GROUPS

Sunday Adult Bible Fellowships
Home Adult Bible Fellowships

 Sunday and Home Life Groups
Grace Groups
Small Groups
House Churches
and more

 Electives
Entry Groups
Membership Classes

“Belong to a group, you belong to the church.”

Easily an area of confusion and yawning!

Topics 

1. Experiences of Church
2. Importance of ABFs/Groups
3. Not a Sunday School
4. Organization of an ABF
5. ABF/Group Leaders Job Descriptions
6. Kinds of Groups
7. Reasons for Gatherings
8. Confusion About Groups Sometimes
9. The Bible
10. Pastor/Pastoral Staff and ABFs/Groups
11. Why Care Should Be by Groups
12. Sunday Schedules
13. Schedule of Sunday and Home ABFs/Groups
14. Principles/Guidelines
15. Cautions about Changing or Refining
16. Discussion About ABFs/Groups
17. Questions About ABFs/Groups
18. Reality Check Quiz
19. The Point of Church Activity
20. R and D Discussion Issues

 

 Importance of ABFs/Groups

 Groups of people committed to know and apply the Word together in a caring fellowship, with clear organization to provide care, discipleship, and outreach.

 A community within the church…to serve and love each other…to reach out.

 A Sunday adult class or home group geared for true congregational life, where “one another’s” are planned.

 

 Why people need community (and worship services do not give it): 

1. God wants us to each other, and to show care, and we have to                           to do that.              Phil 2:1-4; I John 4; Eph 2

2. Leaders can lead about We must form smaller groups for others to help.                                        Ex 18; Eph 4:11-14

3. People need to be_____________ . “High tech, high ”

4. We grow best in _____________________.

5. Medium-size communities provide all types of people, not just your                                  .

6. Each age group has similar ____________  and desires.

7. Larger gatherings are for different The up-to-90 rule.

 

Not a Sunday School Class!

But that is what a Sunday group will become if not led and managed.

Teacher   ————Class

often emphasis on content
often more lecture-like
often not really “open”

• Team leadership: pastor/teacher/leader/care/mission.

• Old-time Sunday school opening vs. gathering to mix in the classroom or home.

• Not just a lecture, but a Bible study in community, usually with discussion as well as application to daily

 

 

ABF/Group Leaders Job Descriptions

 How to organize and give excellence to community groups with these people:

The pastor, overseer of church ministries
The staff member designated as the point person for groups
These four persons or couples:

LEADER/HOST

• Start each session with “cheers and tears” after introductions.
• Appoint people as greeters, social leaders, refreshments.
• Give excellence to the whole experience.
• Give suggestions and feedback to the teacher..
• Report on the health of the group to the point person on staff regularly.

TEACHER

• Teach truth with application from the Bible.
• Carefully involve others in the lesson, including the training of an assistant teacher to give him or her experience and ministry.
• Take the lead in suggesting a teaching plan for the year, involving the others on the team so it is collaborative.

CARE LEADER

• Lead the group to show care and love for each other, and organize action care when there is sickness, tragedy,  financial need, etc.
• Organize the group to have care managers with 3-4 families or singles on their “list” for prayer and care when needed.
• Keep the names of people in need in front of the group when you pray (waiting until the “Ask” part of the prayer to lead in prayer for them).

MISSION CAPTAIN

• Help the group adopt a missionary for prayer and care.
• Help the group take a ministry job in the church for Sundays (take a door
  for greeting every Sunday; serve a local mission group on the church budget frequently).
• Help to pray for a missionary in the Ask prayer
• Be sure good communication happens with the missionary or two that your group adopts or gets by assignment.

 

Kinds of Groups

 Community — Bible study with care and mission; Sunday and Home ABFs or “ “ Groups; continuous

 Sunday School Classes — the traditional kind that have been there for a long time.
+  tradition
+  some build good community; many do not, but are more about the lesson.
–    often mostly a teacher and a lesson.

Men’s Groups, Women’s Groups — sometimes Saturday or evening events
+  Some emphasize outreach and specific purpose.
+  Some get into small groups for personal questions.
–   Competition with other groups—often there is no coordination with other groups.
–   Can overload on fellowship groups, greeting church “groupies.”

Discipleship-Accountability Groups — or one of those Bible study also, but with candor and goals and strong; twice a month at least, for two years. 

• Electives — Bible study and/or topical study classes.
  +   Good content or can be.
  +   Great way to get people liking a group.
  –    But is that what people need—more content? Why not use short ones to get new people in, then help them transfer to a regular ABF/group? The “felt-need” topics—like finances, family, or future—can be enticing.

Single-Purpose Groups —

• “Meet the Pastors” – great for new people
• “Church Four” – one or two hours to acquaint new people with ministries
• Membership Classes – two or three times a year, three or five sessions each time. (Not always same Be sure pastor teaches.)
• Training Classes – for care or evangelism or discipleship-leading

Support Groups —

• For many different people needs, the kind that call for a trained leader:
  • sexual abuse – grief support       –  gender struggles       –  eating disorders
  • divorce recovery –  addictions       –  parents of special-needs children
  • single mothers – new mothers      –  unemployed

Evangelism Studies — often best in homes and with a clear ending—4-6 weeks, so unchurched people are more likely to sign up. Usually based on relationships.

 

Reasons for Gatherings

 1. Worship services are to point upward, and are not hindered by But true community and connection are harder there.

• The “we know about 90 people” theory
• The “one person can pastor 90 people” theory.
• “I do not come to church to hold hands. ”

Actually some attempts to build community in worship services can hinder growth, make guests (not “visitors”) feel like outsiders, and be the opposite of seeker-friendly.

 Mentoring all the sick by name in a pastoral prayer, having guests stand to introduce themselves, naming people in the church as you preach, or referring to church events—all these can make  newer people feel like outsiders, not members of “the club.”

 And all of us want the worship service to be very warm and “at home” for new people. 

2. Groups are for Bible study in a setting of community—care for each other, welcome to new people, regular application to daily life; and can have a mission emphasis—serve in the church and connect with a local mission supported by the church, and with a global missionary supported by the church.

3. True Discipleship-Accountability Groups seem uncommon but necessary for some of the harder goals proposed by

Characteristics:  candor with confidentiality

• • candor with confidentiality.
  • for men, talking straight talk about men’s tests
  • regular, at least two times a month
  • studying the Bible—more than a book
  • a leader, if mainly discipleship
  • if mainly for accountability, can take turns leading
  • can get some of this in mixed groups if men and women are separate for discussion and application
  • relaxed fun atmosphere
  • usually two years together and then start new ones—best if two go to start three new groups (if there are six in your group) to study the same material that uses verse that hit the heart and to grow together inTLC (time, love content of Scripture that changes the heart). This is good reproduction and the best “discipleship program” for the church!
  • early morning

4. People need more than worship, where it is easy to be a spectator.

They need community, or relationships in a group that also has a missional emphasis and purpose.

5. Size is vital to the nature and purpose of a group! Worship: as big as can be!
   Community: 8-80
   Discipleship-Accountability: 3-7

6. Growth is best in relationships.

7. People like and need time to be with people of their church who have similar time-of-life challenges.

 

Confusion About Groups Sometimes 

1. There are so many groups advertised at the church.

2. We call a home group a “small group” even if there are 10 or more in it.

3. Often there are several or many kinds of groups, and people may not understand the difference.

4. Some get in a Sunday group, a home group, a women’s or men’s, a breakfast study, a class they teach—and we wonder why evangelism is weak, or sometimes marriages.

5. Often teachers, leaders, or care leaders are not trained for their roles.

6. There may be no “point person” to go to when there is a need.

7. No thought is given to the strategy or purpose for a group, often even at the leadership level.

 

The Bible and its use in all groups 

1. This may not happen for sure. Many teachers like to teach from current books.

2. Church leaders should write a policy on use of the Bible. Samples
   1. The Bible should be central in all groups.
   2. Every group should study at least one segment in the Old Testament and in the New Testament each year.
   3. All teaching plans should be submitted to leadership before every “church year” or each quarter.
   4. A teacher should sign the church’s “Leaders Agreement ”

3. The pulpit must model true expositional teaching for the lecterns.

4. Many groups easily become “Here’s what I think” sessions if leaders are not careful.

5. The team of each Sunday or Home ABF/Group should discuss what Bible books or topics to adopt, in line with policies about use of the Bible

6. Students should be urged to bring their personal Bibles to group meetings.

 

Pastor/Pastoral Staff and ABFs/Groups

 

1. They are part of the “infield” (ministry area) of the soccer field boundaries cared for by the church board.
    

2. So the senior pastor has ultimate responsibility.

3. If there is more than one pastor on staff, clearly one should be the                           for groups.

4. It is best to have both Sunday ABFs/groups and Home ABFs/groups be under the same Point Person (by definition, a member of staff).

5. It is healthy to have a Ministry Manager (by definition, a volunteer lay person) for each major area—one for Sunday and one for home ABFs/Groups, but clearly coordinated or led by the staff Point Person.

6. All staff should care about and support ABFs/Groups as the #2 offering of the church.

7. It is helpful when each pastor or director on staff is advisor-pastor to two or more ABFs/Groups.

8. Staff need to decide if they want people of the church to be in both Sunday and Home ABFs/Groups, when they are “apples and apples,” meeting the same purpose.

9. Staff must lead the way by having DAG groups they lead—a requirement on some staffs (should be on all—men with men, women with women). These can reproduce every two years.

10. It is healthy when staff includes Ministry Managers of their areas in that staff member’s DAG.

 

Why Care Should Be by Groups 

1. Church is responsible for care and shepherding.

2. Care is best done by people who know each other.

3. Action love needs should be assigned to specific people, not just generally encouraged.
   • care leader and unit leaders.

4. Care people learn about needs or absences by being in the same group.

5. In severe cases, groups can more easily team up to provide needs.

6. The care given helps the people bond, which helps them to study and enjoy together.

7. Care for people not in groups must be provided some other way.

8. Keys to care happening in groups:
   • staff commitment to this; pastor first
   • care captain and care unit leaders
   • mood of care in gatherings and opening

–

Sunday Schedules 

1. Even when home ABF/Groups are strong, some people prefer a Sunday group.
   • Seniors often do, sometimes because they do not drive at night!
   • Parents often do because of the classes available for their children. Then they go to worship service together.
   • Newcomers often do, for they are not accustomed to weekday groups.

2. Churches grapple with “flip flop” schedule versus “sandwich,” once there are two worship services.

“Flip flop”: 9:30 worship service and ABFs
11:00 worship service and ABFs

“Sandwich:  8:15 worship service
9:30 ABFs
11:00 worship service

“Flip Flop”

+  You double the ABF space available.
+  You do not spread out the support needs as much—nursery workers, music, etc.
–    No central CE time as there used to
–   “We never did that ”

“Sandwich”

+  Not as confusing?
+  The pastor can teach an ABF or special subject group.
–    See “flip flop” pluses.

Schedule of Sunday and Home ABFs/Groups 

1. Many churches have only home groups, though some people prefer the advantages of meeting on Sundays.

Especially seniors—some do not like to drive weeknights, and some young parents—they like the “child-care” that comes with worship services and ABFs/ Groups.

2. Home ABFs/Groups should be able to set their own meeting times, with a policy of at least two times each month.

3. Many differ, but taking summer breaks or other extended breaks with groups can have negative effects:
   • The start up after the break can be slow.
   • It gives a subtle suggestion that the groups are not so important.

4. Suggested plans for meeting times should be well known by all ABF/Group leaders.

Sundays                    CL              10                “coffee” and chatting

(70 minute model)  CL		10	“cheers and tears” — class leaders leading welcome, intros and special needs.
		5	prayer, using P-R-A-Y so best use of time
	T	40	Bible lesson, with application and motivation
	CL	5	closing reminders, prayer
Home		10	“coffee” and gathering
(120 minute model)		15	“cheers and tears” — class leader/host helps with updates, needs, projects.

 

10     P-R-A-Y

40     Bible lesson, with application, motivation, and participation

25     men and women divide, to get more personal and accountable

10     flex

 

5. Suggested plan for Discipleship-Accountability Group in a restaurant:6:15 gather, chat, sports, order
   6:30       eat, tell how doing
   6:45       verse discussion and hear response
   7:15       goals, accountability, prayer for each other
   7:30       to work; any one-on-one planned

 

Principles/Guidelines 

1. There are high ________   mandates for the purpose of these.

2. The pastor must__________________ in these.

–  personal           –  sermon             – pastoral

3. They are important in every size church.

4. Someone on staff should be responsible for_____________ of all three.

5. People with responsibilities should have job descriptions and accountability and minimal red tape.

6. All three must be publicized regularly (stories, feelings, stories) and in new members classes.

7. Care and love and enthusiasm can show in all three.

8. Each way-of-meeting can have a ministry passion for both inside and outside the church.

 

Cautions About Changing or Refining 

1. We should always do what is best for the church.

2. Improving group life and ministry should not need a board action since it is “in the infield” of the soccer field.

3. Normally we should not try to change what works for people over years of age!

4. Sometimes it is good to start new ones with a better purpose and allow some old ones to stay the same.

5. Not to make a big issue of what we call groups, unless people really know a revamp is needed. Celebrate purposes, not names.

6. “It’s amazing how little you can do in one year and how much in five years!” A great principle for most of church or company change.

7. Communication, communication, communication. Do not leave anyone out!

8. Celebrate every new group and any new emphasis. “Churches do not celebrate enough”.

9. Emphasize purpose! Mission (x3).

10. Build on the past rather than act as if nothing good has happened.

11. Emphasize Bible study in a context of true community and friendships.

 

Discussion About ABFs/Groups 

Apply to ABFs/Groups

1. “Amazing how little you can do in a year, and how much in five years. ”
2. “Nice how much we can get done, if we do not worry who gets the credit. ”
3. “People call it ‘my church’ once they have a job or bring a casserole.”
4. “One man can pastor only 90 people”
5. “The best church life was in the small country churches of 70-80.”
6. “Once you get over six, it is a medium-sized group.”
7. “A medium-sized group is good because they are not all your friends. ”

 

Questions About ABFs/Groups 

1. Can I describe a good one?

2. Does our leadership team understand why “community” is so important?

3. Do I know how very different from discipleship ABFs should be?

4. Do I know the best purposes for home groups and how they are “apples and apples” to Sunday groups?

5. Do our people know why we have groups?

6. Do they know the difference between a community group and an elective? And why it’s a big deal?

7. Do we know when a Home ABF/Group is better than a Sunday campus ABF/ Group?

8. Does each community group (ABF) have a pastor? Accountability? A plan for good Bible coverage?

9. Do we have a good workable plan for publicizing and explaining groups (ABFs)? Do people in the pews know how significant we feel they are?

10. Do we start enough new groups (ABFs) and do we know the importance of that?

11. Do we have a true system to “renew contracts” of teachers and class leaders and others?

12. Do we have realistic goals for percentage of people involved in “community” — ABFs, and Home ABFs?

 

Reality Check Quiz 

1. The purpose of a worship service is _________________.

2. Worship services that try to do true “community” will stay______________ .

3. Some people prefer their community group to meet on _______________.

4. Absolutely no reason to have electives.    T          F

5. If men and women are both in a group, it is going to slide toward a community-fellowship group rather than discipleship-accountability.        T          F

6. Same thing if the group is bigger than 7.         T            F

7. People probably should not try to be in two community-fellowship   T    F     Why or why not?                                                                                                       .

8. Men will join a community-fellowship group easier than they will join___________ .

9. A medium or small group should meet at least _______________a month.

10. If these strategies for medium and small groups are accepted, “Men’s Fraternity”-type groups should __________________.

11. If a family or person is too involved in groups at church and their evangelism and closeness suffer, whose fault is it? ___God  _       Theirs           Pastor’s          Wife’s.

12. If a pastor does not lead a discipleship group, this will happen:_____________
    ________________________________________________________.

13. A group with 10 might as well have ___________________________.

14. “Community” and discipleship are both:

         Possible           Difficult            Good            Needed.

15. A discipleship group needs to have a leader.          T          F

16. The best place to find new leaders in a church is in discipleship groups.       T       F

17. The main ingredients of a discipleship group:

T                               L                               C                              

18. Churches who love “to meet as one group” (community) will probably stay__________________.

19.                                                         should be at the center of all church groups and gatherings.

 

The Point of Church Activity

1.   All activities or programs have one of these purposes:

2. Some meetings can meet none of those purposes. They can be just because they were scheduled.

3. It is not healthy to meet for no purpose.

4. It is the call of leadership to decide an activity has no good purpose.

5. People who meet may not realize the meeting has no purpose.

6. “Fellowship” can be used as the purpose of almost any meeting.

7. We can keep some families so busy that they neglect good care for neighbors or even themselves as families.

8. Normally one “community” or fellowship group is enough for one person or couple. It is hard enough to really get to know and love the 10 or 20 or more people in one group. To be in one Sunday ABF and one Home ABF or Home Group just duplicates the purpose and keeps the person from true discipleship or evangelism or home joy.

9. It would be better for a person to be in only one “community”-fellowship group and one true discipleship or accountability group.

10. A fellowship or “community” group can function well with up to 70 or 75 people.

11. A true discipleship or accountability group has to be gender specific, and have no more than seven participants, and meet at least twice a month.

12. Most people older than 55 will focus on fellowship or care – two good purposes – if they are in a small group, even if it is called a discipleship group.

13. Discipleship or accountability groups work best for recruitment or relationship when made up of people who also see and know each other in a larger “community” or fellowship group.

14. Sunday school electives that are content-centered rather than “community”-centered, as the ABFs are not fulfilling a high value. People probably get enough content.

15. “Community” groups that repeat the Scripture text for application purposes fulfill a good educational advantage.

16. Most pastors and church leaders have not experienced true, candid discipleship, and thus may not work to be sure the church is programmed for this.

 

R&D Discussion Issues 

ABFs or Community

1. Why is attending a group for the first time a Giant Step for some? What can be done to help this?

2. What do you think would be the most frequent reasons pastors see no need for any leader but a teacher for a class?

3. A Sunday ABF/Group has 70 minutes together. Write an “order of service” with minutes noted.

4. Tell in 30 seconds your best experience with a true community group—Sunday or home.

5. T F The same “point person” on staff should be charged with both Sunday and home groups. What about community and DAG groups?

6. What is the advantage of having at least some of the ABF/Groups on Sunday morning?

Discipleship-Accountability Groups

1. Give 2-3 best arguments for why discipleship can be accomplished better in all-men or all- women groups.

2. Debate: one-on-one discipleship is not as productive as one-on-four or five (unless this is really counseling).

3. Write four ministry questions that true accountability group members could ask each other every time they met.

4. Tell in 30 seconds your best experience in a DAG.

5. Top three reasons many men stay away from DAG.

6. Some say the best place to find other men or women for a true DAG is in the Sunday or Home ABF/Group because they already know and probably trust each other.

Other

1. Name three elective subjects that could be used for short-term classes to try to connect with church attenders who never attend groups. Include ideas on how to help them transfer to regular groups.

2. Tell what special-needs support groups might be needed in your church.

3. For one minute say reasons using the P-R-A-Y model could improve the prayer of a group.