n e w c h u r c h l i f e : j u ly / au g u s t 2 0 1 5
that actually grow and thrive are those based on the small group model. The
older model, where the minister provides all the teaching and support for
the entire congregation, is not sustainable. Small groups take the burden off
ministers, and empower church members to truly ‘be the church.’”
He explained: “This is not about making churches bigger. This is about
meeting people’s needs. This is about us taking what God has given us, and
ministering to people in the best way possible. We do our best, and then we let
God take care of the rest.”
To this end, many New Church congregations have come on board with the
vision and have been working hard to develop stronger small group systems.
Going through this process has brought exciting results in many cases, and has
also raised some concerns and questions.
The 2015 Small Group Systems Retreat was designed to offer congregations
personalized and applicable training to help tackle barriers and encourage
small steps forward.
Steve Gladen, one of the nation’s leading experts on small groups, was
the featured speaker for the conference, as he was for the 2014 Outreach
Conference. With more than 20 years of experience focusing on developing
small groups, and overseeing more than 5,000 small groups on multiple
campuses (including Saddleback Church in southern California), he was well
equipped to offer support.
Over the course of the two days, Steve dedicated himself to helping the
participants in any way they needed, offering tools, tips and suggestions, as
well as one-on-one consultations. He led the groups through processes to
share their successes and challenges, clarify
their missions, and create action items – with
timelines – to support those central missions.
The Outreach staff, led by Bronwen
Henry, Program Manager, and Michelle
Chapin, Assistant Program Manager, ran the
conference. In addition to hiring Steve, they
made sure participants had what they needed
to feel supported and nurtured, carving out
time for worship, song, meals, social time and
prayer.
Content developers, the Rev. John Odhner
and Sasha Silverman, offered a preview
of the new Living Gratefully small group
Journey Program. (For more information or
to order this new program please visit www.
newchurchjourney.org.)
This is not about
making churches
bigger. This is
about meeting
people’s needs. This
is about us taking
what God has given
us, and ministering
to people in the
best way possible.
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