Small Groups
Why Small Groups?
On Sundays we come together in a large group in celebration (70+ people). In Sunday school and in other programs we often meet in congregations (17-70). But it is in cells (7-17) that the most intimate and transforming relationships can be formed. Our small groups intentionally put into practice the goal of making disciples. Through Bible study, sharing and prayer you will be able to give, receive and grow. These groups are significant for meeting the need for deeper fellowship.
One model for groups has been proposed that these cell groups or small groups work toward the goal of developing true biblical community. Pastor Randy Frazee defined this with the acrostic SERVICE. He then added the practical ways to implement the seven functions of biblical community. We’ve adapted it for our local church.
Spiritual Formation
As a Biblical Community, we will regularly assess our own development in Christ. We will then confess our areas of struggles to one another and set personal goals for our growth in Christ in the year to come. Throughout the year, we will share our progress and encourage one another in our pursuit of Christ-likeness.
As a Biblical Community, we will regularly assess our own development in Christ. We will then confess our areas of struggles to one another and set personal goals for our growth in Christ in the year to come. Throughout the year, we will share our progress and encourage one another in our pursuit of Christ-likeness.
Evangelism
Each household within the Biblical Community will commit to pray for at least three Seeker households. As a Biblical Community, we will pray together for our seeker’s personal request. We will hold one another accountable to prayerfully touch our seeker households. We desire to win at least one household to Christ each year.
Each household within the Biblical Community will commit to pray for at least three Seeker households. As a Biblical Community, we will pray together for our seeker’s personal request. We will hold one another accountable to prayerfully touch our seeker households. We desire to win at least one household to Christ each year.
Recreation
Home Groups and Community Groups that recreate together will find opportunity for spontaneous and genuine expressions of Christian beliefs, practices and virtues. Inviting non-believers and unconnected people to these recreational activities can often bridge the gap between isolation and connection.
Home Groups and Community Groups that recreate together will find opportunity for spontaneous and genuine expressions of Christian beliefs, practices and virtues. Inviting non-believers and unconnected people to these recreational activities can often bridge the gap between isolation and connection.
Volunteerism
As members of the Biblical Community, we will commit ourselves to support the greater Body of Christ at First EFC through involvement in ministries such as youth, children, worship, ushers, and greeters. We will celebrate what God is doing in the greater Body of Christ at First EFC at least quarterly.
As members of the Biblical Community, we will commit ourselves to support the greater Body of Christ at First EFC through involvement in ministries such as youth, children, worship, ushers, and greeters. We will celebrate what God is doing in the greater Body of Christ at First EFC at least quarterly.
International Missions
As an expression of our desire to share Christ with the world, the Biblical Community will support at least one International Missions Project through increased awareness and a commitment to prayer.
As an expression of our desire to share Christ with the world, the Biblical Community will support at least one International Missions Project through increased awareness and a commitment to prayer.
Care
The foundation of Biblical Community will be our commitment to care for one another. This will manifest itself in practical help to those in difficult and crisis situations, i.e. hospital or home visits, meal preparation, validation, prayer, referral to resources, etc.
The foundation of Biblical Community will be our commitment to care for one another. This will manifest itself in practical help to those in difficult and crisis situations, i.e. hospital or home visits, meal preparation, validation, prayer, referral to resources, etc.
Extending Compassion
In response to the social needs of our community, each Biblical Community will commit to participation in at least one onsite compassion projects as families through the year. The Biblical Community will select, prepare for, or celebrate their involvement in their compassion project.
Interested in a group? Check out the College and Career ministry; Adult ministry; Men's ministry; Senior Saints & Women's ministry offerings
