This is the second article in a series of articles that will led up to the launch of Small Groups in addition to our current Sunday School. Just a reminder that the formation of Sunday School and Small Groups is taking place while the Church Leadership Council process is moving forward. There may be some changes made as we move to our new leadership structure.
After the last article the following questions were asked in one form or another.
Does this change the structure of my Sunday School Class? Anytime a change is proposed it is human nature to focus on what we might lose. The plan is to minimize loss and focus on the growth goal. The goal is to produce committed disciples of Christ. While the day, time, and place any group meets is no longer the issue there are no plans to change any current Sunday School class in the adult division. If you are happy in your current Sunday School Class there is no need to change. If you have dropped out or are no long connected to a class, we will be inviting you to try a small group. Our goal is that you are excited about your Bible study at FBC and seek to share with friends how they can get connected and grow at your church.
One of the challenges the church voted to accept is to focus on making disciples. Ask these questions about your class. Are the people you study God’s word with friendly and open? Is the discussion Biblically centered and do you feel safe to ask a spiritual question? Do you have the opportunity to develop your gifts of service and have you been challenged to become a leader who disciples others? Finally, does your group plan to make room for your friends and when you bring a friend will they be accepted?
How will we make sure every age group is represented in Sunday School? This is a very good question and one that received a lot of though and discussion. First, we know that in our system the struggle will be to make sure that a Bible study opportunity exists in both Sunday School and Small Groups for all adults. We will be asking our current adult leadership to stay and lead on Sunday morning. This will ensure that we continue to have a place for every adult on Sunday morning at the prime hour.
We also know that some adult leaders may feel called to move to leading a small group. If that is the case and you do feel God’s leadership in that area it is now time to disciple your replacement for Sunday Morning. We will be challenging every leader to prayerful seek to develop one new Bible study leader each semester. This will ensure that we have ample leadership for the growth we anticipate. It will also allow for leadership to take a break or to accept a more challenging position and to be further discipled.
How do I get involved in the leadership of a Bible Study Group either Sunday School or Small Group? If you are interested in leading a discipleship Bible Study, we really need to hear from you during the month of July or August. You can contact either Freddie Pike (fpike@fbcbolivar.org) or Larry Stehr (lstehr@fbcbolivar.org) or you can call either of us at 326-2431. Qualifications are pretty much what you heard Billy preach about this past Sunday: (1) You have been a believer for a couple of years or more. (2) You are willing to lead, train or apprentice. (3) You want to see people grow in Christ.
Finally, if you want to follow the development of these articles and to make comments or pose more questions they are posted on Larry’s blog at FBCLarry.wordpress.com Larry and Freddie are also more than willing to sit down with your class or group and talk about how things could work for your group.
