Introduction & Ethos

Small Group Ministry
We have a variety of Small Groups and more developing. The Small Groups are organised under four categories:

Prayer Small Groups
Fellowship Small Groups
Discipleship Small Groups
Evangelistic Small Groups

Span of Care
It is impossible for one Pastor or several Pastors to provide intensive care, attention, discipleship, follow-up, continuous support to extensive large groups of people.

We feel it is unrealistic and unfair to expect someone to shepherd 200, 400, 600 people and more.

As a large City Centre Church we are in a process of developing a network of Small Groups. Small Groups introduce what is known as a Span of Care. What is a reasonable span of care? Well the best Model is that of Jesus himself - he gathered 12 around him and journeyed with them, he prayed for them, he ate with them, he cared for them, he discipled them, he challenged them, he rebuked them, he shared with them and most importantly he loved them.

	The central aim is to ensure that:
	No one stands alone No one struggles alone No one serves alone No one grows alone

Our Small groups vary in size - what is important is that everyone is connected. valued, accepted, cared for and feels very much a part of the group and the wider church community.

Talking of the Body of Christ ? The church

1Cor 12:12 - 27, v25 & 26 states - "it's parts should have equal concern for each other If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

The overall purpose of Small Groups is primarily to develop open, honest and meaningful relationships with one another based on love. Matt 22:37 - 39

Purpose Statement
Each group has its own identity which is reflected in their own unique ?Purpose Statement?.

Core Values
To highlight the core elements of 'COMMUNITY' we strive to see outworked within every Small Group 8 Core Values - allowing freedom of choice in how these Core Values are outworked.

	The 8 Core Values of our Small Groups are:
	Relationship Care Fellowship/Fun Nurturing/Discipleship Follow-up Prayer Growth/Integration Evangelism

Each group will have its own emphasis dependent on its purpose and the individuals within it.

This means that as Small Groups develop each member walks with the same emphasis, vision and purpose in Community.
This means each Small group focuses on the same elements - remaining individualistic in what it means for them as a Small Group.

This means as a body we are all walking the same path in developing Community