Small Group Opportunities

 

 

What is the goal of small groups at First Baptist?

Spiritual growth comes when people are connected with God and with each other.  God’s plan for his disciples is not a lifestyle of isolation, but a lifestyle   of community. Small groups are the best environment for spiritual growth. We have a five-fold purpose for groups.

 

2. Grow in the knowledge of the Bible, and a lifestyle of obedience to the teachings of the Bible.

3. Serve in the way you were made. Discover how you are "shaped" for ministry. God made you unique, and he has a unique plan for your life.  Groups help you to discover that plan.

4. Go to your "unchurched" or "seeker" friends, and help change lives in our community and around the world.

5. Worship God with your whole life.

 

  

How many people are in a group?

The average group size is 10, but groups range from 4 to 15 in number.

  

May I try several groups?

Yes. If one group doesn’t "fit" try another. Our goal is to start new groups on a regular basis.

  

I don’t know much about the Bible, is there a group for me?

Absolutely! We have groups for spiritual seekers, new believers and maturing Christians.

  

Can I bring my "seeker" friends to my group?

Please do! If you or your friends have questions about God, the Bible or about spiritual matters in general, groups are a great place to search for answers.

  

What is a "Shepherd Leader"?

Jesus’ favorite term for people was "sheep." He calls himself the "Good Shepherd." In John 21 Jesus tells his disciple, Peter, to "feed my sheep" or "take care of [shepherd] my sheep." At First Baptist that’s the primary purpose of every group leader – to care for and nurture people in their relationship with Christ.

  

What happens in a group meeting?

Every group is a little different, but most group meetings consist of:

• Fellowship time (15-30 minutes)

• Bible study (30-45 minutes)

• Prayer (15-30 minutes)

  

How long do group meetings last?

On average groups meet for 90 minutes.

  

What do groups study?

That’s really up to the group. The Bible is the "text book," but a wide variety of topics, and study guides are available to address pretty much every interest and spiritual need.

  

Is Childcare available?

Some groups provide childcare in the home, but each group handles its own childcare.   Some groups work out childcare arrangements at the church or in another group member’s home.

  

How do I find a group to join?

Contact the church office at 524-3106. 

  

How do I become a small group leader? What are the qualifications?

Thanks for inquiring about becoming a Small Group Leader at First Baptist Church. These are our minimum guidelines for Leadership.

 

2. You must be, or have been baptized by immersion.

3. You must be a member of First Baptist Church and preferably taken First Family 101.

4. You must commit to completing CLASSES 201-401 in a reasonable period of time.

5. You must complete Leadership Training.

6. You must not have habitual struggles or moral issues (drugs, alcohol, cohabitation, etc.) that would bring shame on the name of Jesus Christ or on First Baptist Church. In addition, there must not be any current marital struggles (i.e. infidelity, separation, divorce in process, etc.)

  

If you have completed 1-5 and there are no issues with #6, then you can lead or start a group. If there are issues with #6, we ask you to work on those issues first and later you can pursue leadership in ministry at First Baptist.