A small group is about 6-12 people who meet regularly to build relationships and grow closer together. The group commits to 'share life together' over a designated period of time.
Why do we need small groups at First Baptist? Here are a few reasons:
1. Because if we are serious about deepening our relationships with each other and with God…….Sunday morning is NOT enough! While worship plays an important role in our individual lives and in the life of our congregation, it is not designed to be (nor should it be) a one-stop shop for all our spiritual and relationship needs. Small faith-centered groups would address our needs to explore scripture more openly and interactively with companions, build spiritual friendships, care and pray for each other, talk about how our faith connects to our daily life and work, or do mission together with others who share similar ministry passions.
2. Small groups meet a variety of different needs. Obviously, something different is going to be drawn out of us when we settle into a cozy living room with an intimate circle of people as compared to being in a huge room looking at the back of each other’s heads! Small groups can take many different forms depending on what the group leaders and participants feel inspired to do: Bible study groups, affinity groups, recovery groups, prayer groups, dinner groups, fun activity groups, workplace ministry groups, or mission groups. Small groups can be short-term or long-term, meet weekly or twice-monthly, be high-demand or easy going.
3. Small groups provide an opportunity for us to grow together as sisters and brothers in Christ. We’ll begin to talk and attempt to put into our own words the meaning and inspiration of our faith. We’ll learn to ask questions and hear others struggle with the same questions. We’ll learn to listen to each other. We’ll discover that we are not alone and are not that different from everyone else in the church. We’ll discover who our fellow church members are beneath superficial Sunday morning impressions. Our lives will deeply connect with others in Christ.
4. Small groups build relationships and community. Because small groups are places where people can relax, be down-to-earth, speak their mind, share their heart, and talk to each other face-to-face, they provide the most natural places for building relationships. In a nation where the close-knit neighborhood and extended family has been greatly diminished, we desperately need places where we can build healthy, authentic relationships with each other. We can share a pew with people in Sunday morning worship for years, and never really know them. However, in a small group that encourages the sharing of life-experiences and relating those experiences to the Christian journey, such relationships suddenly burst into life!
5. Small groups are an important way to integrate new people into the church. Remember when you were new to First Baptist? The people were friendly and welcoming but, wasn’t it a little tough really getting to know people? Wouldn’t it be great if new people could be invited to a small group for dinner or bible study or good conversation about important life issues? The sweet thing about small groups is that (with the possible exception of highly-sensitive recovery groups) they are "open" groups seeking to invite new people each time they meet!
6. Pastor Scott can’t do it all. As caring, intelligent, articulate, well-read and funny as he is, there is only so much of Scott to go around. If our church is going to grow in numbers and in spiritual depth, we must all take seriously our calling as ministers of First Baptist Church. This means we need to actively care for each other, help each other to grow as Christians, minister to the poor and share the good news of Jesus Christ. How do we do this? One way is to pray and then join a small group.
The goal of Small Group Ministry
The goal of every small group at Salt Lake First Baptist is to be a place of Christian community and faith formation whose leaders and members recognize that they are part of something bigger - the body of Christ. And as we support one another, we strengthen the body.
Our Small Group Ministry helps each member to find their place, to develop their faith, and to be an active part of the greater mission.
Small Groups at Salt Lake First Baptist are all about you!
Small Groups are a way to connect with people in such a way that they are encouraged to better follow Christ in their daily walk. The many benefits of participation in a Small Group include:
Friendship
Accountability
Spiritual Growth
Prayer support
Encouragement
Christian life skills
Fellowship
and much more
Frequently Asked Questions about Small Groups...
How do I form a Small Group?
As you get to know the many people at First Baptist Church, you will likely find similar life circumstances, interests, and spiritual needs that you may want to explore together. Feel free to discuss and agree to start a small group with anyone else who may have the interest to join you. Together you will need to decide the name and purpose of your group, how long it should exist in order to fulfill the intended purpose, your meeting schedule and place. As a group, you should decide who the main contact will be, and who will facilitate each meeting. These details need to be shared with our Small Group Ministry Team so that your group information can be made known to our church family and other members of the community at large. We can help you as necessary.
Where and when do Small Groups meet?
Typically, groups meet in someone's home. You can decide to meet at the leader's house every week, or you may choose to go to other member's homes to meet. It's up to you.
We recommend that groups meet weekly. Obviously, this is not always possible, but the key to success in small groups is regular, intentional meetings.
Do I have to be a member of First Baptist?
No. You are not required to be a member of the church to participate in any of the small group meetings or activities. This is God's church, and we welcome everyone. Once you find the loving support of one or more small groups, you may feel the desire to join our growing membership!
What if I'm already in a group? Are we starting over?
No. The church has many existing groups (bible study, women's circles, etc.) and none of them are going away. The small group ministry is not intended to replace what you are doing.
How do I get involved?
With your support and God’s blessing, the Small Group Ministry Team plans to launch a small number of groups in the fall.
For more information
If you feel God is calling you to lead a group, please contact Ray Carter (486-8539), Jeff Lensman (801-475-0648) or Julie Watson (484-0429) and tell us your idea for a group!
