1. “ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
A hospital where the doctor heals the patients

2. “ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
A mechanic shop where people come for repairs or a tune-up

3. “ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
A football stadium in which 22 people are playing and thousands are observing

4. “ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
A legislative body where every member's job is to vote

5. “ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
An orchestra, where everybody has a valuable contribution, but not everyone has the same function

6. “ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
A cafeteria where each one who enters can pick and choose only what appeals to him or her

7. “ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
A college classroom where people come to be educated

8. “ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
A play in which some perform, some entertain and some are critics

9. “ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
A social club in which people enjoy themselves

10. “ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
A mutual admiration society in which all praise one another

11. What is the intended function of church leaders?
“ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
What is the intended function of church leaders?

12. What is the intended function of church members?
“ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
What is the intended function of church members?

13. What is the ultimate goal of church leaders and members?
“ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
What is the ultimate goal of church leaders and members?

14. “ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
When the ultimate goal is reached, what will be the result, according to:
-- Verse 14?
-- Verse 15?
-- Verse 16?

16. S. H. A. P. E.
Spiritual Gifts

17. S. H. A. P. E.
Heart

18. S. H. A. P. E.
Heart
People in the church don’t have to ignore their natural interests in order to serve Christ. They excel when they are doing tasks they also enjoy doing.
Then there are

19. S. H. A. P. E.
Abilities

20. S. H. A. P. E.
Personality

21. S. H. A. P. E.
Experiences

22. 2. What could we do instead?
Seven myths of volunteerism
1. Why is it a myth?
2. What could we do instead?
There aren’t enough volunteers to go around

23. 2. What could we do instead?
Seven myths of volunteerism
1. Why is it a myth?
2. What could we do instead?
Volunteers are only capable of doing the busy work of the church.

24. 2. What could we do instead? Volunteers are free help.
Seven myths of volunteerism
1. Why is it a myth?
2. What could we do instead?
Volunteers are free help.

25. 2. What could we do instead?
Seven myths of volunteerism
1. Why is it a myth?
2. What could we do instead?
Most volunteers want to serve one role for a lifetime.

26. 2. What could we do instead?
Seven myths of volunteerism
1. Why is it a myth?
2. What could we do instead?
Volunteers are not interested in training or development.

27. 2. What could we do instead?
Seven myths of volunteerism
Volunteers need encouragement from heaven but they really don’t need much encouragement from anyone in earth.
1. Why is it a myth?
2. What could we do instead?

28. 2. What could we do instead? Volunteerism is a one-way
Seven myths of volunteerism
1. Why is it a myth?
2. What could we do instead?
Volunteerism is a one-way
deal – all output, no returns, no reward.

29. What is a Small Group?
“A Christian small group is a deliberate face-to-face gathering of three to twelve people who meet regularly and share the common purpose of exploring together some aspect of Christian faith and discipleship.
Roberta Hestenes

30. Small Groups are the main place where we…
Disciple & Shepherd
Small Groups are the main place where we…

31. Small Groups Began in the Book of Acts
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
(Acts 2:41)
Small Groups Began in the Book of Acts

32. Small Groups Began in the Book of Acts
“Every day they continued to meet together IN THE TEMPLE COURTS. They broke bread IN THEIR HOMES, and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number DAILY those who were being saved.”
(Acts 2:46ff)

33. THEOLOGY
“Whatever community exists as a result of God’s creation, it is only a reflection of an eternal reality that is intrinsic to the being of God. Because God is eternally one, when He created in his image, He created oneness.”
Gilbert Belizikian 1.

34. 1. God Exists in Community
Let US make man in OUR image. (Gen. 1:26)

35. 1. God Exists in Community
Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is ONE. (Deuteronomy 6:4)

36. 1. God Exists in Community
The call to human gathering in groups is a God-created and God-directed ministry, birthed out of the very nature and purpose of God’s being God’s communal image for humanity is the gathering of the small group Gareth Icenogle

37. 1. God Exists in Community
“Wherever two or three are gathered in my Name, I am there with them.” (Matthew 18:15-20)

38. 2. Jesus and Community
“Jesus invested 90 percent of his time with twelve Jewish men so that he could reach all Americans.”
--Eugene Peterson

39. 3. Discipleship is Oneness
“Just as you are in me and I am in you.” (John 17:21)

40. 3. Discipleship is Oneness
“I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your Name – the Name You gave Me SO THAT THEY MAY BE ONE AS WE ARE ONE.”

41. 3. Discipleship is Oneness
“My prayer is not for them (the disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”

42. Spiritual maturity through transformational relationships

43. Sociological: Community is where we compete

44. Basics for getting small groups going at your church
Philosophy of small groups ministry:
WITH small groups?
OF small groups?
IS small groups?

45. Who can be a small group leader?
Basics for getting small groups going at your church
Who?
Who can be a small group leader?

46. Basics for getting small groups going at your church
Who?
WHO IS THERE TO HELP THE SMALL GROUP LEADERS?

47. Basics for getting small groups going at your church
Who?
WHO WILL BE IN EACH GROUP?
Names from church office
Lobby/Gym Registration
Join a group on-line
Group Members invite

48. Basics for getting small groups going at your church
Who?
WHO WILL PLAY THE VARIOUS ROLES IN THE GROUP LIFE?
Small Group Leader(s)
Leader-in-Training
Host/Hostess
Prayer Coordinator

50. Small Group Meeting Elements
Arrive, refreshments, fellowship, catch-up (15 minutes)
Study/discussion – minutes
Prayer time – 15 minutes

51. Basics for getting small groups going at your church
What?
WHAT TYPE OF GROUP?
What are the elements of a small group?
What does the group agree to be together?
What to Study
What to do at Meetings
What do we Eat?

52. Basics for getting small groups going at your church
Where?
Where will the group meet?
Where will the group meet in the home?

53. Preparing the meeting place

54. Preparing the meeting place

55. Basics for getting small groups going at your church
Where?
Where will the group meet?
Where will the group meet in the home?
Where will the kids go for childcare?
Where does a leader go for assistance?

56. Basics for getting small groups going at your church
When?
When will the group meet (day)?
When that evening?

57. Basics for getting small groups going at your church
How?
How Many?
How to follow up outside the meeting
How can I improve my skills as a group leader?