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Small Groups
As churches grow,
the ratio between the pastor and the laity increases. In growing
congregations, the pastor, even with hired staff cannot adequately care for
those in their ministry areas and in the church at large. Thus people are
not cared for, and needs go un-met. Neither is acceptable.
Healthy and
growing churches must utilize a decentralized system that releases the laity to
offer quality ministry to one another. In such a system, the most
strategic person in shepherding ministry is the small group leader, not
the pastor, or even hired staff. In fact, ministry staff are not hired to
do the ministry themselves, but instead, to empower and equip members of the
church body to do the work of ministry.
The small group system is limited only by available laity; it is, therefore,
virtually unlimited. As small groups become vehicles through which
ministry is accomplished, the quality and quantity of care is increased,
volunteer turnover is reduced, and a structure that can support exponential
growth is established.
Bottom line!
Small groups are not a department within the church--an optional appendage for
those with extraordinary commitment or merely extra time--small groups ARE the
church.
For more information on small groups contact
the church office.
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