Discipleship

Gloria Dei’s Discipleship Groups welcome you! If you are interested in joining one, please let Sharon Padula know by calling 851-3052. The groups have had a wonderful year full of bible study, fellowship, and service projects. Several groups have participated in Night’s Welcome. Others have been involved in the update of our church picture board, polishing the bells for our bell choirs, coordinating receptions, sponsoring a blood drive and coordinating our prayer vigil at Easter. Come and be a part of this ministry! There is always an empty chair for you!

WHY SMALL GROUPS?
The scene is a worship service at church.  You are coming to worship, perhaps with your family, a friend, or by yourself.  You join with 500 or more other people over the weekend at Gloria Dei to worship God.

The faith God has given you, through Christ, is the common denominator you share with most of these people.  The Bible describes this group of believers as a family – one body united by Christ.  Does it not seem a little strange to you that you should know so few of your fellow members.

This is a recurring dilemma for a church the size of Gloria Dei.  While it is unrealistic to think you will get to know 500 people here, you now have the opportunity to get to know a few of your fellow believers here at Gloria Dei.  Our church is involved in a ministry that some church leaders call the most significant ministry a church can offer for the new millennium.

Small Groups.  Home Bible studies small enough to give you a chance to get to know the other participants.  The purpose of a group like this is to gather for Bible Study and prayer, and to care about each other in a more informal setting.  It is an intentional face to face gathering of 5-12 people on a regular basis with the common purpose of discovering and growing in Christ.

WHAT IS A DISCIPLESHIP GROUP?
A discipleship group is a gathering of three to twelve people that meets regularly with the common purpose of discovering and growing in the abundant life in Christ.  The four essential parts of a Discipleship Group are prayer, biblical reflection, mutual support, and a ministry project. Discipleship Groups are part of the larger Small Groups Ministry at Gloria Dei.

SOME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: Does everybody need to join a Discipleship Group?
A: Participation is voluntary. There are tremendous benefits to being in a group, and we hope that many of you will want to be involved. Currently over 100 members of our congregation are taking advantage of this opportunity. You, however, make that choice.

Q: How often do these groups meet?
A: Meeting times are determined by each group. Most meet weekly.

Q: Why is it important to be in a small group?
A:Small groups provide the environment to explore your faith.  Being able to say what you believe helps you understand what you believe.  Small groups are a place to learn to care for one another.  They are a place to discover that you have something valuable to give to God and His Church.

Q:How will I know which group I will want to join?
A:We will provide you a handout with current information on groups.  You’ll discover what topics are being studied and where and when they meet.

Q: What kind of commitment do I have to make?
A: The extent of commitment is left to the participant; however, after joining a group, you are asked to participate in the study and prayer life of the group, be supportive of one another, and experience the joy of sharing in the ministry project.

Small groups are good for the people involved in them and good for Gloria Dei.  The New Testament is full of examples of early Christians meeting not only in large gatherings, but in small groups as well to learn from and support each other.  Good things happen in small groups.