SMALL GROUPS AN AREA OF FOCUS IN 2008

Being part of a small group at New Hope could be the best thing you do for yourself in 2008!

There are three key reasons we need small groups in our churches: they build Christian community, they empower members for ministry, and they complement larger groups. “In order for today’s disciples to love one another as Jesus said we should, today’s church also needs a network of small groups that will develop the community in and through which that love can be demonstrated.”

As part of the discipleship/small group ministry, New Hope is rolling out a new initiative in 2008 to respond to the need expressed by members in a recent church survey As a result of a recent Discipleship Ministry/ Small Groups team leader meeting, we now have the following:
• Mission Statement: "Helping people experience spiritual transformation in their relationship with God and with one another."
• Vision Statement: "Building Community"
• 4 Core Values
Connect...experience meaningful conversation and learn to live beyond yourself.
Cultivate...develop your mind and character in an engaging Christian community.
Challenge...expand your comfort zone and find out what you're really made of.
Change…find your strength in total surrender to Christ and His purpose for you.

To get started on this new effort, the church is offering an exciting opportunity in January for members. Known as “Growthgroups,” this seminar features small group coach Milton Adams for equipping small group leaders. "Growthgroups are not a gimmick. And they're not an event. They're a process. Come learn how to lead, co-lead, or host a small group in this safe, fun, learning environment."

Small groups are increasingly being recognized as an integral part of one’s spiritual development. “Small groups make disciples. …A disciple, by definition, is a fully committed follower of Christ, so we become disciples from the day we decide to follow Jesus, and we remain disciples throughout our lives.” Cox defines a disciple as one who:

• Walks with God, enjoys a personal relationship with Jesus and seeks to keep in step with the Holy Spirit;
• Studies the word of God, constantly growing in understanding and obedience while endeavoring to apply its teachings to all areas of life, and
• Responds to Christ’s commission, equipped with the gifts He has given, to make other disciples for Him through a life of witness and service in the community.

The Growthgroups training event is free for attendees because it is sponsored by the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. All you need to do is register online at www.lookingforachurch.org. The seminar will be held at New Hope Church on Jan. 25 (7:00 pm-9:00 pm) and Jan. 26 (1:30 pm-5:00 pm).

And in the meantime, there are a number of active small groups at New Hope that should appeal to just about anyone. Come check us out!

GROUP CELEBRATES GROWTH, MUTUAL SUPPORT

One small group full of fun and joyous study of God’s word is held by women at New Hope. Members met recently for tea and homemade cookies to celebrate the Christmas season and the end of a year of spiritual growth and blossoming friendships.

“As part of this group for several years now, I can’t imagine living without our weekly Bible study,” said Anne Woodworth, co-leader. “These women have become dear friends. We’ve learned so much, and supported one another through life’s joys and sorrows.”

While personal Bible study and prayer, and corporate worship on Sabbath are important, small groups play a unique function in the lives of their members. And this is a model Jesus Christ used in training up and fellowshipping with His close-knit band of followers.

“Small groups produce disciples who lead, disciples who work, disciples who contribute to the kingdom of God, disciples who reach the lost, disciples who nurture one another, and disciples who, while they are doing these things, actually enjoy themselves!”

In years past, the women’s small group has also participated in community service activities such as providing baskets of necessities, gifts and gift cards to families at the Howard County Domestic Violence Center. “We believe this group helps us strengthen our relationships with God, with each other, and with community members,” explained one long-standing member.

Women are invited to join this small Bible study group at the next meeting on Jan. 8. The group will be reading "Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change You From the Inside Out," by Joanna Weaver. The group meets Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm at a house in the Silver Spring area. For details, contact Anne Woodworth at anne.woodworth@adra.org or by calling (301) 768-8435.