Care Group Ministry

Make Disciples Who Make Disciples

The Care Group ministry offers a small group dynamic that, at its heart,
aims to “do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31), and to “care for one
another”. (1 Corinthians 12:25). Groups meet once a week on a regular basis in
homes and at the church building for the purpose of pursuing these aims on
a personal and practical level.

Vision
We desire to cultivate a vibrant small group ministry in our church that
regularly involves and stimulates the entire church in their love for God and
their love for others in the following venues:

1. During evening Care Group gatherings that are designed for

 Fellowship

 Worship

 Prayer

 Study of God’s Word and application of its truths to our

day-to-day lives

2. During the week by …

 Caring for one another in our small group when sick,

during moves, at births and baby showers and when in need

 Serving others outside our small group

 Cultivating a relationship with at least one career

missionary of our church
It is our desire that individuals who are practicing the biblical “one another”
commands, cultivating mature Christian friendships, and using the gifts that
God has given them to consistently serve others characterize each Care Group.
These small groups are also gathering believers who are lovingly responsible
and accountable to one another.
 Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Care Groups & Why Are They Important?

Care Group ministry is a small group ministry that purposes to “do all to the
glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31), to “care for one another” (1 Corinthians
12:25), and to demonstrate in deed the unity of the Body of Christ ( John
17:20; Ephesians 4:1-6). Care Groups meet once a week at 6:15-7:30 p.m., to
pursue mutual care on a personal and practical level through:
 Studying God’s Word, praying for one another, serving one another, and
implementing the biblical “one another” commands to encourage one another
day after day in our battle against attitudes of unbelief which arise in our
hearts to steal our joy in God (Hebrews 3:12-13; 10:23-25).
 Building up one another in faith through the use of spiritual gifts which
God freely distributes to His body as He wills for the purpose of edification, so
that we might become mature in Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians
12:4-11; 14:12,26; Hebrews 10:24).
 Pursuing our joy in God through the multiplication of worshipers for the
glory of God in our community/city and beyond.
Groups may vary according to age, special needs/interests, location, ministry,
family orientation, etc., but they seek to make the above activities the goals of
their existence.

How Do They Function?

Care Groups are the basic units for Christian community. Groups are made up
of 6-25 people in which the body-life of the church is lived out through the
development of intimate relationships, through the discovery and use of
spiritual gifts, through discipleship and accountability, through practicing the
biblical “one another” commands, through bringing others to Jesus Christ, and
through making the Lord supreme in every part of our lives.
Groups meet every other week (the first and third week of each month) from
6:15 – 7:30 p.m. Many groups are finding that more frequent meetings are even
better. Additional combined Care Group events are often scheduled for the
summer months. Care Groups are led by gifted leaders. Each group is unique,
due to the blend of gifts, interests and personalities of group leaders and
members.
Why Should We Have Small Groups?

The biblical basis for small groups is strong. The early church often met in
small groups (cf. Acts 2:46, 12:12, 20:8, 20:20; Romans 16:4-5; 1 Corinthians
16:19; Col. 4:5; Philemon 2) and many biblical commands given to the church
seem to require them.
We are commanded in the Word to minister to one another (Hebrews
3:13, 10:24-25; Galatians 6:2; Colossians 3:16; James 5:16; 1 Peter 4:8-
9; Ephesians 4:32). Small groups provide a venue whereby we can practice the
one another commands. The significant biblical basis coupled with our
experiences in the effectiveness of small group ministry (and with the
experiences of countless other Christians throughout the world) provides a
strong rationale to pursue “the Care Group Vision.”
Our prayer is that every able member and regular attender will view
participation in a Care Group as an integral part of their privilege and
responsibility as a part of the Body of Christ.

How Do I Get Involved?

A current list of groups is available on the Care Group bulletin board near the
Activity Center and at the Information Desk.
Please let us know if there is a particular leader that you would like to have
contact you. You are welcome to visit more than one Care Group to see which
group best fits you. For more information regarding the Care Group ministry,
contact our office.