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Community Groups
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Wendy Hoth
Community Groups Leader
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New Community is the small group ministry at New Vision Community Church. The purpose of our small groups is to provide a predictable environment in which people grow spiritually.
New Vision groups are not fellowship groups, although some fellowship takes place. New Vision groups are not prayer groups, although some prayer takes place. New Vision groups are not just another worship service or Bible study. New Vision groups are designed with specific affinity based curriculum to help people grow and receive ministry.
We believe everyone benefits from a small group. Spiritual growth happens best with friends who are comfortable asking and discussing the deep issues. Practically speaking, there is not a way for the staff and pastor to personally minister to everyone who attends New Vision. That's why small groups are so important - it's the way we minister to each other.
Here's what you can expect from a New Community Group:
1. New Community Groups are made up of no more than six couples, or eight individuals of the same gender, who have things in common called affinities and priorities. Affinities refer to similarities such as life style, age, neighborhood, etc. Priorities refers to issues of importance or urgency. For example, a married persons priorities are not the same as a single person, and a married person whose spouse is a Christian has different priorities than someone whose spouse is not a Christian.
2. New Community Groups meet weekly or biweekly, as decided by the group. The group meeting is 90 minutes long with specific times for Bible study, fellowship and prayer.
3. New Community Groups use approved curriculum designed specifically for married couples, singles, solo parents, etc. The group can select from a growing number of subjects or go with a suggested curriculum track.
4. New Community Groups are led by approved leaders, (leader and co-leader), who are there to help you grow in your relationship with Christ. Leadership training will be provided on an ongoing basis.
5. New Community Groups are closed unless agreed upon by all members. Nothing disturbs the congruency and intimacy of a small group more than a visitor. So, visitors are allowed only when agreed upon by all members, and only for a season. This guarantees a predictable environment in which to grow.
6. New Community Groups will encourage Planned Getaways where members get better acquainted by doing something together at least once a year, preferably twice a year. This can be as brief as a one-day service project, a weekend away, or a short-term mission trip.
7. New Community Groups will meet for 12-24 months as agreed upon by the members, and will then divide and grow, becoming two or more new groups with approved leaders and co-leaders.
8. New Community Group members will sign a covenant indicating they are in agreement.
NEW COMMUNITY GROUP COVENANT
Purpose
To provide a predictable environment where participants experience authentic community and spiritual growth.
Values & Goals
Relationships
While prayer and discussion of curriculum are key elements of a community group, the driving force behind the group is the building of relationships.
Authenticity
The atmosphere of a Community Croup should encourage openness and transparency among members. This is an environment where people should feel free to be themselves.
Confidentiality
For authenticity to occur, members must be able to trust that issues discussed with a Community Group are not to be shared outside of the group.
Respect
Group members should never say anything that will embarrass their spouse or members of the group.
Availability
A primary responsibility of community is to prioritize for specific relationships. This requires a willingness to be available to meet each others needs.
Multiplication
Group members recognize that one of the goals of their group is to start a new group within 18-24 months. This allows others to experience the Community Group relationship.
Group Guidelines:
1. The group will meet from _________ through _________.
2. The group will meet on ___________.
3. The group sessions will begin at _____ and end at _____.
4. The group time will typically consist of _____ minutes of sharing, ____ of study/discussion, and _____ of prayer.
5. The group will be a closed group until all members agree to additional members.
6. Group members will attend and participate on a regular basis. Members agree to pray for other group members on a weekly basis.
I covenant together with the other members of this group to honor this agreement.
Group Leader(s) _______________________ _______________________
Group Members: _______________________ _______________________
Group Members: _______________________ _______________________
Group Members: _______________________ _______________________
Group Members: _______________________ _______________________
Group Members: _______________________ _______________________
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5 B4 preservice each Sunday at 8:25 AM, 9:40 AM & 11:10 AM.
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Ministries
