". . . let us consider how we may

spur one another on toward

love and good deeds."

Hebrews 10:24

What Are Small Groups All About?

Each Small Group at Peace Church has its own unique character, but all share the common purpose of strengthening the body of Christ by helping individual members grow in their Christian faith and in their love for one another. This growth is accomplished through the fulfillment of the following six primary goals:

Bible Study is the core of a small group's activity. Materials are selected on an ongoing basis by each group, and are approved by the pastor. These may include aids for inductive Bible study, contemporary books about the Bible, or series of video tapes about Christian living, to name a few.

Prayer in small groups involves the confidential sharing of members' concerns, in addition to the concerns of the Peace Church family, our community, and the church universal. Many groups enhance their prayer and worship with a time of singing.

Accountability among members is one of the main means of ensuring Christian growth. For example, members may encourage one another to have daily quiet times, to practice application of lessons learned in Bible study, or to witness to friends and co-workers.

Commitment is an important ingredient for the success of a small group. Members demonstrate their commitment to Jesus Christ and to one another by their regular attendance at group meetings, by staying involved in one another's lives, and by ministering to and encouraging one another.

Fellowship, friendships, and fun naturally result when small groups focus on the above goals. Small groups traditionally set aside special times for social gathering in addition to, or as a part of, regular meetings.

Outreach simply means extending the benefits of your small group to others by inviting them to visit and perhaps join your group. Small groups are also encouraged to reach out in love and service to others in the church or community.

What Are People At Peace Church
Saying About Small Groups?

"It's great being part of a group of Christians that you can be accountable to, ones you can call on when in need, and study the Word in depth with."

"Whether you're new to the congregation or not, small group is a wonderful way to get beyond a simple Sunday morning 'hello' to fun and true kinship of spirits in the Lord."

"Being in a small group has helped me grow as a Christian by providing a setting for prayer, for sharing and learning through study and discussion with other Christians, and for the comfort, trust, unity, and love provided by a small group of Christians to one another."

"My knowledge of Scripture has increased many fold and I have developed friends through small groups that will hold me accountable to scriptural living."

"I would encourage individuals, couples and families in our church to join small groups because this is truly a means of getting to know people in our church. My small group has been a wonderful source of support, fellowship, encouragement, and a blessing.

How Can I Participate?

The first step in becoming involved with the Peace Church Small Group Ministry is to join a small group. If you wish to participate further, you may serve as a small group coordinator, or as a member of the Small Group Ministry Group.

Joining a Small Group

Small groups at Peace Church are open to members and regular attenders, as well as anyone outside Peace Church. You may join a group at any time, and are free to visit more than one group to find the one that is right for you. Group composition varies: there are groups of singles, young married couples, couples with young children, couples with grown children, and groups that are mixed. Accordingly, meeting time, place, and frequency vary, as do study topics and childcare availability.

Serving as a Small Group Coordinator

Leadership in the small group Bible studies is shared. However, each group selects an administrative coordinator who sees that meetings run smoothly and that the group remains focused on its goals. Coordinators attend quarterly meetings with the Small Group Ministry Group to receive training and encouragement, and to share ideas with other group coordinators.

Serving on the Small Group Ministry Group

The Small Group Ministry Group reports to the Session and is responsible for promoting and cultivating small group life in Peace Church. Meetings are held monthly. The Ministry Group maintains up-to-date information about the status of current groups, assists prospective members in finding a suitable group, and provides support for the formation of new groups. In addition, the Ministry Group provides ongoing training for coordinators, and facilitates sharing of ideas and concerns among coordinators.

Small Group Information/Registration

If you would like to join a small group, or would like more information about how you can participate in the Small Group Ministry Group, please email us the requested information below (cut and paste into mail message). Someone from the Small Group Ministry Group will contact you.

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Additional comments:

Please check one:

___ I would like more information about Small Groups at Peace Church.
___ I would like to join a Small Group.
___ I would like more information about serving on the Small Group Ministry Group.