should be involved in being mentored and acting as a mentor themselves, following the admonition of Paul in I Timothy 2:2. Mentoring is an important aspect of deepening your spiritual walk and accountability, through a committed relationship with another Christian. GBC is actively facilitating the development of mentors and matching those desiring to be mentored (mentees) with available mentors. Please contact the church office to let us know of your interest, and to receive an application.

 

Small Groups

“As Christians, I challenge you. Have a great aim. Have a high standard. Make Jesus your ideal…not merely to be admired but also to be followed.” – Eric Liddell

Small groups of  up to 10 people committed to meeting regularly with a defined purpose for a given period are a great way to build relationships, learn, share, pray, and grow in an intimate environment. We are seeking to form more small groups for discipleship growth and mutual accountability at GBC, and encourage everyone to investigate this opportunity. New groups are formed as participants become available. If you are interested in learning about or joining a small group, please contact Pastor Jim or Dave Homiak.

The following FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) are an introduction our discipleship small groups:

What is discipleship?

Pastor Tim’s definition of discipleship from a January, 2012, sermon, is “Helping others and being helped by others to become fully-committed followers of Christ.” A disciple is a learner, and discipleship encompasses learning how to be more obedient to Christ through the practice of spiritual disciplines and building our relationships with others and with God.

What is the purpose of a small group?

The central purpose of a small group is to disciple people by helping them walk with Christ. A key component of discipleship is connecting with other believers around five primary priorities (Acts 2:42-47):

1. The Word of God
2. Mutual Care
3. Accountability
4. Praying Together
5. Reaching Out

Why should I consider joining a small group?

If we assess our Christian walk honestly, we may find that we are neglecting some of the spiritual disciplines we should practice and that it is a struggle to improve our Christian walk apart from the encouragement of strong relationships with other Christians. Small groups facilitate building caring relationships with those who minister to us while we minister to them, and provide the encouragement and accountability that may be lacking in our present walk.

How are small groups formed?

Small group leaders are trained and available to form groups from the community of those who have expressed an interest in participating. Groups are not necessarily geographical or age-based, but are grown to encourage diversity and harmony by adding new members as appropriate under the authority of the church leadership.

What are the qualifications of small group leaders?

A leader is responsible for guiding and facilitating the health and growth of the small group. You do not need to be a teacher or Bible expert, but should be F.A.T. (Faithful, Available, Teachable) and have the following reproducible traits:  a servant’s heart, personal integrity, ability to plan a meeting, can guide a discussion, a spiritual passion for pursuing God, and has or is willing to be trained in communication/social/leadership skills. Leaders are also accountable to each other and the church.

When and where do small groups meet?

Usually in the evening once a week, in the homes of the small group participants, but it is flexible. Some groups can meet at church if that is more convenient as a central location or for childcare. Groups should meet at least 3 out of every 4 weeks, perhaps every 2 weeks during summer for continuity. Small groups typically grow over 9-12 months before multiplying into two groups.

What study materials does a small group use?

Since small groups are focused on becoming a better disciple and improving our Christian walk, study materials are related to those topics and are application-oriented, e.g., the book Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden is a recommended choice to begin with. Topical Bible studies and books on spiritual disciplines are other practical choices.

What takes place during a small group meeting and why?

There are four major sections, each having a specific focus and goal, spanning a period of an hour and a half to two hours:

1. Opening Time (15-20 minutes)

• Gathering together: Get to know you (icebreaker) activities and questions, praise reports, worship
• Opening Prayer
• Goal:  Connect with one another and the Lord

2. Study Time (30-40 minutes)

• Applicable Bible or book study, video series, discipleship topics, etc.
• Discussion-based learning; not teaching, but facilitating to ensure interaction within group
• Goal:  Discover what the text means, and how to apply it to my life

3. Mutual Ministry Time (30-40 minutes)

• Men with men & women with women in separate rooms with strict confidentiality, to promote transparency
• Accountability and encouragement
• Develop action plans and ask to be held accountable; involve prayer
• Goal:  To apply God’s Truth to specific areas of my life
3. Interaction Time (15-20 minutes)

• Informal fellowship and interaction; a social time for building bonds and relationships
• Continued mutual ministry
• Goal:  Building meaningful relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ

Why is Mutual Ministry Time important?

Caring for one another begins by sharing life together. We share our lives by opening up (being transparent) to each other and sharing (entering into) each other’s lives. As parts of the body, we need to care for others in the Body of Christ (Gal. 6:2, 10). A healthy small group encourages mutual ministry with its members through giving and receiving ministry to:

• Comfort and be Comforted (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
• Counsel and be Counseled (Rom. 15:14)
• Encourage and be Encouraged (1 Thess. 5:11)
• Help and to be Helped (Gal. 5:13; Prov. 3:27-28)
• Correct and be Corrected (Col. 3:16)

Why do small groups need to multiply?

Groups will stagnate if they do not receive new members and grow, and become unwieldy if they get too large. Each group has a leader who mentors one or more apprentices. Then, when the group is ready, it can multiply into two groups each having its own, prepared leader, who will then mentor another apprentice within the new group. This provides for exponential growth of disciples according to the principle of 2 Timothy 2:2.

What do I need to do to join a small group?

Let Pastor Jim know which days you are available to attend, and you will be assigned to an existing or new group. You will have an opportunity to meet with the group’s leader first, and will need to sign the small group covenant.

What is a small group covenant?

It is a signed commitment by each member to be responsible to the small group in the following ways:

• I will make my small group meetings a priority; if I am unable to attend or am running late, I will call ahead.
• I will come to my small group meeting prepared and ready to participate.
• I will maintain confidentiality of the personal information that is shared within my small group.
• I will help create a safe place for each member to share with no judgments attached.
• I will be accountable to the group concerning my personal and spiritual goals.
• I will commit to a small group which is open to new members, and, as it grows, we will multiply to further God’s work.
• I will take ownership of my responsibility of being faithful, accountable, and teachable in my small group.
• I will pray for my small group facilitator, apprentice(s), and members of my small group.
• I will encourage other members to cultivate daily quiet times with God.
• I will pray for the Pastors & Leaders of GBC to continue to seek God’s direction for small group ministry.

What if I don’t have time to participate in a small group now?

Many of us are busy with family, work, and church commitments, but we also recognize the importance of seeking a better Christian walk. This is a matter of determining the true priorities in our life, and judging whether the benefits of participating in a small group are more important than other activities. Even if you are unable to participate now, it may be possible for you to organize your future commitments to allow it.

What if I am not sure or have more questions?

Talk to others who have been in small groups about their experiences, and prayerfully consider how a small group could encourage you in your Christian walk. Please contact Pastor Jim or Dave Homiak with any questions.