Vision and Values
Small Groups are a close group of friends who care for on another and are growing in Christ. These groups of 10 to 12 people seek personal application of the Bible to their lives, pray for one another, enjoy the fellowship and personal support of other believers, and serve the Lord through outreach and ministry.
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- What is the mission for group life within MBC?
- How do Small Groups fit into the overall strategy of McLean Bible Church?
- What is the purpose of a Small Group?
- What is the leadership structure of a small group?
- What’s the duration of a group?
What is the mission for group life within MBC?
Small groups exist “to inspire growth to maturity in Jesus Christ.”
How do Small Groups fit into the overall strategy of McLean Bible Church?
Just as Jesus did his primary discipleship in the context of a small group (the disciples), we see small groups as one of the primary models of developing our community into fully devoted followers of Christ.
What is the purpose of a Small Group?
Our goal is to help group members live out the “Four Disciplines.” Every group will do a blend of these four disciplines as a part of the group experience.
- Grow in Relationship with Jesus Christ To provide a place where you can experience God in a real way, developing an understanding of and commitment to the spiritual disciplines.
- Connect in Biblical Community To build healthy relationships with one another in the context of community, learning to love, encourage, take risks and be accountable to those in the group.
- Serve in Your God-given Ministry To help each individual discover their gifts and use them by serving together as a group on a regular basis.
- Share the Message of Jesus Christ To provide a place where every group member learns how to share the Gospel with those who don’t know Christ. Group members will pray for and encourage each other as God provides sharing opportunities.
What is the leadership structure of a small group?
Each group is led by a leader who has been trained to effectively lead small groups. Each group has an apprentice leader who is learning how to facilitate a group and who ultimately will be leading a group of their own and each group has a coach who is investing in and caring for the group leader.
What’s the duration of a group?
Our model is for people to build long term relationships with others. We understand that people will not be in groups forever, however, it is common for them to be together for a year and a half or two years before they “branch out” to start a new group.