Do you recall Eddie asking what holds you back from spending more time with members of your church family a few weeks ago (assuming you’re not part of one or another of the small groups)? Here’s the initiative he outlined at the church meeting in case you missed it.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” – Romans 12:2
Transformation Groups is a new initiative at CBC, but based on ancient ideas! We want to provide a means to encourage one another to deeper discipleship. We already have a range of small groups as a church, which offer valuable support and encouragement. The aim of Transformation Groups is to provide more intentional discipleship and accountability with a few, for a time, and to seek deeper engagement with how we are doing as disciples. Transformation groups offer greater flexibility of timing than the existing groups, and are aimed to cater particularly (though NOT exclusively) for those who are not yet in a small group.
WHY: We are made for growth, to be transformed into Christ, and for deeper relationships with a few. We all need support in our Christian and everyday life. A smaller group enables this in a different way, allowing greater scope to listen and support each other.
WHO and WHEN: Each group will be for 4 people only, all male or all female groups, meeting 6 times, once a month, at times convenient to the group.
WHAT/HOW: When they meet, the group will share in:
- A short Bible study, applying the Bible to life with reflection questions.
- An intentional discussion to encourage, challenge, and nurture growth as Christians. There are 6 set topics to guide discussion.
- Prayer with one another.
Between the meeting times, there is of course opportunity for ongoing encouragement and prayer, for social time, and contact by emails, text, facebook, etc., as well as at church or elsewhere.
Transformation Groups don’t replace existing small groups or prayer triplets, but they are available as a different option. Each group will have a leader who receives training and support. These are not counselling meetings, but opportunities to give and receive encouragement, pastoral care, wisdom and input.
I [Eddie] hope that, in God’s hands, these groups will be enriching, challenging, encouraging and transforming; safe spaces to be authentic and honest with how we are, and to see God bless and change us together.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11