Launching some missional small groups in 2022

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The Discipleship Team at First Pres in Waynesburg will be recruiting volunteers to participate in a three month experiment to connect with each other in small group ministry teams.  

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WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT? We're all in different seasons of life, with different amounts of discretionary time.  But even if you only have 90 minutes a week, or in some cases, 90 minutes every other week  to invest in a three-month experiment, we want to make that time count. Sometimes it's not doing a new activity. Instead, it might something we are already doing, but "seeing" these activities through a different lens.  

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS? Well, our DISCIPLESHIP TEAM is on a mission.  We are recruiting you to join us, or more accurately stated, "To let us join you," as we help each other better connect the dots between believing in Jesus and effectively following Him.  AND we want to do this in solid community with other committed Christians.
Our  denomination doesn't actually use the word "members."  Instead, they use the term "covenant partners." That's the kind of unofficial relationship we want to pursue with each other.
Many of us are already doing various kinds of ministry.  We want to celebrate this and pray together about it. Also, maybe you'd like to see something new happen.  If so, we want to help turn your God-given promptings into reality.

There are only three requirements to join this "partnership." 

First, you want to make a difference - in your family, vocation, church, community, and in the lives of others.  

Second, can you squeeze an average of 90 minutes a week (or every other week) for three months to discover what God might want to do to you and through you? 

Third,  we want to know how we all are REALLY doing.  COVID has obviously hindered our ability to connect with each other.  What things are happening that we can celebrate together?  What can we be praying about for each other?  

Maybe you are already part of a small group that is already investing in each other.  If so, then you probably don't need to join this one.  But we are still interested in what God is teaching you and your other small group members. 

THE SPECIFICS - What is this 90 minutes going to look like?  Well... You are already your first half hour of our little experiment.

Some weeks will be less than 90 minutes.  You've given us about 10 minutes to get this far.  The rest is less than 20 minutes more!!  

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D-TEAM INTRODUCTORY SESSION: 

PART ONE:  WHY WE HAVE A SENSE OF URGENCY. There are lots of reasons.  Here are two of them that will take you less than five minutes. NOTE: After watching each of the two videos below, just close them out and then open up this tab again to return here.

1) Here's a funny (or not so funny) look at how most churches do discipleship by Francis Chan.  (1:52) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KIA-DGx_3Y 

2) If you are a parent or grandparent, (or if you know a parent or grandparent), we think you'll find this second video pretty compelling.  Author, Reggie Joiner, makes a case for more urgency as we attempt to impart the gospel to our next generation by combining the efforts of both church and families. (2:30). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oF-yynTuVI 

Do you know anyone else who could benefit from seeing one these videos?  Copy the link and email it to them.  And then follow up to see what they thought about it.  You could create a short-term ministry project from just doing that for a few weeks. 

PART TWO: HERE ARE A FEW AREAS THE D-TEAM WANTS TO ADDRESS.  Do any of them interest you?

1) Making more connections with University Students.  Our two communities have a lot to offer each other.  And learn from each other too.

• Figure out some ways to personally engage more of the University students who attend First Pres.
• Together, let's create some activities for Christian students to invite their non-Christian friends like a home-cooked meal.  Or maybe host a "Come and See" small group where some informal spiritual conversations can take place. 
• We could some practical workshops on issues that might interest them.   
• If you are from the University, help add to this list.   Maybe it is as simple as offering your home as a place to do laundry.

2)  Start some small groups and workshops for our own covenant partners. For example:

• Train new small group leaders and potential leaders.  
• Helping parents, grandparents, and others better disciple kids.
• A discussion with couples around the topic of finances.  One good book is: The Money Challenge: 30 Days of Discovering God's Design for You and Your Money
• We are offering married or dating couples the opportunity to take a meaningful online survey that each completes through Prepare-Enrich.  Afterward, they can compare their answers to six important areas. In the past, we've held a follow up discussion with an outside speaker to help couples take sustainable next steps. Would you like to help with this initiative?

3) Start a more formal process with the Fellowship Team to assimilate visitors and new members.  We often don't realize the barriers that sometimes keeps new people from feeling like they belong and are cared for.

4) Or let us put your IDEA here. What would you like to see happen in our church or our community?