Small Group Ministry

The early Church, as described in the first chapters of Acts, was an incredibly vibrant community of believers; spirit-filled, bold and convicted by the truth. As increasing numbers converted to the faith, the Church grew in size and complexity, leading to struggles that continue to this day.

How can an expanding, thriving church like Central avoid the pitfalls that often accompany numerical growth? How can we, instead, grow into the reality of the full life promised to those who lay claim to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? The recent history of Central, especially the experience of "40 Days" last spring, provides an answer. A growing church must embrace small groups where, in essence, believers and seekers recreate a microcosm of the early Church. Small groups nurture the genuine close relationships that are absolutely essential to inward spiritual growth, meaningful ministry to each other, and outreach. Small groups incorporate believers into the body of Christ.

In this issue of News & Views, the small groups ministry team is launching a column in which we will explore how small groups are working in the lives of our members, encouraging honest relationships, deeper discipleship, and new leadership. We have been amazed to see God's hand at work in the life of our church through the 45 groups that currently meet. Each group has unique qualities that make them special to their participants.

The variety of group experiences that can be found are apparent just within the seven men's groups at Central. On Tuesday evenings, Gary Goshorn's large group of mostly retired men studies the scriptures exclusively. The men of this group have helped each other through the losses that come with life as they have grown into mature disciples. Bob Carman's small group on Monday nights consists of just four guys, but they enjoy the intimacy of an accountability fellowship in which scripture is used as a treasured resource to help each other in addressing life's challenges. Steve Simms' burgeoning group, nicknamed "the council of war," invades Bob Evans restaurant early Wednesday mornings and enjoys the kind of fellowship that comes from deep and honest reflection on both Christian books and the Bible, not to mention an occasional tasty omelet. All of these-and the four other men's groups-welcome the invigorating effects of new blood in their ranks.

These expressions of relationship in Christ are all about meeting disciples and seekers of Christ where they are in their walk. We are absolutely convinced that God will provide guidance for every seeker in this congregation within small groups. We invite you to read about what is happening in lives that are transformed in small groups. We encourage you to share your small group story with the body at Central by contacting a member of our team: Paul Hogsten, Peter Belitsos, Jud Crihfield, Janice McWilliams, Jack Hoskins, Julie Morgan, or John Sackett.