Intentional Faith Development
“Small groups” include Sunday school classes, book
studies, Bible studies and other regular gatherings that
offer us chances to increase our learning, to deepen our
relationships with Jesus, to draw closer and share life
with others.
Encourage Newcomer Involvement
Learning in the context of a small group opens us
up to God’s intentions in ways we might never have
considered on our own. Along with learning together,
small groups enable “doing life together” through
fellowship, prayer, service and outreach. Small groups
are one of the best ways to involve new people in the
church family ... and isn’t that what Jesus modeled for
us when he sent his disciples out into the world?
It’s a fact that newcomers hesitate to join a group of
people who already know each other. For this reason,
new small groups are key to involving new people and
helping them grow in relationships with Jesus.
Realize Your Opportunity
If you are already a member of a small group, consider
the blessings you have realized, and embrace the
opportunities God has in store for you. Think about
extending those blessings by starting a new group
that might appeal to new people who have not yet
connected with a small group at Ingomar Church.
Twenty small groups are being offered this summer. If
you are not a member of a small group ... join one. Or
start a new group this fall, and grow it. Start doing life
together, and find out what good things God has in store
for you!
“I belonged here [at Ingomar
Church] for 8 years, but I didn’t
know many people because my
job took all of my time. After I
retired, I decided to join a small
group. Even though I am older
than the others in my group,
they accepted me ... and now I
am part of a lovely group of people
who really care about me. In fact just last week I had a problem,
and the group prayed for me ... and not only this group, but
another small group that Darlene Brideweser leads prayed for
me as well.”
— Linda Tozier, small group member
2
(continued from page 1)
Tips for Doing Life Together
Whether your group is established or brand new, consider
these thoughts about the meaning of “doing life together.”
• Life together exists in real life. Actual meeting time is
a very small percentage (less than 1%) of our time each
week. Encourage time together beyond the scheduled
meetings.
• Life together is celebratory. Just as people outside the
church celebrate the successes of daily life, be ready to
spontaneously celebrate together in the moment. You
don’t have to wait for the scheduled meeting.
• Life together has meat. Challenge and encourage
each other with conversations about things that
matter—extending beyond scheduled small group time
and into daily life.
• Life together is intentional. Increased comfort levels
and actual friendships can develop within weekly group
time, but to truly “live together” requires intentional
investment in the lives of each other.
• Life together takes commitment. Reaching the goal of
authentic life together requires each member to commit
to nurturing relationships within the group.
• Life together is personal. Life is shared between
individual people. Collectively people operate as a
group, but depth comes by intentionally developing
relationships with one another, not with a group.
• Life together shares mission. Meaningful mission
binds people together, leading to deeper relationships.
Nothing brings a group closer together faster than
collectively casting a vision and joining together in
shared mission.
Principles from “Couch to Community: Activating the Potential
of Small Groups,” by Austin Maxheimer and Zach Below. Group
Publishing, 2014.
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise
Group was started over a decade
ago by Wellness Coordinator,
Margie Martinelli. Eleanor Wist
has been a member from the
beginning. “I love being a part of
this small group … and not just
for the exercise, but for the social