Small Group Models

Last Sunday we met to discuss some different models of small groups which could colour the way we life together as a Church.

Here is a list of the different forms which were discussed.

(If you can think of others feel free to add your ideas in the comments...)

Definition: A Group of people who meet together for a specific purpose.

Evangelism Cell

• Purpose: As a vehicle to reach into our communities in contemporary, biblical and relevant ways.
• Examples could be a midweek Parents/Caregivers group, a craft group or even something like Alpha or Journeys programmes. Luke 10:1-3
  

Social Network

• Purpose: People who just want to go out and spend time in social environments and to enjoy one-another’s company
• Examples could be a golf group, Tramping/Walking Group, Movie group or a Coffee group. Honouring the desire to belong before belief. Luke 19:5-6

Bible Study

• Purpose: To take a passage/section/theme from the Bible and develop a greater understanding of it’s Historical, literary, social and theological context. Acts 17:11
  

Action Team

• Purpose: To identify needs and opportunities within our communities which would benefit society in general; and to put plans in place to achieve them.
• Examples could be a street cleaning group, Graffiti cleaning or a Community Watch scheme. Nehemiah 2:17
  

Ministry Team

• Purpose: to Identify specific ministry needs and to be involved in meeting these within the church and the wider community.
• Examples could be Rest Home Services, Shut-in communion services or Bible in Schools Acts 15:22
  

Prayer Group

• Purpose: To meet regularly to pray for specific issues and personal requests and to hear from God
• Examples could include a Prayer walk around our community, personal ministry opportunities, Listening together to discern Gods will for one another. James 5:13-15
  

Accountability Group

• Purpose: To meet regularly to be accountable to one another for specific issues we are facing in life.
• Examples could be a weight loss/exercise group, financial responsibility or even an AA group Hebrews 10:24-25
  

Discipleship Group

• Purpose: to target specific areas of our walk with God and spiritual disciplines and to focus on these areas to learn and grow and strengthen one another
• Examples could be a focus on developing our “gifts” such as our preaching/teaching gifts or “How to read the Bible for all it’s Worth” or a Meditation group. Deuteronomy 4:1
  

Leadership Training

• Purpose: to develop specific leadership gifts within people to strengthen our understanding of what it means to be called by God as a leader.
• Examples could be in business/event management, ministry leadership and how these line up with biblical models. 2 Timothy 2:1-3
  

Congregation Plant

• Purpose: to plant a new congregation or form of worship which seeks to encounter different Christian worship traditions.
• Examples could be a Lectio Divina Service, a Youth Service, Hymn service or a Café Church. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
  

Worship Group

• Purpose: to meet to worship God in one or many different ways which reflect specific worship styles.
• Examples could be to spend time in His presence, singing Hymns or worship music, painting, poetry or any other form of worship. 1 Corinthians 14:26
  

Investment group

• Purpose: to share investment ideas and to resource business opportunities for financial gains.
• Examples could be Property/financial investment, opening a shop together, managing a charitable trust. Luke 8:1-3