For those of you who've wondered where I am this week, I'm spending it in St. Louis at an "Equippers Training Course" for ChristCare Group Ministry.
It's only Thursday morning, and my brain is already feeling fairly full of new information - the "Equippers Manual" weighs in at 21.5 pounds when handed over on Monday, and since then we've received at least another pound of hand-outs to add to it. Needless to say, the training, and the system, are comprehensive.
I'm getting excited about starting this program of small group ministry at SOV. I appreciate the fact that it's designed not to be an end in itself, but to serve the mission and ministry of the congregation. At Shepherd of the Valley, our ChristCare groups will be a tool for "making Jesus Christ real in the midst of the city." The goal of this ministry is transformation - that members of small groups will experience transformation in their lives as God works in and through them. The focus is on "The Two Greats." The greatest commandment: love God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. And the great commission: to go to all nations, baptizing them and teaching them all that Jesus has commanded.
There are 4 activities that will be part of the life of each group: building community and care, Biblical Equipping, prayer and worship, and missional service. Groups are designed to invite and welcome new members, and then to birth new groups. Hard, I think, but so worth it!
Dick and Sharon P., two long-time members of our congregation, are also here getting trained. When we get back the 3 of us will be the SOV Equipper Team, gearing up to start training small group leaders in the fall. We hope to begin small groups in January, 2008.
Feel free to ask us questions!!
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