manual 0402 - Biblical Studies Ministries International

Transcription

Flock Group Ministry Manual
a guide for Flock Group
Leaders, Coaches and Hosts
2nd Edition – February 8, 2004
College Park Church
2606 West 96th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46268-2901
317-875-0282
Web Site: www.yourchurch.com
Kimber Kauffman - Senior Pastor
Garrett Higbee – Oversight Elder for the Flock Group Ministry
Kevin Channell – Director of the Flock Group Ministry
Brock Bahler – Flock Group Ministry Assistant
Foreword
Dear Leader,
It has always been a goal of College Park Church to glorify God by making disciples of our
Lord Jesus Christ. I have a desire for this congregation to embody the life and person of
Jesus Christ while growing in the knowledge of our Lord. Our capacity to be a church that
effectively ministers to the world is directly related to how well we love one another. The
Flock Group Ministry of CPC is a great way to practice the “one-anothers” of the Bible. The
growth of the church has challenged our efforts to keep the church feeling small and close
knit. I am excited to see the flock groups growing as an answer to this challenge. I believe
it is an answer to the prayers of the elders as well. The success of this ministry is in direct
response to men of God like elder Eugene Kimble, the flock group council, and leaders like
you who are willing to be instruments in the Redeemer’s hands.
My family, as well as many other families, are already benefiting from participating in a flock
group. For those who are new to the church or have been looking for a way to feel a part of
the exciting things going on here at CPC, the flock groups are a great option. I hope you
take advantage of the intimate home atmosphere and make prayer, fellowship and service
more personal. I am encouraged to know that the pulpit ministry is supported by a guided
discussion and application of the Sunday sermons. The preaching of God’s Word is at the
heart of our Elder’s and Staff’s vision to see the saints grow into a mature and effective
ministry for Christ. To have an opportunity to compare study notes, ask questions and be
held accountable to applying the Word in our lives, as a “seven-day-a-week-church”, is in
line with the imperative in the Scripture to be a “doer” not just a hearer of the Word.
With this in mind, I hope no one attending our church can say “I don’t know how to get
plugged in.” As leaders in this ministry, I pray that you would invite those still searching for
connection into your hearts and homes. I, along with the Elders thank you for your ministry
to the body of Christ.
Your Pastor,
Kimber Kauffman
January 26, 2003
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Acknowledgements
As we edit the 2nd Edition of this manual and enter into the 5th year of the Flock Group
Ministry of College Park Church, we gratefully acknowledge the inspiration and
encouragement of our Senior Pastor Kimber Kauffman and the following members of the
College Park Flock Group Ministry Council who contributed content to the original manual
that was published on January 29, 2003. We also praise God for their fervent prayer
support, encouragement and wise council as together we seek the Holy Spirit's direction in
providing leadership for the Flock Group Ministry.
College Park Church Staff
Dr. Garrett Higbee, Family Ministries and Discipleship
Kevin Channell, Men's Ministries
Mary Beth Oblinger, Women's Ministries
Flock Group Leaders Serving on the Council
Lincoln & Lynda Brill
Dr. Tom Eads
Dr. Eugene & Joanne Kimble
John & Marilyn Spilker
Special thanks also goes to Ron & Jenny Brake for their active involvement in launching the
Flock Group ministry as charter members of the council and her contribution of the Flock
Group Evaluation Form, to Jennifer Collins, Ministry Assistant to Garrett Higbee, for her help
in publishing the 1ST Edition of the manual, and to Daniel Clements, Student Intern at CPC,
for his artistic talents in creating the logo.
As we continue to make this a living document, we would appreciate your comments on the
contents of the manual, input on corrections that need to be made, and any additional
content that you feel might be helpful to others. Please e-mail your suggestions to our new
CPC Staff Support member of our council, Brock Bahler at [email protected].
Editors: John and Marilyn Spilker
2nd Edition – February 8, 2004
© 2003-4 College Park Church Flock Group Ministry. All rights reserved.
1st Edition: January 29, 2003
2nd Edition: February 8, 2004
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW
INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible
Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
Published and distributed by the Flock Group Ministry Council of College Park Church.
Excerpts of this guide may be obtained electronically on the website of the College Park
Flock Group Ministry, which can be accessed via a link from http://www.yourchurch.com.
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Table of Contents
Foreword
1
Acknowledgements
2
Table of Contents
3
Preface
7
CHAPTER 1 PHILOSOPHY
10
The Need for Flock Groups
How the Flock Group Ministry Began
Our Mission
Our Goals
Flock Group Distinctives
10
10
11
11
13
Biblical Basis for Flock Groups
Believers Met in Their Homes
They Built Each Other Up
They Prepared Others to Lead
They Loved One Another
They were Drawn Together in a Common Bond of Fellowship
CHAPTER 2 FELLOWSHIP
15
15
16
17
18
19
20
Building Community Today
Fellowship in the Early Church
Principles for Building Fellowship
Practical Tips for Building Fellowship
Practical Tips on Building Community
21
23
24
25
26
One Anothering in Flock Groups
Definition
Discerning Issues
Environment
Leading
Summary
Resource
28
28
29
30
30
30
31
CHAPTER 3 TEACHING
32
Purpose of Flock Groups
32
Why is Teaching a Part of Flock Groups
Our Goal for Teaching Segment
Remind
Examine the Scriptures
Apply
33
33
33
33
33
What should the Teaching Segment Look Like?
34
3
Tips on Teaching (Nurturing) your Flock Group
35
Preparing a Discussion Guide
36
CHAPTER 4 PRAYER
38
Devote Yourselves to Prayer
Be Watchful as you Pray
Be Thankful as you Pray
38
38
38
Elements of Prayer in Flock Group Meetings
39
Building Community During Prayer Time
40
CHAPTER 5 OUTREACH
42
The Command
The Reason
The Seed
The Promise
The Personal Benefit
The Warning
42
42
43
43
43
43
Developing a Lifetime Plan for Evangelism
43
A Lifetime Plan for Evangelism
44
Supplies for Evangelism
45
Tips on Sharing Your Faith
46
Outreach Discussion
47
CHAPTER 6 FORMATION
48
Small Group Dynamics
48
How to Form a Successful Flock Group
Prospecting for participants
Leading the Flock Into the Fold
Uniting Your Folks Into One Flock Group
Summary
49
49
49
50
50
Developing a Covenant
51
Holding Each Other Accountable
52
CHAPTER 7 LEADERSHIP
54
Flock Group Leader Qualifications
Their Role
Important Leadership Qualities
Biblical Qualifications for Leadership
54
54
54
55
4
Co-Leading in Flock Groups
Plurality of Leadership
Leaders Should Develop Apprentices
Husband and Wife
Next Generation - Children Involvement
Summary
57
57
57
58
59
59
CHAPTER 8 FACILITATION
60
A Facilitated Flock Group Meeting
60
The Facilitation Role in Flock Groups
Characteristics of the Facilitation Role
Characteristics of Facilitated Flock Groups
62
62
64
Spontaneity vs. Structure in Flock Groups
Two Common Misbeliefs
Tips for Doing Spirit-Led Planning
Tips for Discerning the Spirit’s Leading
Conclusion
66
66
66
67
67
Dealing with Diverse Heart Issues
"Talkative" - Tom
"Know-it-all" Nancy
"I've Got an Agenda" Al
“Gossiping” Gertrude
“Silent” Sam
“Mystical” Mike
“No Show” Norman
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68
69
69
70
70
70
71
Speaking with People Privately
71
Tips on Encouraging Attendance
72
CHAPTER 9 COACHING
73
Coach Selection
The Role of the Coach
73
73
Evaluation Forms
School of Ministry
74
74
CHAPTER 10 RESOURCES
76
The Living Word of God
College Park Church
Willow Creek Community Church
Pantego Bible Church
Harvest Bible Chapel
Intervarsity Press
NavPress Publishing Group
Growth through Accountability
Book Purchases
76
76
77
77
77
77
77
77
78
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APPENDIX
79
Appendix A: Sample Training Program Schedule
80
Appendix B: Leadership Training Covenant
81
Appendix C: Sample Ice Breakers
83
Appendix D: Supplies for Evangelism
84
Appendix E: Reaching Out to Others
86
Appendix F: Discussion Guide - Spiritual Harvest
87
Appendix G: Sample E-mails for Group Formation
89
Appendix H: Sample Flock Group Covenants
93
Appendix I: Leadership of the Early Church
99
Appendix J: Leadership Questionnaire
104
Appendix K: Leadership Covenant
108
Appendix L: Evaluation Forms
113
Appendix M: Review Questions of Basic Concepts
117
Appendix N – Updates to Manual
121
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Preface
This manual is provided by the council of the Flock Group Ministry of College Park Church
as a guide for flock group leaders, coaches and hosts.
The Flock Group Ministry is one of a number of small group ministries that have emerged to
meet the growing needs of the congregation. Since the church was formed in 1985 our
numbers have grown from 12 to over 4000 with an average attendance of 2800, including
450 children in nursery through 6th grade.
Of those the Holy Spirit has led to our church, we now have over 450 people involved in 41
different flock groups that meet together during the week in small home-based settings
throughout the communities served by the church.
The Bible often uses the metaphor of the sheep and the shepherd. Christ Jesus was the
chief shepherd and the flock was and is the Christian church. Christ often ministered to a
large congregation through the Word being preached or spoken but also spoke into the lives
of His people in small gatherings in homes and community groups. His “small” flock group
was made up of his 12 disciples. Following that model, we see all who attend College Park
Church as being a part of the flock or congregate group that the Holy Spirit has led to
fellowship together at this location, and are welcome to participate and are encouraged to
become a part of a “small” flock group.
As the church continues to grow in size people are drawn into our fellowship from a number
of surrounding communities. These geographical communities are natural groupings from
which various subgroups (small flock groups) may be formed to connect with one another
and encourage one another in their walk with the Lord.
On Sunday mornings we gather together as a body of believers in corporate worship as
members of the flock that the Holy Spirit has led to College Park. We also gather together
in various Sunday School sessions (larger flock gatherings) to equip the saints for service in
His kingdom. As an extension of the pulpit ministry, we are encouraged, through the Flock
Group Ministry, to meet together during the week in each others homes to connect with and
encourage one another in a more intimate personal setting as we massage and apply our
pastors' teachings from the Word of God into our hearts and lives.
When the Flock Group Ministry began three years ago, emphasis was placed on application
of the pastors' teachings, fellowship, prayer and outreach. Some of the groups, however,
formed as small fellowship groups, Bible study groups, prayer groups, accountability groups,
etc. providing a rich array of different types of groups meeting a variety of needs. But those
groups that are consistent with the vision of the flock ministry are flourishing and multiplying
as they did the early church. They are regularly meeting in small home-based flock group
settings to glorify God by building disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, employing…
Teaching…facilitating application of our pastors' preaching of God's word,
Fellowship…building community with love and devotion to one another in Christ,
Prayer…joining together in adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication, and
Outreach…sharing our faith in Jesus and serving others through word and deed.
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Based on the growth and acceptance of this approach we are now strongly encouraging
small flock groups to disciple and stimulate one another to love and good works through
facilitated discussions of the pastors' sermons (the pulpit ministry) with the primary focus on
how to apply what we learn to our everyday lives. We will refer to such groups throughout
this manual as simply “flock groups.”
As part of a balanced approach we encourage flock groups to multiply the gifts and
effectiveness of the saints of College Park Church through personal prayer, community
building, and reaching out to our body and the communities in which we live. Our goal is to
encourage more intentional discipleship, evangelism, and multiplication of flock groups to
meet the growing needs of those the Holy Spirit has led into our fellowship.
To accomplish our mission and goals for the ministry, we provide this guide as part of our
initial training, support and ongoing encouragement for flock group leaders and coaches
involved in the Flock Group Ministry as well as those who open their homes to host the flock
group gatherings. In addition, we provide continuing education and encouragement via
regular “School of Ministry” sessions throughout each year.
Training and continuing support, direction and encouragement of the Flock Group Ministry,
is conducted by the FGM Council, which consist of the following members as of February,
2004:
Staff Support: Garrett Higbee, Robb Besosa, Kevin Channell, and Brock Bahler
Lay Leaders: Lincoln & Lynda Brill, Tom & Misha Eads, John & Marilyn Spilker and
Joshua & Becky Harber.
This guide is organized in the natural progression of how flock groups are formed and how
the process is taught in our current Leadership Training programs. A sample training
schedule is provided in Appendix A.
Each participant in the training program is asked to covenant with each other that they will
prepare for, attend and fully participate in all eight session of the program (Appendix B).
At the conclusion of the program participants are encouraged to prayerfully consider
becoming flock group leaders. If they feel led to become leaders, they are asked to
complete a Leadership Questionnaire and sign a Flock Group Leadership Covenant
(Appendix J & K).
For those who would like to host a flock group, this guide and the training will provide
valuable insight and tips on providing hospitality as well as provide an overview of how the
whole process is envisioned to work.
To assist you in using the guide, here is an outline of the content.
In Chapter 1 we explain what the Flock Group Ministry is all about and provide background
information on how the ministry began, its current state today, and the mission, goals and
distinctive characteristics of flock groups.
Chapters 2-5 describe the four areas, or pillars, in which successful groups are focusing
their time and energy: fellowship, teaching, prayer and outreach.
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Members of flock groups find that their lives are richly blessed as they enter into close
fellowship with fellow believers, and together massage the preached word into their hearts
and lives in a very practical yet profound way. During prayer time, members are
encouraged in their walk with the Lord by hearing what God is doing in the lives of the group
and praying for one another to overcome life's challenges and struggles that come our way.
Members are also encouraged to share their faith and become actively involved in serving
others as the Holy Spirit leads.
In Chapter 6 we describe how to form flock groups and the importance of establishing a
covenant in which the group agrees upon the purpose of the group and their mission, goals
and process they will follow during the life of the group.
A flock group size is typically 10-14 people, depending upon the capacity of the home
hosting the gatherings and the air-time needed to allow everyone a chance to participate in
the time allocated for their meetings. Meeting time varies from 2-3 hours on a weekly or byweekly basis for a period of 12-24 months, depending on when the group decides to multiply
and form other groups.
In Chapter 7 we describe the biblical qualifications for leadership and provide a frame of
reference for those aspiring to become flock group leaders and coaches. Flock Group
Leaders are commissioned by the Flock Group Ministry Council after they are provided
training and coaching assistance in leading a flock group.
Chapter 8 provides insight and tips on how to function effectively as a facilitator not only in
the teaching segment, but throughout the whole process.
In Chapter 9 we describe the role of the coach in providing support and encouragement to
the leaders. Forms are provided in Appendix L to assist leaders, coaches and interns in
critiquing the process.
Chapter 10 provides a list of resources that are available to provide additional insight, tips
and suggestions on how to have an effective ministry with your flock group.
The Appendix includes a rich assortment of samples, forms and other reusable items that
you might find helpful in providing leadership.
May the Lord bless you in fulfilling your role in the Flock Group Ministry.
College Park Flock Group Ministry Council
(2nd Edition) February, 2004
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Chapter 1 Philosophy
The Need for Flock Groups
Since College Park Church was formed on March 13, 1985 our numbers have grown from
12 to over 4000 with an average attendance of about 2,800, including 450 children from
nursery through 6th grade. Along with this growth has come the desire for meaningful
relationships and interconnectedness among those attending our weekly services.
Among the leadership of the church, there is also a deep felt need to strengthen our focus
on building disciples, applying the of word of God taught from our pulpit on Sunday
mornings, encouraging one another to live it out in our daily lives, and bring others to Christ
through the lifestyles we live and our proactive impact on the world. After all, we have not
been drawn into fellowship for the benefit of its members, but for the benefit of the world.
We are to be the salt of the earth and a light unto the world.1
How the Flock Group Ministry Began
In 1999, Garrett Higbee was brought on staff of College Park Church and was delegated the
task of starting a Flock Group Ministry. Pastor Kimber Kauffman gave two provisos for the
task: "make the church feel small" and "don't meet on Sundays." Garrett and several other
staff members began a six-month prayer vigil, asking God to prepare the hearts and minds
of the people and raise up leadership for the ministry.
Early in the year 2001 a “Small” Flock Group Ministry Council was formed under Garrett’s
leadership. Soon after, several pilot groups were formed. Eugene Kimble was asked to be
the elder over this ministry later that year and under his guidance and the council’s
leadership the ministry has grown to its present state.
As we enter the year 2004 we have seen God’s hand as He has blessed the refinement and
growth of this body life ministry. We now have over 450 people involved in flock group
meetings in the homes of members throughout the area served by the church, and interest
is growing each month.
Here is a typical e-mail response to the blessings many flock group leaders are receiving as
they start up their groups.
Eugene,
Deb and I had our first meeting last Saturday night. We had 17 adults including
ourselves! So far, everyone has committed to returning. Deb and I could not be more
pleased with how it went. We truly felt the Holy Spirit was guiding us. I'll tell you more
next time I see you. Thank you so much for all your efforts. All praise be to God!!
In Him,
Greg Mink [January 14, 2003]
As a direct response to scriptures like Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 4: 11-16 and Act 2:42,
the Flock Group Ministry has become the ministry of "missing link" in that it now provides a
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Matthew 5:13-16
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mechanism for fellow believers to connect with one another and encourage one another in
their walk with the Lord.
The Flock Group Ministry is also a complimentary ministry in that it does not replace already
existing structures, but adds another dimension to the way people within the flock of College
Park Church can “stir one another up” as the “priesthood of believers.”
It is also viewed as a means whereby we can disciple one another as we build each other
up in the faith and share the good news with others in our daily walk.
The Flock Group Ministry is now an integrated part of the pulpit ministry of College Park
Church whereby we, like the early church of Acts 2:42-47, meet together corporately for
public worship and privately in each other's homes during the week.
As an extension of the ministry of College Park Church we are actively involved in
accomplishing the mission of our church which is, "to glorify God by making disciples of
the Lord Jesus Christ." The process by which we are encouraged to accomplish our
mission as a church involves teaching, worship, fellowship, evangelism and compassion. To
learn more about our mission as a body of believers at College Park Church, visit our
website at http://www.yourchurch.com.
Our Mission
As a Flock Group Ministry, our mission is, to glorify God by building disciples of the Lord
Jesus Christ, employing…
Prayer…joining together in adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication to our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and
Outreach…sharing our faith in Jesus and serving others through word and deed,
…in a small home-based flock group setting.
The four areas of teaching, fellowship, prayer and outreach are the four pillars around which
we encourage our flock group leaders to structure their time together with their flock groups.
Our vision for the meeting time of the flock groups is that they will make an intentional effort
to stimulate one another to love and good works through facilitated discussions of the
sermons and Bible preaching at College Park Church with the primary focus on how to apply
what we learn to our everyday lives. As part of a balanced (four pillar) approach we further
encourage flock groups to multiply the gifts and effectiveness of the saints of College Park
Church through personal prayer, community building, and reaching out to our body and the
communities in which we live.
Our Goals
Our overall goal is that the flock groups will encourage intentional discipleship, evangelism,
and multiplication of flock groups in order to meet the growing needs of the larger flock that
has been led by the Holy Spirit into our fellowship at College Park Church.
Our general goals for the Flock Group Ministry are…
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A. To grow in Christ.
It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be
evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for
works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in
the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to
the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown
here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men
in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things
grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined
and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as
each part does its work. Ephesians 4:11-16
B. To build community.
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the
breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders
and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and
had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to
anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple
courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere
hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to
their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47
C. To make disciples.
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been
given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end
of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
D. To support the pulpit ministry.
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard
through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17
Our specific goals for the ministry are…
A. To pray for one another…knowing the heart of others.
B. To stir one another up…through application discussion of Sunday's Sermon.
C. To encourage one another…share Christ with others in word and deed.
D. To equip the saints…for reaching the world for Christ.
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Flock Group Distinctives
There are a number of distinctive characteristics that set apart the “flock groups” that meet
under the umbrella of the Flock Group Ministry from other types of groups:
A. Sense of community and connectedness.
This sense of community and connectedness comes from the fact that,
"Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ"
1 John 1:3b,
And, this close fellowship…
1. Provides an environment that fosters transparency,
2. Equips participants and provides a way for intentional "one anothering" to
take place, and
3. Encourages in-depth personal involvement and spiritual accountability.
B. Frequency and continuity of meetings.
Flock groups are committed to…
1. Meet at least every other week,
2. Meet for specified length of period of time, and are ongoing, and
3. Meet to facilitate spiritual growth through purposeful structure.
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us
encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews
10:25
C. Not focused as much on teaching but actual application of what has been taught.
Although there is teaching involved, it comes in the form of a facilitated discussion of
the pastors' teachings and personal application in the lives of the participants.
The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws
them out. Proverbs 20:5
D. Participation by all members.
The flock group leaders encourage participation of all members, knowing that
everyone has something to contribute for…
I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness,
complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. Romans 15:14
13
As the group interacts with each other, they are encouraged to…
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another
with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with
gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16
Through this process, there is a sense of progressive sanctification as they open up
and interact with each other…as "iron sharpens iron."
E. Not focused on numerical growth but multiplication of mature disciples.
The size of the groups are generally held within the range of 10-14 members, in
order to allow air time for everyone to participate and become involved in the
process. The larger the group, the less “air time” is available, so in this sense, small
is better.
Providing this quality time together is what draws people into the process of being
known, knowing God, and becoming like Christ which makes it such an integral part
of CPC culture.
These are not groups unto themselves however. Flock group leaders are
encouraged to apprentice those within their group that have leadership potential, so
that at some point a new group might be formed.
In this way the flock group process can expand throughout the congregation to
include all those who want to become connected with one another and be personally
encouraged in their walk with the Lord.
This process is very important as the Lord adds to our numbers those who hunger
and thirst for a way to become connected with one another.
F. Home-based.
As in the early church when the believers met together in each others' homes, as
well as corporately in the temple, members of the flock are encouraged to meet
together in each others' homes.
"Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke
bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God
and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily
those who were being saved." Acts 2:46-47
In the intimate setting of a flock group meeting within the home, people become
transparent with one another and encourage one another in the faith.
Meeting in the home also provides a forum for practicing hospitality and helping the
whole family of God develop in their faith. Some flock groups even include the
children of each family in their meetings, or at least a portion of their meeting…for
example, during worship and singing. Each group, however, is responsible for
providing their own arrangements for inclusion of children and/or arrangements for
child care.
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G. Diversity of group members.
As groups are formed by the leading of the Holy Spirit, the membership of the groups
are generally quite diverse in age, stage in life, personal needs, etc. They are
generally formed based on geographic proximity and are drawn from all walks of life,
as the Holy Spirit leads. It is truly an exciting process to see how the Lord leads in
forming the groups.
Biblical Basis for Flock Groups
"Why is participation in flock groups important in the life of the believer?" Because if we, as
believers and followers of our Lord Jesus, truly desire to live for Christ and obey his
teachings, we cannot do it in a vacuum. For how can we truly love and encourage one
another unless we come in contact with one another in a meaningful way.
As we search and study the God-breathed scriptures of the Holy Bible, we will come to
realize how truly interdependent we are on one another. For example, as we read in the
New Testament how the body of believers responded to the teachings of the apostles and…
•
•
•
•
•
met together in homes [in small flock group settings] as well as public places of
worship,
built each other up,
prepared others for leadership…to expand the ministry and reach others for Christ,
loved one another, and
were drawn together in a common bond of fellowship.
Believers Met in Their Homes
After Jesus ascended into heaven, his chosen disciples gathered together in a home and
prayerfully waited for the promised coming of the Holy Spirit.
When the day of Pentecost came, they [the Apostles] were all together in one place.
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the
whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that
separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter and the other Apostles boldly proclaimed what they had
seen and heard, and that what had taken place was clearly foretold in the scriptures and
fulfilled before their very eyes.
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other
apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for
the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise
is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will
call."
15
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves
from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and
about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:37-41
As the word of God was boldly proclaimed, people gathered together privately in their
homes as well as public places of worship.
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking
of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and
miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had
everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he
had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke
bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and
enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who
were being saved. Acts 2:42-47
As the church grew and the apostles came under harsh treatment they continued to meet
together in public and in private.
Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped
teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. Acts 5:42
But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men
and women and put them in prison. Acts 8:3
When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also
called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Acts 12:12
And later after Saul's conversion…
From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrived, he
said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I
came into the province of Asia. I served the Lord with great humility and with tears,
although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. You know that I have not
hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly
and from house to house. Acts 20:17-20
They Built Each Other Up
Through the leadership of the church, the body of Christ was built up as the Holy Spirit came
upon them and Christ apportioned various skills and abilities (spiritual gifts).
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:
"When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."
(What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly
regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens,
in order to fill the whole universe.)
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists,
and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so
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that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the
knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the
fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:7-13
As people gather together in your flock group, it is worthy to recognize that we are all in this
together and can participate in building each other up, as we apply our different gifts and
measures of faith to the situations we encounter along life's journey.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly
than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the
measure of faith God has given you.
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all
have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each
member belongs to all the others.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let
him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him
teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others,
let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy,
let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:3-8
Remember, everyone has something to contribute, and your role as leader of your flock
group is to facilitate their contributions so that together the whole body may be edified and
built up.
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a
word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done
for the strengthening of the church. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most
three--should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no
interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.
And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop.
For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of
disorder but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:26-33
They Prepared Others to Lead
As the Apostles began fulfilling their mission, they trained emerging leaders within the body
of Christ and encouraged them to do likewise…
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you
have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will
also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:1-2
In their search for reliable men, they knew…
It was he [Christ] who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be
evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of
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service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and
in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure
of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13
As you lead your flock group, look for and develop those who have the potential of
becoming flock group leaders in the future. As you feel led of the Holy Spirit, entrust to them
[delegate] various aspects of running your flock group, and encourage them to prayerfully
consider becoming flock group leaders.
They Loved One Another
Meeting together in small home-based flock groups also provides the opportunity to get to
know one another, and to love one another in spite of our short comings. It is a great
laboratory in which we can put into practice the command given by Jesus to his disciples…
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love
one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one
another." John 13:34-35
Paul reminded the saints at Ephesus to follow the Lord's example in loving one another.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as
Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Paul helped the saints in Rome gain greater insight into how this love should manifest itself
in the life of the believers.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one
another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in
zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in
affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice
hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice;
mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but
be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take
revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to
avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21
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As you lead your flock group, through the ups and downs of their individual lives, there will
be many occasions in which you will have opportunity to remind them of how Jesus would
want them to respond to their situations in life.
They were Drawn Together in a Common Bond of Fellowship
As you explore the Word of Life together in your flock group, and encourage one another to
apply what you've learned, you will find the Holy Spirit drawing you together in a common
bond of fellowship.
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship
with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write
this to make our joy complete. 1 John 1:3-4
The results will be awe inspiring, and bring great joy to your life and those of your group, as
you share with one another what God is doing in your life.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray
with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being
confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until
the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6
As the Holy Spirit leads, you will see unfolding before you the fruit of the Spirit's work in your
life and the lives of those in your flock group.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to
Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live
by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25
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Chapter 2 Fellowship
According to the dictionary, fellowship is a feeling of friendship that people have when they
are talking or doing something together, and sharing their experiences. It is also used to
describe a group of people that join together for a common purpose or interest. Such a
group of people is also referred to as a community. 2
As we explore the scriptures we find that the first "small group" was formed in the Garden of
Eden when…
The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable
for him." Genesis 2:18
When Isaac blessed Jacob, as he sent him out for a wife among the daughters of Laban, he
said…
"May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and increase your numbers until you
become a community of peoples." Genesis 28:1-3
After Jesus ascended into heaven, the body of believers…
…devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of
bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42
In other scriptures we find that the body of believers were drawn together as a community of
peoples because of their relationship with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ and the
indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. When they gathered together and devoted
themselves to the apostles' teachings, their spiritual bond and relationships with each other
were strengthened as they shared their experiences, and encouraged one another to live by
the truth, and walk as Jesus did.3
Today, we likewise join together in the same common bond as a community of believers in
the Lord Jesus Christ, and our challenge as flock group leaders is to help make this spiritual
truth a reality for the members of the flock that have been led by the Holy Spirit to gather
together in our homes.
Based on the feedback we have received from flock group members, this reality is being
accomplished as each member is encouraged to actively participate in all of the four pillars
of flock groups:
Teaching…Encouraging one another to apply the pastors' teachings to their lives.
Fellowship…Building community with love and devotion to one another in Christ.
Prayer…Joining together in a meaningful personal time with our Lord and Savior.
Outreach…Sharing our faith in Jesus and serving others through word and deed.
2
3
Collins Dictionary of the University of Birmingham England
Acts 2:42-47, 1 John 1:1-10, Philippians 2:1-2
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Community Building flows from all four of the pillars, but benefits from the special emphasis
on getting to know one another. Together, the four pillars provide the foundation by which
community building grows and flourishes.
Building Community Today
Is their a need today for building community and connecting with one another in fellowship?
The answer is an astounding, Yes!
A. It is a strongly felt need of many people today.
1. "Our people’s hearts cry out for it" says Dr. Garrett Higbee a well-known
psychologist who now provides pastoral counseling services at College Park
Church.
2. Elizabeth II on her 50th Christmas greeting to her nation in December 2001
said, “A sense of community and our faith will be beacons that will lead us
into and through the coming year.”
B. God designed the church to be a community of the Spirit.
1. “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort
from His love, if any fellowship with His Spirit, if any tenderness and
compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the
same love, being one in spirit and purpose,” Philippians 2:1-2.
2. Pastor George Mueller (1805-1898), who relying solely upon God’s word, the
Holy Spirit, and prayer supported all of his works, sought to help his people
realize, "the deeper truths of the word, which relate to the power and
presence of the Holy Spirit of God in the church, and to the ministry of saints,
one to another, as fellow members in the body of Christ use their spiritual
gifts for service." For more information, see www.bsmi.org/mueller.htm.
3. A.T. Pearson, in writing the biography of George Mueller quoted him in
saying, “As to the importance of the children of God opening their hearts to
each other, especially when they are getting into a cold state, or under the
power of a certain sin, or in especial difficulty; I know from my own
experience how often the snare of the devil has been broken when under the
power of sin, how often the heart has been comforted when nigh to be
overwhelmed; how often advice [amid] great perplexity, has been obtained—
by opening my heart to a brother in whom I had confidence. We are children
of the same family, and ought therefore to be helpers one of another.” A.T.
Pearson, “George Mueller of Bristol and His Witness to a Prayer Hearing
God,” 223.
4. Pastor Kimber Kauffman, Senior Pastor of College Park Church since 1985,
said, “If you want to be a part of the New Testament church, exercise your gift
in the church.” 11/23/01 AM Sermon.
Today, we gather together in a variety of settings with family, friends, colleagues,
associates, etc. But what makes a gathering of people, a community of God, is the common
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bond we have when we gather together in fellowship with the Father and with His Son,
Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3.
As fellow believers, we are reconnected with the Living God through faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ, and we share the spiritual realities of…
A. Eternal life, “The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord,” Romans 6:23.
B. God’s grace, “All of you share in God’s grace with me,” Philippians 1:27.
C. Union with each other through Christ’s death and resurrection, “We were therefore
buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised
from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life,”
Romans 6:4.
D. We are one body and all partake of one Holy Spirit, “For we were all baptized by one
Spirit into one body. . .and we were all given the one Spirit to drink,”
1 Corinthians 12:13.
E. We all received pardon through Christ for our rebellion against God, “For if when we
were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son…”
Romans 5:17-20.
F. We all have been elevated to a status of sons and daughters and thus form a
community with God, “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s
children,” Romans 8:16.
G. We all have a common inheritance and destiny, “”Now if we are children, then we are
heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,” Romans 8:17.
H. As, “All the believers were together and had everything in common…selling their
possessions and goods, they gave to everyone as he had need,"4 we share in good
times and bad times: birth and death; personal triumphs, as well as personal
tragedies; and at times share our goods.
I.
We, as the New Testament Church, have a love for each other that the world cannot
match.
J. We, as a body of believers, also share our talents and gifts in common service to
Christ. For example:
1. We can help empower each member to live in daily spiritual blessing and
victory through the Fellowship, Teaching, and Prayer/Worship experienced in
the Flock Gathering.
2. Together we can learn how to share the Good News of Christ’s Redemption
with our siblings, relatives, and neighbors.
4
Acts 2:44-45; 4:32
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3. God may call some Flock Members to teach his word in Sunday School or
AWANA, and others may be called to proclaim it in Nursing Homes,
Detention Centers or Rescue Missions.
As we continue exploring the scriptures, we also find that the early church grew and
flourished because of common characteristics and biblical principles they followed.
Fellowship in the Early Church
As the Holy Spirit moved among the people after the day of Pentecost, there was great
excitement in the air for the followers of Jesus, and much soul searching for the assembly of
God fearing Jews, from every nation under heaven, who had heard about and witnessed the
recent events surrounding the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
As the early church began to form, Luke describes what happened after people accepted
the messages they heard from Peter and the other apostles.
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking
of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and
miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had
everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he
had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke
bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and
enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who
were being saved. Acts 2:42-47
John, the Apostle whom Jesus loved, describes how their fellowship with each other was
made possible because of their relationship with God.
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship
with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write
this to make our joy complete. 1John 1:3-4
John continues in 1 John 1:5-11 to describe that we can enjoy this same fellowship with God
and with one another, if we…
•
•
•
•
•
live by the truth,
walk in the light…as he is in the light,
confess our sins,
obey his commands, and
walk as Jesus did.
The Apostle Paul encourages fellowship among the believers in Philippi.
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his
love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my
joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and
purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider
others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests,
but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4
Paul encourages Philemon to actively share his faith and continue refreshing the saints.
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I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your
faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in
sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have
in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother,
have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Philemon 1:4-7
In Hebrews 3:12-13, the writer encourages the fellowship of believers to…
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from
the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that
none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
Principles for Building Fellowship
As we examine these scriptures more closely, we learn that the body of believers…
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
devoted themselves to the apostles' teachings and fellowship with one another,
met together regularly in corporate gatherings and in each others' homes,
broke bread together…asking the Lord's blessing and sharing in communion,
prayed for one another,
encouraged one another in their walk with the Lord,
were filled with awe at what God was doing,
reached out to others in need with tenderness and compassion,
praised God with glad and sincere hearts, and enjoyed the people's favor,
were encouraged to become one in spirit and purpose, and love one another,
shared their faith and nurtured those that the Lord added to their numbers.
When applying these principles in building fellowship in our flock groups, most will occur
naturally, while others may need a little attention on our part to nurture the process. Our
prayer is that your fellowship will be strengthened as you…
1. Devote yourselves to the pastors' teachings and fellowship with one another,
2. Meet regularly throughout the whole year in each others' homes,
3. Share refreshments, meal-time and communion together as the Lord leads,
4. Pray for one another when together and between meetings as well,
5. Encourage one another in your walk with the Lord,
6. Share how God has been at work in your lives and give him the glory,
7. Reach out to each other with tenderness and compassion,
8. Praise God with glad and sincere hearts and let your lights shine,
9. Encourage your group to become united in purpose, spirit and love, and
10. Share your faith and nurture those entrusted to your care.
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Practical Tips for Building Fellowship
As you go about building fellowship in your flock group, here are a few tips John and Marilyn
Spilker, Flock Group Leaders at College Park Church, have picked up along their journey
that you may also find helpful in building fellowship within your group.
In Preparation: As you prepare for your meetings…
•
•
•
•
•
•
Pray for the Holy Spirit's leading before your group gathers together.
Contact members, via e-mail, to remind them of the meeting.
Prepare your home for the flock group meeting.
Have name tags ready for initial meetings, and when guests attend.
Setup for snacks…and communion, as the Holy Spirit leads.
Open your home early (15-20 minutes) for members to arrive.
Upon Arrival: As members and guests arrive for your meetings…
•
•
•
•
Greet them warmly as they arrive and welcome them into your home.5
Allow time for informal discussion and sharing of experiences.
Gather the group together for the meeting, and open with prayer.
Introduce guests to the group, and explain why they are attending.
Get Acquainted: As new groups gather together for the first meeting, share with them how
God has been at work in forming the group. Then provide an opportunity to get acquainted
with open-ended questions. For example,
•
•
•
Tell us something about yourself (i.e., name, family, job, etc.)
What led you to attend College Park Church?
What motivated you to become part of a flock group?
Stimulate Discussion: As your group gets established, ask open-ended questions during
fellowship time to stimulate discussion and sharing of experiences in their walk with the
Lord. For example,
•
•
•
How has God been at work in your life this past week? (I spy God).
What scriptures have you been living on this past week?
When have you felt most in fellowship and communion with God?
Or at times, you might want to ask open-ended questions that share different aspects of
each other's lives, or questions to just have fun together and get to know each other in
unique and different ways. For example,
•
•
•
What do you do to keep your marriages alive and well?
What was your favorite room in your house as a child, and what made it so?
If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would you go?
5
After your group is established, encourage late comers to come right on in, without ringing
the doorbell, and join the group. This will minimize disruption and encourage people to be on
time.
25
•
How did you meet your spouse?
Continue the Process: Building fellowship is not limited to just a specified time for
fellowship. It can continue throughout your meeting, as you ask open-ended questions
while facilitating your group's discussion of sermon applications, sharing praise and prayer
requests, etc.
Remain Alert: Remember to remain alert during your meeting, and lovingly draw each
member into the discussion, as appropriate, to build a sense of unity and purpose, and
encourage one another in their walk with the Lord.
Be Flexible: Also, look out for the interests of others by keeping alert to events and
situations that are occurring in their lives, and be ready to appropriately engage the group as
they arise. For example, stopping the discussion and praying about the situation, engaging
in a service project to meet the needs of one of your members, etc.
Include Music: As appropriate, provide a time for singing and praising God. If you have a
piano, gather 'round, or sing to music of a CD/Tape player, or raise your voices in a
cappella.
Have Fun: Remember also to have fun together. Periodically just get together for a time of
fun and fellowship. Get together in each other's homes for a pitch-in dinner, or a picnic in a
park, or a backyard barbecue, etc. Invite the whole family to come along and join the fun.
Follow-up: After each meeting of your flock group, spend some time with your co-leader in
critiquing the meeting and thanking God for His leading. Then send a follow-up e-mail to all
who attended with highlights of the event, including how God has been at work in the lives of
your group, things your group has agreed to do, praise and prayer requests, words of
encouragement, etc. This will bring closure to a great evening of fellowship, and provides
you with an opportunity to reinforce key points and encourage each member in their walk
with the Lord.
Practical Tips on Building Community
Eugene and Joanne Kimble, Flock Group Leaders at College Park Church, have found that
building community does, for the most part, come naturally as flock groups gather together
for regular meetings in each other's homes. There are, however, some things we as leaders
can do to stimulate the process and encourage our group to draw together.
Getting to know each other can be fun, unique, or spiritually thought provoking:
A. Ask open ended questions that have no right or wrong answers. For example,
1. “What is your favorite passage of Scripture, and why?” (Jim Jordan)
2. “Tell us two things about yourself: first, what one thing have you done in the
past week or two that no one else in our group is apt to have done? and
second, show us one item from your pocket, purse, billfold, or Bible that
reveals something about yourself.” (J Higbee)
3.
“When have you most felt you were a part of the body of Christ?” (Schuth’s)
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4. “Tell us something about yourself.” (Van Gorp’s)
5. “What does it mean to follow Christ in the work place?” and “Has this
question arisen in your mind in the past week or so?” (Jim Williams)
6. “When you lived at home what was your favorite room and why?”
7. Tell us…
How did you come to Christ?
How and when did you meet your spouse?
How did you learn about College Park Church?
8. “What verse or verses of Scripture have you been living on this week?”
Comments about the Scripture are okay but not necessary. (Pastor
Kauffman)
9. “If your home was on fire, assuming that all family members, pets and your
Bible are safely out of harm’s way, what object would you want to save, and
why?”
10. “Share with us some memorable event of your life. What makes this
particularly memorable to you?”
B. Play games, like the Christian version of the Ungame, or selected questions from it.
C. Here’s an interesting exercise. “Prepare to tell us three things about yourself. Two of
these things should be true but one should be false. Don’t tell us which is which.
After the first person tells their three things, we will try to guess which is the
falsehood. Then each of you will get a turn to try to stump us.”
D. Every three or four months have a pitch-in meal
E. Invite a special speaker (Bible centered topics or testimonies only). This could be in
conjunction with a meal together. You could join with another Flock Group for
fellowship or this could be an outreach to the unsaved.
For the Internet-literate, put the term “ice breakers” into your search engine. You will find
many more ideas and suggestions that can be used for Community Building.
If you have “tips” about community building that you would like to share, go to the
suggestion box on our website at http://www.bsmi.org/flock_suggestion_box.htm and tell us
about them. For example, in Appendix C you'll find Sample Ice Breaker Tips we recently
received that you might find helpful.
For those who would like to explore community building as it relates to reaching out to
people within the neighborhoods in which we live, you'll enjoy reading the book entitled The
Connecting Church…Beyond Small Groups to Authentic Community, by Randy Frazee.
See Resource in Chapter 10 for more information on this publication.
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One Anothering in Flock Groups
Another aspect of building fellowship is called "One Anothering." As we gather together in
our small home-based flock groups, a spirit of unity and a common bond of fellowship and
love emerges as we seek to follow Jesus and encourage one another in our walk with the
Lord.
Definition
Throughout the New Testament, there are a number of scriptures that give us rich insights
as to how we as Christians should interact with one another.
As Jesus prepared his disciples for his departure, he commands them, and us by way of
application, to love one another.
Throughout the balance of the New Testament, the writers encourage those that follow
Christ on how to conduct themselves in their walk with the Lord.
For example, Paul in his letter to the saints in Rome encouraged them to…
•
•
•
•
•
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Honor one another above ourselves.
Accept one another just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Instruct one another.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
To the saints in other churches, Paul encouraged them to…
•
Agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you
may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
•
Serve one another in love.
•
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
•
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ
God forgave you.
•
Be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual
songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God
the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
•
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
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•
Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one
another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love,
which binds them all together in perfect unity.
•
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were
called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you
teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns
and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do,
whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God
the Father through him.
•
Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
To the Hebrew believers , the writer encouraged them to…
•
Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may
be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
•
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us
encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Peter in his epistles , wrote…
•
•
•
•
•
•
Love one another deeply, from the heart.
Live in harmony with one another.
Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Use whatever gift you have received to serve others.
Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another,
The Apostle John reinforces the teachings he heard first hand from Jesus, as he
encouraged his readers to follow God's command to believe in the name of his Son Jesus
Christ and to love one another.
Discerning Issues
As you encourage your flock group to love one another…
•
Listen for Heart Issues. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Matthew 12:34b.
•
Look for Heart Issues. When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all
evil with his eyes. Proverbs 20:8
•
Draw out Heart Issues. The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man
of understanding draws them out. Proverbs 20:5
29
Environment
As you conduct your meetings, provide a conducive atmosphere for loving one another.
•
•
•
•
Be concerned for others
Be transparent
Be accepting
Be gracious and merciful
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because
judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs
over judgment! James 2:12-13
Leading
When leading your flock group…
•
Lead by example. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1
•
Help others one another. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone
with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I
labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Colossians 1:28-29
•
Lead with Scripture. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth;
meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.
Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
•
Lead with positive direction. And let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in
the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the
Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Summary
In summary, as we close this session, when you lead your group to love and care for one
another…
•
•
•
It's about love.
It's about Loving People.
It's about Loving People as the Lord.
We have now come full circle, back to the point which we started when we shared with you
the words of Jesus when he said…
What remains for all of us is the challenge to do it.
30
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love
for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22
Resource
An excellent resource that we [Lincoln and Lynda Brill] and other flock group leaders as well,
have found helpful in building one another up is Otherly Love by Rich Vincent - Pastor of
Single Ministries at College Park Church. It is a study of the "One Anothers' of the New
Testament and their implications in the life of the believer. To obtain a copy of the 46 page
booklet, call College Park Church at 317-875-0282.
31
Chapter 3 Teaching
The teaching that goes on during your flock group sessions is more of a facilitation process
of applying (massaging) the word of God into the hearts and lives of its members. We are
richly blessed as a body of believers at College Park Church to have a pulpit ministry that is
filled weekly with sound biblical teachings. Our task as flock group leaders is to engage our
groups in remembering what was taught, identifying application principles, and encouraging
one another to apply what has been taught to our lives. As you guide them through the
process (facilitate), you will be encouraging them (teaching them) to obey and put what they
hear into practice.
Since it is easy for leaders to drop into a mode of a traditional teacher in a classroom
situation than a facilitator of the process, let's revisit our purpose.
Purpose of Flock Groups
The purpose of flock groups at College Park Church is to provide an extension of the weekly
public ministry of the church into flock groups meeting in the homes of its members. As an
extension of the public ministry, we are encouraged to pursue our mission as a church, "To
glorify God by making disciples through teaching, worship, fellowship, evangelism and
compassion."
As the early church "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to
the breaking of bread and to prayer,"6 we are encouraged to do likewise in our flock group
fellowships.
Flock groups, however, are more than…
•
•
•
•
•
Support groups or social clubs or counseling sessions.
Evangelism training classes.
Home Bible studies.
Focus groups.
Prayer meetings.
The Flock Group Ministry Council at College Park Church encourages the flock group
leaders to structure their meeting time in four areas, referred to as pillars:
•
•
•
•
Teaching…with emphasis on application of the pastors' teachings
Fellowship…as we share what God is doing in our lives.
Prayer…in active communion with God for each other and our church.
Outreach…sharing our faith with others and serving others in word and deed.
As we meet together in each other's homes, we have an opportunity to remember what is
being taught, search the scriptures and apply the principles to our walk with the Lord.
6
Acts 2:42
32
Why is Teaching a Part of Flock Groups
As the body of believers of the early church, "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching
and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer," we are encouraged in our
flock groups to devote ourselves to our pastors' teachings. Note that being devoted to the
teachings of the apostles is the anchoring activity that helped bind the body of believers
together as they met together in each other's homes.
The teaching pillar of a flock group gathering allows time for each of us to…
•
•
•
Be reminded of, and to examine God's word,
Be encouraged to obey it, repent, and apply it,
Enjoy fellowship while discussing The Grandest Subject - Jesus.
Our Goal for Teaching Segment
The goal of the teaching segment is to remind each other of what we heard from God’s
word, examine the Scriptures and apply the principles of God's word to our lives.
Remind
Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, encourages us to remember what
has been taught.
But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.
Jude 1:17
John, also encourages us to…
Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent.
Revelation 3:3
Examine the Scriptures
What better place to dive into God's word and discuss it's implications for our lives than in
our flock group gatherings. In doing so we, like to Bereans, will be assured that what was is
taught is based on sound biblical teachings.
Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they
received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to
see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11
Apply
After being reminded of what was taught and examining the scriptures, the most important
dimension is to apply the principles to our lives. In the Revelation of John, he encouraged
his readers to…
"Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent."
Revelation 3:3
Matthew records how Jesus told those listening to his sermon on the mount that application
brings wisdom and establishes a firm foundation on which to live our lives.
33
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a
wise man who built his house on the rock." Matthew 7:24
On the day Jesus ascended into heaven, he commissioned his disciples to go, make
disciples, and teach them to obey.
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given
to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20
This means that there needs to be an application of the sermon to our lives, not just a
discussion about what was said. We need to teach one another to obey Jesus’ teachings
daily. And we do so in the full knowledge and empowerment of the presence of the Holy
Spirit and resurrected Lord guiding us along our journey.
What should the Teaching Segment Look Like?
If you were to drop in on the teaching segment of a typical flock group, you would see that…
A. In following the example of the early church in being, "devoted themselves to the
apostles' teachings" (Acts 2:42), the source of the application discussion is on the
Sunday sermons of College Park Church.
B. Everyone in the group is encouraged to participate as the flock group leader
facilitates the discussion, draws people into the discussion, and helps the group to
stay focused.
C. The focus of the discussion is on applying sound instruction and Godly teaching,
centered upon Jesus, and not upon controversies that result in strife.
"What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a
hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of
these must be done for the strengthening of the church. If anyone speaks in a
tongue, two--or at the most three--should speak, one at a time, and someone
must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the
church and speak to himself and God.
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what
is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first
speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be
instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of
prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace."
1 Corinthians 14:26-33
"You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine." Titus 2:1
"If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of
our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands
34
nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words
that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction
between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think
that godliness is a means to financial gain."
1 Timothy 6:3-5
"Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless
chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some
have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith."
1 Timothy 6:20-21
"Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does
not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the
Son." 2 John 1:9
During the teaching segment your role will be more of a facilitator than a traditional role of a
teacher that you generally see used in Sunday School or in a small group Bible study. For
more on developing your facilitation skills, see the Chapter 8 on Facilitation.
Tips on Teaching (Nurturing) your Flock Group
Eugene and Joanne Kimble, Flock Group Leaders at College Park Church, have found the
following tips helpful as they start new flock groups and encourage participants to apply the
word of God preached from the pulpit each Sunday.
A. Encourage each member to obtain the previous Sunday’s notes. (If they are not able
to pick the notes up on Sunday morning, they can download them from the Sermon
Notes link on the Flock Group Ministry page of the BSMI website at
http://www.bsmi.org/flock_sermon_notes.htm.)
B. Have someone read the Sunday Scripture lesson and then enlarge upon the topic.
C. Ask open-ended questions that have no right or wrong answer but that stimulate
discussion, such as:
1. “How did this sermon minister to you?” (a blessing, encouragement,
admonition, etc.)
2. “What new insight did you receive from the Scripture passage?”
3. “What illustration stood out and why?"
4. “What question(s) did the sermon raise in your mind?” (Either not
understanding some point or wanting more information about it)
5. “Were you able this week to apply some particular part of the sermon?”
6. “Tell us how you have been edified, strengthened and built up in your spiritual
nature by the sermon.”
7. “Does taking notes during the sermon influence how you listen, help you to
understand better, help you to keep your attention focused?”
8. (You will not, of course, want to use all of these questions at one time.)
D. Use the Discussion Guide that is posted weekly along with the Sermon Notes on the
Flock Group Ministry's website mentioned above. They are located in the far right
column of the table containing the Sermon Notes/Slides.
35
References that give helpful suggestions for studying a book of the Bible (basically that is
what we do when we further our study of our pastors' sermons):
For a good inductive approach of observation, interpretation and application see The
Willow Creek Guide to Leading Life-Changing Small Groups, 48-50. Also see, Small
Group Leaders’ Handbook, by InterVarsity Press, 53-68.
Preparing a Discussion Guide
As a service to our flock group leaders, members of the council create application
discussion guides after each Sunday Morning service and place them on the Flock Group
Ministry's website at www.bsmi.org/flockgroupministry.htm as a springboard for discussion.
The guides are prepared and available for download as both Microsoft Word (.doc) files and
Adobe Portable Document Format (.pdf) files. Also available on the Sermon Notes page are
Microsoft PowerPoint slides and other files that are posted to the website. For an audio
tape of any of the sermons, contact College Park Church at 317-875-0282.
For a sample of one of the discussion guides, see Appendix F.
Even though discussion guides are provided, we encourage you to go through the process
of developing your own guides, and even encourage the members of your group to do
likewise.
To assist you in accomplishing this task, here are some tips on how to go about creating the
discussion guides.
A. Gather input for the discussion guide during the pastor's sermon. As you approach
this step…
•
•
•
•
•
Prepare your heart and mind in prayer before the service,
Obtain a copy of the PowerPoint slides to be used for the sermon,
Listen carefully and stay engaged during the sermon,
Take note of scriptures, principles, challenges and application points,
Obtain an audio tape for review, as necessary.
B. Prepare a first draft. As you approach this step…
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Prepare your heart and mind in prayer,
Review the PowerPoint slide handout,
Review your notes taken during the sermon,
Listen to the audio tape, if available, to sharpen your understanding,
Study the scripture references,
Prepare a brief summary of the sermon,
Identify the principles, challenges and application points made by the pastor,
Generate several open-ended questions to stimulate application discussion.
C. Review your first draft with your co-leader.
36
•
•
•
Ask your co-leader to prayerfully review your first draft,
Discuss the guide with your co-leader after their review,
Consider their insight and suggestions and make appropriate changes.
D. Prepare final copy and distribute.
•
•
Prepare your discussion guide for distribution to your flock group,
E-mail the guide to members of your group for study before your next
meeting.
May the Lord Jesus Christ richly bless you as you become more engaged in hearing God's
word and leading your flock group into an engaging discussion of the pastor's sermon and
how they may apply what is taught to their lives.
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and
of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And
surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
37
Chapter 4 Prayer
Spending time in prayer is an essential element of the flock group meeting process which
binds members together in common communion with God the Father, and His Son Jesus
Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
Paul, in his letter to the church at Colossi, encouraged them to "Devote yourselves to
prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2
Devote Yourselves to Prayer
When we devote (Gr. proskartereo ) ourselves to prayer we are to persevere and be
steadfast. We are to continue steadfastly in it with unrelenting care.
As the body of believers, "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer,"7 we can follow their example and do
likewise in our flock group meetings.
Being devoted to prayer in our flock group meeting, also suggests that we put a significant
amount of energy into our prayer time.
Be Watchful as you Pray
Being watchful (Gr. gregoreo) in our prayer time means we are to remain spiritually alert,
keep awake and be vigilant.
You will need to watch your time during your meeting to be sure that you allow sufficient
time for a meaningful prayer time. In so doing, be prepared, however, for distractions!
Stay alert when prayer requests are shared, so that you won't have to ask people to repeat
requests, and so that you will catch very important requests. Watch for things to pray about.
Keep alert during your prayer time to make sure everyone is prayed for and has a chance to
pray, and that there is no favoritism.
Watch (as a leader) that you do not fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41, Galatians 6:1)
Be Thankful as you Pray
Being thankful (Gr. eucharistia) in our prayer time means we are to have an attitude of
gratitude, thanksgiving and joy.
Encourage praises during prayer time. Share you own praises and answers to prayer. Ask
members about previous prayer requests.
Make thanksgiving an integral part of prayer request time and prayer time.
7
Acts 2:42
38
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Elements of Prayer in Flock Group Meetings
As you lead your flock group, here are a few elements to consider including during your
prayer time.
A. Preparation: Provide Pens and Prayer Sheets
Provide pens and prayer sheets on which everyone can write the group's requests.
Provide blank sheets with each members name so all can fill in their requests. Or, to
allow updates, provide sheets with each members previous requests plus provide
room for new requests.
B. Worship: Prepare your Hearts and Minds
Worship by singing during your flock group meeting. "I want men everywhere to lift
up holy hands in prayer…" 1 Tim 2:8 . Gather around the piano, or guitar, or
CD/Tape player, or raise you voices in a cappella.
C. Open Up to Each Other: Share Praises, Requests & Struggles
Share your praises and prayer requests, and confess sins/struggles with each other.
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other," James 5:16. As
your group becomes more comfortable with each other they will be more willing to
open up and confess their sins, short comings and struggles.
An easy acronym to remember and use when preparing for and entering into your
prayer time is ACTS, which stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and
Supplication. Those that have used this approach have found that it helps their
groups work towards more balance in their prayer time, and it encourages members
to get to the heart issues on which they need to work.
D. Take Notes: Record Group Input
Record your group's praises and prayer requests. As a leader, you will need to
record the group's input, or delegate this role to a volunteer in your group. With
someone else fulfilling this role, it will allow you more time to interact with the
members and facilitate the process.
E. Pray: Allow Time to Pray
Pray at the end of your request time. Also pray for each other, as well as our leaders
and pastors. "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and
requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I
will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador
in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:18-20
39
F. Follow-up: Send Prayer Reminders via E-Mail
E-mail out a summary of the group's prayer requests. This will provide you with a
regular follow-up process in which you can remind the members of the highlights of
the meeting, provide words of encouragement and give praise for what God is doing
in the lives of your members, etc.
G. Continue Praying for One Another
Pray during the week for each other. "I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers
did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my
prayers. 2 Timothy 1:3
Building Community During Prayer Time
Having a meaningful time of prayer can also build community in your groups.
A. Model it in your life
1. Be a praying person yourself—pray with your spouse
Pray for the group members and their needs, for the Holy Spirit’s guidance
and power to enable you to be a true shepherd of your Flock, for all the
members to be strengthened and encouraged by their gathering together.
2. When praying aloud in your group, let your prayers be natural, true, and from
your heart.
B. Play it safe
1. Don’t expect every member to pray each time.
2. Let the participants pray as they feel led, rather then praying around the circle
or some other specified pattern.
3. Respect your covenant’s intimacy provision. This will develop a sense of
safety and will nurture real, heart-felt prayer.
C. Gently set guidelines for your prayer time
1. Pray each time your Flock meets.
2. Vary your time and methods of praying.
3. Follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.
a.
b.
c.
d.
When a deep need is being discussed, stop and pray for it right then.
Encourage spontaneous and free praying.
Periods of silence are not to be feared.
Give the Holy Spirit time to work in your Flock gathering so your time
together is edifying, uplifting, and refreshing.
40
D. Further ways to build community in your group through prayer
1. At times use a portion of the prayer time just to praise God instead of asking
for needs to be met. (Kimber uses this on Wednesday nights)
2. Pray through a Scripture passage aloud together (Kimber uses this too)
3. Have spouses pray for each other and encourage them to continue doing so
during the week.
4. Breakout into gender groups for more intimate sharing and accountability.
5. Apply prayers found in Scripture (Eph. 1:15-21; 3:14-19; Phil. 4:6-7; Col. 1:912; 2 Thess. 1:11-12).
6. Vary the placement of the prayer time in your meeting schedule. Don’t always
make prayer the last thing before you dismiss.
7. On occasion pray through the requests in the Sunday bulletin.
8. Pray that College Park elders may live righteous lives, make wise decisions,
and give God’s guidance to the church.
9. At times, have the Flock members write out their requests beforehand and
exchange them with another participant.
10. Assign participants to pray specifically for others during prayer time.
11. Ask a gifted communicator to write down all the answers, praises and
requests and e-mail them within two days to all the members.
12. Don’t let the giving of prayer requests consume all of your prayer time (see
#9 above to help alleviate the situation if this is a problem).
13. Let different members lead your prayer session.
14. Always allow some time for actual prayer by the group so they can
experience the Holy Spirit’s blessing. Then remind them to pray for the
requests during the interval before the next meeting.
E. For more tips on developing prayer in your Flock Group, see The Willow Creek
Guide to Leading Life-Changing Small Groups, 117-120. Also see Small Group
Leaders’ Handbook, by InterVarsity Press, 69-84.
41
Chapter 5 Outreach
As an extension of the public ministry of our church, we are encouraged to fulfill the mission
of our church, "To glorify God by making disciples through teaching, worship, fellowship,
evangelism, and compassion." Within our flock groups we are encouraged to impact the
world for Christ in our sphere of influence (i.e., at home, at work, and in the neighborhoods
in which we live. etc.).
Evangelizing the world for Christ and compassionately reaching out to other in acts of
service is embodied in our fourth pillar, which is called Outreach. It is well documented by
the writers of the New Testament that sharing our faith and making disciples is an
imperative, not an option. And having compassion for and reaching out to others in their
time of need becomes a natural extension of our ministry of loving one another, as Jesus
loved us.
The Command
Jesus commanded his disciples, and through application to all who follow him, to…
Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And
surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus did not ask us to make ourselves available to him and share our faith with those he
brings across our path, but to go…get up and do it…be proactive.
The Reason
We are in a spiritual battle and it grieves our Lord when he sees how those who are
disconnected from God are harassed and helpless in their defense against such powerful
forces.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed
and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest
is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out
workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:36-38
The Greek word splagchnizomai, translated compassion, describes being moved as to one's
bowels, hence to be moved with compassion, have compassion (for the bowels were
thought to be the seat of love and pity).
In short, Jesus was sick to his stomach and felt an intense pain as he looked out over the
crowd, and perhaps visibly saw the battle that was being raged.
42
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in
the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12
The Seed
Our task in reaching others for Christ is to sow the seed.
As Mark recorded Jesus telling the crowds in the parable of the sower…
The sower soweth the word. Mark 4:14 (KJV)
The Promise
As we share our faith and sow our seeds, the power of the Holy Spirit uses our seeds to
accomplish God's purpose and plan for those that hear.
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without
watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and
bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me
empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10-11
As Jesus concluded his parable of the sower,
Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop--thirty,
sixty or even a hundred times what was sown." Mark 4:20
The Personal Benefit
Those who share their faith also share in the rich reward of receiving a personal benefit from
doing so.
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full
understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Philemon 1:6
The Warning
Correspondingly Jesus warned that…
He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.
Matthew 12:30 [Emphasis added].
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10
Developing a Lifetime Plan for Evangelism
As a flock group leader of College Park Church, I [Tom Eads, FG Leader] would like to
share how my wife and I and our family, and our flock group, have reached out to others. I
pass this information along to encourage you to consider developing your own Lifetime Plan
for reaching out to others, sharing your faith and planting seeds that the Holy Spirit can use
in bringing others to Christ. In doing so, it will help you to…
43
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for
the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15
I encourage you to expand your vision and see the many opportunities that are before us
each and every day. Together, we can all make a huge difference in impacting the world for
Christ; if we become proactive in sharing our faith, and do it consistently over time.
For example, here is the impact each of us could make in impacting our world for Christ over
a 20 year period.
A Lifetime Plan for Evangelism
Mark 4:14; Isaiah 55:11; and Matthew 12:30.
A. Daily evangelism
1. Tract Ministry
One-a-day x 20 years = 7,300 tracts [Cost = $36.50/year]
Leave a tract with a good tip at a restaurant
[Leave tracts in bathroom stalls where people like to have reading material]
[Leave on an occasional car window]
Handout to someone sitting on a bench looking bored
Tract with bill payments [10/month]
FOR THIS TO BE MOST EFFECTIVE, YOU WILL NEED A TRACT
CARRIER AND BIBLES/NEW TESTAMENTS IN YOUR CAR/HOME READY
TO GIVE OUT
2. Greeting card encouragement
One-a-week x 20 years = 1,040 cards [Cost =$10/year]
3. T-shirt evangelism
4. Personal encounters
Distribute Bibles and tracts to:
Homeless people on the street corners [2/year]
Salesmen at your door [2/year]
Salesmen on the phone [2/week]
Children selling candy at your door [10/year]
5. e-mail ministries
e-mail signatures [one-a week]; e-tracts, e-cards
e-mail friends with your brief testimony [2/year]
6. Gifts
Support a child [or children] in a third-world country ($25/month)
44
Subscription to Decision Magazine ($9/year)
Memorial Bible program through the Gideons [$5/Bible]
Christmas, Graduation, Birthdays, etc
7. Lifestyle vs encounters
Live your life as a living testimony for Christ.
Be proactive in doing what Jesus taught us to do.
B. Special events
1. Gospel booth type events 8 [100-200/year]
2. Halloween night--tracts/Bibles, approx 60 tracts/Bibles
3. Christmas Cards [30/year]
C. Evangelism based ministries
1. Prison [10/month]
2. Gideons International [25/month]
3. AWANA [Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15)].
D. Encourage, train, and equip others to evangelize (The multiplication principle of
Philippians 4:17)
1. Give several tracts or New Testaments to your children for them to distribute
2. Encourage other believers to evangelize
3. Support a missionary or evangelistic organization financially
Subtotal of Item A, B, C [excluding T-shirt ministry] is 40,000 people evangelized in 20
years. The possibilities with Item D are HUGE
**Remember to pray for opportunities and effectiveness for your evangelism
For Tom's expanded list of resources you can tap into to obtain supplies for evangelism, see
Appendix D and E.
8
For recent example, see www.johansenhome.com/2002.sg-gospelbooth.htm.
45
Tips on Sharing Your Faith
Here are some tips that Eugene and Joanne Kimble (Flock Group Leaders) also pass along
for your consideration.
A. Know the reasons why we believers are to share our faith.
B. Obtain resources and prepare so that you will be ready to share when the
opportunity arises. See http://www.bsmi.org/flock_resource_links.htm for links to
Leading Others to Christ.
1. Purchase Jesus Video and make them available to others (various versions
are available—adult, children, Spanish).
a. The Kimble and Schuth Groups gave 32 of the videos to friends,
relatives, and co-workers and then shared their experiences.
b. The adult version is available at the College Park Bookstore.
2. Get Connected to The Four Spiritual Laws. on the Internet. The flash version
is available at http://www.greatcom.org/laws/english/flash. Take a look at this
yourself and then invite other Internet users to look in. Folks who will not be
inclined to read the paper booklet are apt to have their attention hooked by
the movement.
3. Prepare your personal testimony of what great things the Lord has done for
you.
a. Write out your testimony, covering what your life was like before you
met Christ, how you came to know Christ as your personal Savior,
and what your life has been like since that time. Be brief but specific.
Many times you will not have more than about three minutes in which
to cast the fly, lure your fish, and set the hook. Most people will listen
politely for a short time even if they are not interested in pursuing the
topic. So, plant the seed and pray for the Master Gardener to take
care of the increase.
b. For sample testimonies that will stir you heart, check out
http://www.bsmi.org/stories.htm for Stories of Touched Lives.
4. Obtain booklets and leaflets. For ideas check out the tract racks near several
doors at College Park Church, or read Appendix D for a number of resources
to get you started, or enhance what you are already doing.
5. Consider giving an "outreach" party. Find a site that will accommodate your
group plus guests. Encourage each member of your group to invite an
unsaved friend, relative or co-worker. Start with a friendly, low-key
icebreaker. Feed them. When everyone is friendly and well fed, perhaps
between the main course and dessert, have your speaker. The speaker can
be anyone who has a vibrant testimony and is able to deliver it in a
46
challenging yet non-threatening manner. To announce to the invitees that the
gathering is for fun, food and a brief talk by Dr. So and So or by Businessman
Bill about an exciting experience he had helps to disarm their defenses.
C. Attend Training Seminars. Seminars on “Sharing your Faith” are offered from time to
time at College Park Church. Watch for announcements.
D. Purchase Resources for Self Training. For example, The Willow Creek Guild to
Leading Life-Changing Small Groups, 53-56, and Small Group Leaders’ Handbook,
by InterVarsity Press, 85-99
Outreach Discussion
During the training program an opportunity will be given to discuss outreach opportunities
using the discussion guide located in Appendix F.
47
Chapter 6 Formation
As mentioned earlier, when the Flock Group Ministry began several years ago, several staff
members of the church set aside the first six months as a time of preparation in prayer and
asking God to raise up leaders for the ministry. God answered their prayers and several
pilot groups were formed to test the concept and refine the process. As the groups matured,
the process of multiplication began as they prayed for new leadership to emerge and form
other groups.
As new leaders emerged, a council was formed to provide direction, training and support to
the ministry. The council provided direction by encouraging new groups to form a covenant
with a clear statement of their mission, goals and objectives and an agreed upon process of
how the group would like to interact and function.
Training began with a general education process of sharing with others what God was doing
in the ministry. General education sessions were conducted and interest in the ministry
grew. As additional leadership emerged a training program was launched to help them
understand the process and further equip them in fulfilling their role. [From this training the
manual you are now reading was written as a leadership guide for flock group leaders and
coaches.]
To further support the flock group leaders a coaching program was launched along with a
School of Ministry to provide a forum for sharpening skills, sharing successes, and building
each other up.
To raise awareness of the ministry and encourage greater participation a permanent Kiosk
is now located next to the Welcome Center in the foyer of the church with sign-up sheets
and brochures to introduce people to the ministry and encourage them to sign up and
become involved as either a participant, host or flock group leader. Announcements about
the ministry are also periodically made from the pulpit and overhead slides about the
ministry are shown before each service.
As people express an interest in becoming a part of the ministry, their names are made
available to the council and appropriate follow-up is made to connect them with an
appropriate group or schedule them for leadership training.
Small Group Dynamics
As flock groups are formed they typically go through a developmental process which may
resemble what Bruce Tuckman described as forming, storming, norming and performing and
adjourning as they progress from a gathering of individuals to a fully functioning team that
successfully accomplishes their mission and later subdivides to form new groups.9 Although
the process described by Tuckman is sequential, there are times within the life of the group
that they may revisit various stages. Hence, the process is very dynamic. For more
9
Developmental Sequence in Small Groups by Dr. Bruce W. Tuckman published in the Psychological
Bulletin, Volume 63, 384-399 in 1965
48
information on small group development stages, search the Internet using the key words
above, or on the source for the Tuckman study.
The process of successfully forming new flock groups at College Park Church has now
emerged into a format that we would like to share with you at this time. You may note that
as a body of believers, we have much more in common when we form into flock groups and
the developmental process that is led of the Holy Spirit seems to bring the members
together more quickly and shorten the developmental process that most secular groups
experience.
How to Form a Successful Flock Group
As the elder providing oversight of the Flock Group Ministry, Eugene Kimble has found the
following process to be of great help in forming new groups at College Park Church.
Prospecting for participants
As you begin forming your group…
A. Pray and build your group on the Bible.
B. Make a list of potential members.
C. Communicate! Communicate! Communicate!
1. First, by telephone.
a. Jot down presentation points.
b. Know when to cut bait.
c. Follow up with a second call.
(1) Qualify by degree of interest.
(2) Give lead-time to get together.
(3) Unfailingly get e-mail address.
2. Second, by e-mail.
Leading the Flock Into the Fold
As you lead the flock that the Holy Spirit has brought before you…
A. Continue to pray and build your group on the Bible
B. Communicate! Communicate! Communicate!
1. By e-mail whenever possible, it will save you time
2. Use the sample e-mails for your pattern
49
Uniting Your Folks Into One Flock Group
As you prepare for your first meeting…
A. Keep on praying and building your group on the Bible.
B. Provide name tags and beverages (snacks optional).
C. Provide fifteen minutes for fellowship and introductions.
D. Present an overview of what your flock group will be doing.
E. Facilitate the development of a flock group covenant.
Summary
In summary, as you form your flock group…
A. Communicate! Communicate! Communicate!
B. Have a positive expectancy…empowered by the Holy Spirit.
C. Critique the process with your co-leaders after the meeting and adjust for the next
meeting.
D. Continue weekly e-mail until group completely bonds.
See Appendix G for sample e-mails used during formation of new flock groups.
50
Developing a Covenant
A covenant is, "A compact or agreement between two parties binding them mutually to
undertakings in each other's behalf" (Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 276). "Covenants
are the best tools I've seen to help both the group's ministry as well as the individual groups
clarify their purpose, establish goals and objectives, discuss expectations and define
functional issues." McBride 10
There are many examples of historical covenants like those made between God and his
people in the old and new testament covenants, between leaders and their followers in the
Mayflower Compact in pilgrim times, and between those who endeavor to govern over
others in our own U.S. Constitution.
We also, in like manner, enter into covenant relationships with one another when we join
hands in Holy Matrimony and make our marriage vows to each other before God, and join
with other believers in becoming members of a local body of Christ.
As we meet together in small home-based flock groups, we have found it to be of great
benefit to allow the group to come to an agreement, early on, as to the ground rules of
operation and how we would like to interact and relate with one another. Topics in such a
covenant include…
•
•
•
•
•
Our mission and purpose,
Our goals, objectives and expectations.
Our structure as to location, dates, times, etc.
How we'd like to handle common issues like refreshments, child care, etc.
Our relationships…how we would like to function together
As the group gathers for the first time, a worksheet can be handed out to allow participants a
chance to contribute their ideas to the process. The flock group leader facilitates the
process and encourages participation by all members. After everyone has had a chance for
input, a final agreement is drafted and handed out to the group members for their signature
at the next meeting.
All participants are encouraged to sign as the covenant is by design a document created
with input from all, and to be kept by all.
Covenants are expressions of group values, expectations, or behaviors for which we hold
ourselves accountable. They are based on love and loyalty and are valid only if all parties
seek to fulfill the covenant obligation. Thus covenants are binding agreements that can
create trust and build community.
During the life of the group, the participants may want to review their commitments and
make any revisions that the group feels are appropriate. A fresh look at the covenant may
also help the group to refocus on their agreed upon mission, goals and objectives.
10
From How to Build a Small Group Ministry by Neal F. McBride and published in Colorado
Springs by NavPress, 1995.
51
Sample Worksheets and Covenants
You will find in Appendix H, several worksheets and sample covenants that can be used as
you begin forming your flock group. The first worksheet provides an interactive way to help
your group understand the biblical basis for forming the group, how it will be structured and
what will be it's focus. The second worksheet is provided to assist you in helping your group
develop their covenant. Following the second worksheet is another example of a covenant
agreement and a worksheet that could be used.
•
•
•
•
Flock Group Ministry at College Park Church
Worksheet for Developing a Flock Group Covenant
Flock Group Covenant (Sample)
Flock Group Covenant (Worksheet)
The key in developing a covenant for your flock group is to provide enough structure to help
your group clearly understand why they are assembling together (your mission) and what
your focus will be (the four pillars) and then provide an opportunity for input on goals and
objectives, and how they would like to organize themselves and interact with each other.
Holding Each Other Accountable
As you review the sample covenants, you will note that accountability is mentioned as one
of the desired outcomes of the flock group experience. Some people in your group may feel
uncomfortable with the concept of holding each other accountable. As you discuss
accountability, help them see that when we lovingly hold each other accountable, we will be
helping each other to…
•
•
•
Follow through with what we say we want to do,
Live our lives to the glory of God, and
Grow in our walk with the Lord.
As we search the scriptures, we find that God desires that we work together in helping each
other live our lives to his glory. Our first clue is found in Genesis 2:18 where God
announces the need for relationship with others.
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an
help meet for him. Genesis 2:18 (KJV)
Throughout the Bible we find that God brings others along side to help and encourage those
he has chosen to live their lives for him and accomplish his purposes. We also find that
those who try to go it alone often find themselves drifting away in their fellowship with the
Lord and fellow believers, resulting in being drawn into temptations and lives of sin. For
example, after Jonathan's departure, David drifted into a life of sin that had far reaching
consequences.
As you consider encouraging one another and holding each other accountable, remember
that…
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls
down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him
up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm
52
alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three
strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.
Proverbs 11:14
Rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. Proverbs 9:8b-9
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 And, wounds
from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:6
Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.
Proverbs 15:10
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be
healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16
If you would like to learn more about how to encourage growth in your flock group through
accountability, you will enjoy reading Character Counts by Rod Handley. His thought
provoking book is published by Cross Training Publications at
www.crosstrainingpublishing.com.
For more information about Rod Handley's ministry, see www.characterthatcounts.org.
For suggested accountability questions, see www.gospelcom.net/ctc/indexframes.html and
click on the hyperlink to Accountability Questions at the bottom of the page.
53
Chapter 7 Leadership
Flock Group Leader Qualifications
For those aspiring to become flock group leaders, we ask that they be active members of
the church and demonstrate the character qualities as described in the New Testament for
elders and deacons. Although they do not have to hold an elected office of College Park
Church as either an elder or a deacon, they are commissioned to lead and care for one
another as shepherds of the flock that the Holy Spirit has led into their care.
Their Role
In their role as leader of a flock group, they are asked to…
A. Establish a covenant and encourage the group to actively pursue their stated
mission, goals & objectives, and the process they agree to follow as they interact
with each other in their flock group.
B. Provide leadership and facilitate their group's interaction as they accomplish their
mission via a four fold process of…
•
•
•
•
Teaching,
Fellowship,
Prayer, and
Outreach.
C. Lead by example in caring for one another as the Holy Spirit leads.
In caring for one another, flock group leaders are encouraged to…
A. Conduct a study with their group of the "one anothers" of the New Testament, as led
of the Holy Spirit to do so.
B. Be accessible, available and willing to spend time with each member of their group to
encourage them in their walk with the Lord, as the need arises and the Holy Spirit
leads. If special counseling is needed, they refer the individual or couple to
appropriate pastoral leadership at the church.
Important Leadership Qualities
As the council commissions new leaders into the ministry, it looks for those who…
A. Are active members, in good standing, of our church.
B. Possess appropriate leadership qualities of elders, deacons and their wives.11
C. Are able to teach and multiply faithful followers.12
11
12
1 Peter 5:1-4 and I Timothy 3:1-13
2 Timothy 2:2
54
D. Are able to lead and facilitate flock group interaction and discussion.
E. Are willing to open their home and heart to their flock group and be…
•
•
•
hospitable
discerning
transparent
F. Demonstrate "hesed"
the group.
13
by modeling steadfast loyal commitment to all members of
G. See conflict as an assignment and not something to be ignored or avoided.
H. Establish and maintain a Flock Group Covenant.
I.
Are willing to be coached.
J. Use the intended flock group format…not a platform for personal agendas.
K. Use the sermon notes from the pastors' teachings from the pulpit of CPC as their
primary source of facilitated application discussion.
Biblical Qualifications for Leadership
As leaders of your flock group, you will find that your role is a multi-faceted role. For
example, your flock group will see you as a…
A. Visionary…as you help your flock group see what is possible,
B. Planner…as you organize the details for each flock group gathering,
C. Communicator…as you gently remind and encourage them,
D. Coordinator…as help the group accomplish its goals and delegate responsibility,
E. Facilitator…as you guide group discussion and encourage involvement,
F. Teacher…as you guide your group through exploring the scriptures,
G. Prayer warrior…as you, by example, lead your group in prayer,
H. Counselor…as you come along side and help them in their time of need,
In fulfilling your role, remember that you are in partnership with the Holy Spirit, and it is He
who is actually making it all happen…through your availability and with others that he brings
into the process.
13
From Pastor Kimber's sermon 9/8/02 on 2 Samuel 9:1,3,7 and 10:2
55
And, as you know from your own experience, that sometime more is "caught than taught."
Leading by example has its roots in the many examples of biblical leadership provided
throughout the New Testament.
For a short journey through the way leaders were developed, and the qualifications for
leadership that emerged as the church was formed during the first century, see Appendix I
entitled Leadership of the Early Church.
If you feel led to become a flock group leader we ask that you complete a Leadership
Questionnaire and submit it to the Flock Group Ministry Council. Upon approval you will be
asked to sign a Flock Group Leadership Covenant. (See Appendix J and K.)
56
Co-Leading in Flock Groups
Plurality of Leadership
Should we go it alone as we lead our flock groups? As we study the Scriptures, it appears
that plurality of leadership has several advantages. For example, the writer of Ecclesiastes,
describes how…
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls
down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him
up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm
alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three
strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
In the New Testament, Paul encourages Timothy to entrust the task of reaching others for
Christ to reliable men.
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to
reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2
The Holy Spirit gives gifts of to a wide array of people within the body of believers so that
together they can build up the body of Christ.
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists,
and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so
that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the
knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the
fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here
and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their
deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into
him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together
by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its
work. Ephesians 4:11-16
Leaders Should Develop Apprentices
Scripture provides us with many examples of how effective leaders develop others through
an apprenticeship approach.
A. Moses with Joshua. As Moses provided leadership for the people of Israel, Joshua
was at his side…as an aide.
Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the
Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my
hands." Exodus 17:9
57
The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.
Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did
not leave the tent. Exodus 33:11
Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses' aide since youth. Numbers 11:28
B. Jesus with his Disciples. Jesus developed his disciples, while he was with them in
the flesh and sent them out on missions, two by two, to gain first hand experience
in accomplishing the work of the kingdom. Matthew 10: 1-42
C. Jesus and his Disciples with Paul. After his encounter with the Lord Jesus and his
subsequent conversion and time with his Disciples, Paul began to preach in the
synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. Acts 9
D. Paul with Aquila and Priscilla.
Corinth.
Paul disciples Aquila and his wife Priscilla in
After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named
Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife
Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to
see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked
with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade
Jews and Greeks. Acts 18:1-4
E. Aquila and Priscilla apprenticed Apollos.
After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from
place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the
disciples.
Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He
was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been
instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about
Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak
boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to
their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. Acts 18:23-26
F. Apollos apprentices the brothers in Achaia.
When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to
the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who
by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate,
proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. Acts 18:27-28
Husband and Wife
The role of the husband and wife working together in the work of the Lord, is clearly visible
in Paul's final greetings to the church in Corinth.
58
The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you
warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. 1 Corinthians
16:19
Next Generation - Children Involvement
We are also instructed in God's word to apprentice our children.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all
your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I
give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about
them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and
when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9
In Deuteronomy 11 & 12, we learn that Moses gave the word's of the Lord to the "children"
of Israel and encouraged them to follow the Lord and live according to his statutes and
decrees.
Summary
Jesus set a process in motion when he gave his great commission to train leaders, who train
leaders, to train leaders, etc.
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given
to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20
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Chapter 8 Facilitation
Facilitation is a process whereby an activity or task is made easier to happen, or be done.
To best illustrate the process, let's go on a journey into hopefully a typical flock group
meeting in which the leader is functioning as a facilitator.
A Facilitated Flock Group Meeting
Facilitation in flock groups begins when the hosts of the group greet guests as they arrive,
and make them feel welcome as they enter the home. As they introduce themselves and
others to the guests, they help them transition into an interactive environment with others.
Through their interactions, the hosts are making it easier for flock group members to
become acquainted and engaged in open communication with each other.
As the group assembles for the meeting, the guests take their seats which have been
provided by the hosts to facilitate interaction. As you picture such a seating arrangement,
do you envision the chairs being arranged in a circle, or in theatre style? Obviously with
chairs arranged in a circle, participants can see and interact with each other, which fosters
an environment for open communication.
As the group leader calls the meeting to order, a prayer is generally offered to ask the Lord's
blessing. Through this process the leader is helping the group to focus upon the fact that
we as a flock group are gathered together as a fellowship of believers and that we have
fellowship with one another because our fellowship is with God the Father, his Son Jesus
Christ and the Holy Spirit.
As the meeting begins, the flock group leader may encourage the members to spend time
together in singing praises to the Lord, or sharing what God is doing in their lives. In doing
so, the leader is helping the group transition from the cares of this world to praise and
thanksgiving and opening their hearts to the application discussion that will follow.
With hearts and minds prepared, the leader begins the teaching segment of the meeting.
Here are a couple of different approaches he might take. Which one would you use?
A. He opens his Bible and reads God's word. He then expounds upon the scriptures,
giving careful attention to each word, as he shares root and origin and the meaning
of the Hebrew and Greek text. He leads the group through a search of the scriptures
and shares the insight and wisdom he has gained through his careful preparation.
As participants sit quietly and nod their heads, he poses a few questions to get the
group involved. But as time wears on, and having so much more to cover, he returns
to presenting his well prepared content. As time runs out, he draws to a close, and
asks are their any questions or comments, and then closes in prayer.
B. He briefly reviews the content and substance of last week's pastoral message.
During his review he asks several participants to read from related scripture
passages. He then follows the review with open ended questions to get the group
discussing possible life applications gleaned from God's word and notes taken during
the pastor's sermon. As the group interacts, the leader draws each participant into
60
the discussion and encourages the group to share insights and ways to apply the
principles taught to their lives. As the group interacts, the leader watches the time
and brings the discussion to closure in time for the next activity or event of the
evening.
Based on your own sense, which approach in the teaching segment seems to more
naturally follow the tone and environment set for the evening. Approach A or Approach B?
When facilitating group discussion and interaction in a flock group, remember that everyone
in attendance has something to contribute, because the Holy Spirit is working in, or on14,
them as well as yourself.
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a
word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done
for the strengthening of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:26
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all
wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts
to God. Colossians 3:16
Remember, that the goal of the teaching segment in a flock group is to remind each other of
what we heard from God’s word in the pastor's sermon, examine the Scriptures, and apply
the principles of God's word to our lives.
And, although you, as group leader, may have spent more time in preparation and study of
the pastor's sermon, others may arrive at the same conclusions and/or draw the same, or
very similar, parallels on how to apply the scriptures and/or it's principles to their lives. Allow
the process to work and don't be two quick to "put in your two cents."
You're job as facilitator is to draw them out and facilitate the discussion process. If at an
appropriate time in the discussion, your application point has not been brought out, then
gently and lovingly present it as your contribution to the discussion.
Focus on the process and keep everyone actively engaged. As the group wanders off
target, gently bring them back by redirecting their discussion on the application points being
discussed.
Watch your time, and help the group to draw the discussion to an appropriate conclusion in
the time allowed for this segment of your meeting.
If the next segment for your meeting is spending time together in prayer, facilitate the
process of gathering praise and prayer requests and offer a suggestion as to how the group
might offer their praises and prayers. The process you use will depend upon the time
available and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
If the next segment is a discussion about a project the group is wanting to undertake,
facilitate the discussion by presenting the topic and draw people out in contributing their
ideas. Provide opportunities for everyone in the group to participate. Ask for volunteers,
delegating tasks, etc.
14
You may have an unbeliever in attendance.
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As you bring the meeting to a close, consider asking someone in the group to offer a closing
prayer, rather than yourself.
All of the above actions, are offered as tips to help you demonstrate your leadership as a
facilitator of the process, rather than as the "leader of the band." With these examples in
mind, let's now take a look at the role of the facilitator.
The Facilitation Role in Flock Groups
When leading your flock group meeting, your role is to facilitate the process and work
toward balancing the group's time among four equally important priorities, called pillars:
•
•
•
•
Teaching…with discussion on applying the pastors' teachings,
Fellowship…with processes to help your flock get to know one another better,
Prayer…with discussion to help get into heart issues, as appropriate,
Outreach…with encouragement in sharing their faith and service to others.
By contrast, here are some of the priorities and approaches used in other types of groups:
A. Bible Study Groups typically…
1. Teach/Instruct…rather than facilitate application discussion.
2. Are didactic…leader centered rather than focused on the group.
3. Include fellowship/prayer as optional…rather than integrated into agenda.
B. Prayer Meetings typically…
1.
2.
3.
4.
Are open-ended sharing…of praise and prayer requests, usually for others.
Focus is on praying about others, rather than about personal needs.
View attendance as optional…come and go as your schedule permits.
Are less Structure…rather than structured time to pray for one another.
C. Fellowship Gatherings are…
D. Social in purpose…get-togethers for informal social interaction.
1. Usually Event Based…for special occasions vs. periodic meetings.
2. Less Structure…mostly informal time to talk, share stories, etc.
3. Time Limited…for one afternoon, evening, etc. rather than ongoing.
E. Service Group Activities are…
1. Focused on a task…a specific mission for the meeting.
2. Have discrete time commitment…for the task to be completed.
Characteristics of the Facilitation Role
To successfully fulfill your role as a facilitator,15 you will need to…
15
(Adapted from Leading Life Changing Small Groups by Donahue)
62
A. Be Flexible – Able to adapt to changing group dynamic while giving enough structure
to provide direction.
B. Be Available – Leaving heart and home open to group members (primary ministry).
C. Be Responsive – Teachable and tuned in spiritually and emotionally (God, self,
others).
D. Be Proactive – Poised to act and scouting out opportunities and potential problems.
E. Be an Active Listener – Having your Spiritual Ears attuned when others speak.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men
knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same
way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not
received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may
understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words
taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual
truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things
that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot
understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man
makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's
judgment: 1 Corinthians 2:11-15
F. Have a Positive Attitude – Open, interested, renewed, prayerful, concerned with a
guarded tongue.
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self,
which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of
your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true
righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 .
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as
living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will
is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. Proverbs
21:23
G. Be Focused on their best interest, their heart, their concern. Lead them to love one
another, encourage one another, and bear one another’s burdens.
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"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you
must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you
love one another." John 13:34-35
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns
away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is
called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
Hebrews 3:12-13
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him
gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's
burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is
something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Galatians 6:1-3
H. Be Outcome Oriented – Foster an atmosphere in which all participants have an
opportunity to participate. Pray that your group will be led of the Holy Spirit to wisely
apply the principles of God's word.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by
deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy
and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such
"wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the
devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and
every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure;
then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial
and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:13-18
He who answers before listening-that is his folly and his shame. Proverbs 18:13
If correction or reproof is needed, pray that it be done with wisdom from above and in
a manner that edifies and builds on another up. Often times this is best handled
privately outside of the group.
Characteristics of Facilitated Flock Groups
As your flock group develops under a facilitating style of leadership, the following
characteristics will become clear for all to see. The group will be seen as being…
A. Discipleship based…in purpose and focus.
B. Collaborative…interaction with all encouraged to participate.
C. Structured…yet flexible for spontaneous leading of the Holy Spirit.
D. Participative…in nature, rather than sitting and listing to the leader.
E. One Another’s emphasized…to encourage Christ like behavior.
F. Growth oriented…in building one another up and equipping for service.
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G. Cooperative…in helping each other accomplish the groups' purpose.
H. Intentional…in focus to accomplish agreed upon mission, goals and objectives.
I.
Transparent…heart Issues are drawn out, not read in.
J. Relational…with genuine openness and warm interaction with one another.
K. Balanced approach…with process as important as outcomes.
L. Ongoing with multiplication as a goal…to encourage broader participation.
To expand a little on the third item above, let's now take a closer look at the contrast
between structure and spontaneity.
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Spontaneity vs. Structure in Flock Groups
There is a life-giving tension in flock group leadership between having sufficient structure to
frame the group meeting and being open to spontaneously adjust course and direction as
the Holy Spirit leads.
As leaders of our flock group, we are in partnership with the Holy Spirit as we prepare for
and lead our groups and shepherd them along their journey.
Two Common Misbeliefs
Some people feel that having a structure to follow is too restrictive. Others say that
spontaneity is a cop-out for those who do not want to spend time to provide structure for the
event.
The latter group may support their position by quoting Proverbs in saying,
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." Proverbs
16:9
Those that adhere to providing structure, point to Paul's encouragement to the church at
Corinth in saying that,
"But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." 1 Corinthians 14:40
The divine tension between these two positions lies in the fact that they form a continuum
with structure on one end and spontaneity on the other. Our challenge as leaders of our
flock groups is to provide sufficient structure to give the participants a sense of direction and
purpose, while at the same time be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit as the meeting
unfolds.
Tips for Doing Spirit-Led Planning
Here are some tips to assist flock group leaders in providing a Spirit-lead meeting
A. Take good sermon notes, and encourage your group members to do the same,
B. Prepare application questions for group discussion,16
C. Layout a “loose” agenda with buffers,
D. Plan time for announcements/future planning…usually at the beginning,
E. Plan breaks,
F. Plan special music and provide equipment needed and copies as needed,
G. Plan on “scrapping” material,
16
To assist you in this process, a Discussion Guide is prepared after each sermon and posted on the
website of the Flock Group Ministry at www.bsmi.org/flock_sermon_notes.htm.
66
H. Plan to shorten breaks, and
I.
Get the “OK” beforehand if you plan to go overtime.
Tips for Discerning the Spirit’s Leading
James, the brother of Jesus, provides some insight for us on how to discern whether we are
being led by wisdom from above.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds
done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish
ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not
come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have
envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving,
considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18
Given the above, our challenge is to…
•
•
Grow in Godly wisdom
Forsake Fleshly “wisdom”
Conclusion
As you endeavor to strike a balance between structure and spontaneity, may the Lord guide
you in your efforts, remembering that
"He will train you for the work and the work itself will train you.” (Pastor Kimber
Kauffman).
Remember also as you plan your gathering to…
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your
ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
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Dealing with Diverse Heart Issues
Another aspect of facilitation is effectively handling situations that arise as people interact
with each other. As Paul point out in his letter to the Corinthians in Chapter 14:26-40, there
will be situations that occur that need your special leadership in order that everything is
done in a "fitting and orderly" manner.
When leading a flock group, you will find that most participants interact very well. However,
on occasion, you may be faced with some challenging issues.
Here are seven diverse behaviors you may encounter and tips from Mary Beth Oblinger on
how to address the situation.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
"Talkative" - Tom
"Know-it-all" - Nancy
"Gossiping" - Gertrude
"Silent" - Sam
"Mystical" - Mike
"No-Show" - Norman
"Talkative" - Tom
A person displaying this type of overly talkative and dominating behavior may…
•
•
•
Monopolize discussions,
Interrupt others,
Seem uninterested in the responses of others.
Helpful Tools:
When facilitating your group discussion, you may find it helpful to head off this type of
behavior by…
•
•
•
Establishing Ground Rules,
Systematically ask people to answer questions,
Purposefully direct a question to another person.
When establishing your flock group covenant, you can proactively head off this type of
behavior by helping the group, and Tom, establish some basic ground rules for effective
interaction. For example,
•
•
No one speaks a second time until everyone who wants to speak has had a chance
(Philippians 2:3-4),
No interrupting.
You might also find it helpful to remind the group, and Tom (indirectly), of the basic ground
rules for interaction as you enter into a discussion period.
68
Another proactive way of addressing this type of behavior is to ask specific participants to
respond to a question. For example,
"On this next question, I'd like to hear from Sally, Joe and Nancy."
If Tom continues talking and you would like to bring it to a close, you might thank him for his
input and direct a question to another participant. For example,
"Thanks Tom for you input. We've not heard from Sally on this question. Sally, what are
your thoughts on this question?"
If Tom continues to disrupt the flow of conversation, you might want to find a time to talk with
him privately and encourage him to moderate his behavior and allow others to contribute
their ideas. See tips on talking with people privately at the end of this section.
"Know-it-all" Nancy
When a participant exhibits this type of behavior they…
•
•
•
May appear to believe knowledge precedes action on the list of Christian virtues,
Will go to great lengths to make sure their opinion is heard and validated,
May have an argumentative or judging spirit.
Helpful Tools:
When dealing with this type a behavior…
•
•
•
•
Lovingly affirm what is right about their answer but look to others’ point of view as
you redirect the discussion to another participant,
Spend time as a group discussing 1 Corinthians 8:1-4,
Model true empathy and being a good listener,
Remind the group of the importance of gentle words (Proverbs 15:1) and the
importance of fewer words (Proverbs 10:19).
As you lead your group into a discussion of a given topic, someone, who has an agenda of
their own, may…
•
•
•
Try to redirect the group to meet their own needs or preferences,
View the group’s purpose differently than the stated purpose (i.e. therapy, to gain
popularity, etc.),
Often be critical of the group process.
Helpful Tools:
When confronted with this type of behavior, you might find it helpful to…
•
•
Reaffirm the group’s covenant while you are all together (Philippians 2:1-4),
Review guidelines and reaffirm purpose (2 Corinthians 5:9; Hebrews 10:25).
69
If Al still needs some help in focusing on the agenda of the group, you might ask him to talk
with you after the meeting and discuss his needs. As you meet, ask the God to give you
wisdom and discernment.
“Gossiping” Gertrude
Some of the characteristics of a person who is inclined to be a gossip, include…
•
•
Breaking the confidentiality guideline of the group, or
Gossiping by way of prayer/prayer requests.
Helpful Tools:
Some helpful tips on handling this type of behavior include…
•
•
•
Reviewing the confidentiality guidelines of the covenant,
Establishing prayer guidelines (how to pray for others),
Spending time as a group discussing biblical communication, pulling in scriptural
support (Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 20:19; 2 Corinthians 12:20).
Since this type of behavior can have serious consequences in the willingness of the group to
become transparent with each other, it is very important to lovingly "nip this in the bud"
before it gets out of hand. If general discussion does not curtail this type of behavior, you
may need to speak with them privately and encourage them to make appropriate changes.
“Silent” Sam
Most people will be actively involved in the discussions of the group, but occasionally you
might find one who…
•
•
•
Doesn’t participate in discussions,
Rarely shares about his life or his walk with the Lord within the group,
Seems distant or apathetic.
Helpful Tools:
To draw Sam into the discussion you might find it helpful to…
•
•
•
Include Sam in systematic answering of questions,
Ask a man in the group to come alongside him to encourage him outside of group
time,
Emphasize the importance of sharing as you study the “one anothering” booklet
entitled Otherly Love by Rich Vincent, Pastor of Singles Ministries at CPC. See
Resource for details.
If Sam continues to be "withdrawn," you might schedule some time to meet with him over
lunch and get to know him and develop a relationship with him that can be drawn upon
during your meetings.
“Mystical” Mike
In responding to questions, this type of person may be…
70
•
•
Very experimental and feelings-oriented in their response,
Somewhat charismatic and dynamic when they speak.
Helpful Tools:
Some helpful hints on addressing this type of behavior include…
•
•
Lovingly reminding the group that they have to look at life’s experiences through the
lens of Scripture and God’s truth (Acts 17:10; 1 John 1:4),
Assigning the group to look at 1 John 4:1-6 and discuss this passage.
“No Show” Norman
Most in your group, will attend regularly, however, there may be some who…
•
•
•
Doesn't regularly attend group meetings,
Doesn’t call to let you know they won’t be attending,
Doesn’t show up at group service projects or fellowship times.
Helpful Tools:
In encouraging people to be more regular in their attendance…
•
•
Lovingly talk to them privately to find out reasons they are unable to attend,
Remind them of the covenant guidelines and encourage and challenge them to
become an active member of the group (Matthew 5:33-37).
As you show an interest in others, they generally will respond in like manner. However, if
they continue to not show up, then you might want to ask them if they have an interest in
continuing with the group, or maybe they should prayerfully consider dropping out for a while
to allow room for another participant to join the group.
Speaking with People Privately
When you have a need to speak to someone privately about their behavior within the group,
ask God for wisdom and guidance and lovingly admonish them to make appropriate
changes.
•
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8
•
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him
gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1
•
…speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head,
that is Christ. Ephesians 4:15
As you begin talking with them, begin with the positive and valuable contributions they have
made in the group, and then suggest ways they could modify their behavior in the actions
they take, or the words they use to benefit the entire group.
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Tips on Encouraging Attendance
Another challenge you may encounter with some members of your group is tardiness and
attendance. Here are some tips that Eugene Kimble offers based on his experience in
encouraging attendance.
A. As the shepherd of your flock group, your flock’s spiritual health should be your main
responsibility.
B. When you start your new flock group, establish your group covenant during the first
couple of meeting.
1. Ensure that every member receives a copy of the covenant and agrees to
abide by it.
2. Periodically review a particular section of your Flock Group Covenant and, if
some members are weak, conclude by encouraging them to live up to their
agreement. If more than one are having problems with attendance, you
conclude your discussion by asking them to recommit to keeping the
agreement.
C. Whenever members miss, contact them by phone to let them know you missed them
and care for them.
D. When members call and tell you they won't be able to make a meeting, ask them if
there are any prayer requests that they'd like you to pass on to the group. Let them
know that you remain committed to them and encourage them in their walk with the
Lord.
E. If you feel uneasy about some absentees, contact them for a visit. Then tell them
about your concern, that they are valued members of the group, and that chronic
absenteeism unsettles the entire structure of your group. Ask them if they can
improve their attendance and conclude with prayer.
F. After every session contact your group by e-mailing the prayer requests and praises
and follow with another e-mail just to communicate with them. You will always under
communicate, and never overdo it.
G. If you need more help, contact your coach.
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Chapter 9 Coaching
In an effort to assure successful launching of new flock groups and continued success
throughout the life span of each group, the Flock Group Ministry Council has been led of the
Holy Spirit to provide coaches.
Coach Selection
Coaches are selected by the council from those who are successfully leading their own flock
groups and are willing to assist others in their efforts.
The Role of the Coach
The role of the coach is to provide encouragement and support to the flock groups and
leaders that have been placed in their care.
They are asked to provide, with the Lord's help, encouragement and support to the flock
groups and their leaders that the Holy Spirit has placed in their care. In fulfilling their role
they…
A. Assist their leaders, as needed, in establishing their flock group and forming their
covenant.
B. Communicate with their leaders regularly and provide assistance, as needed, to help
them effectively lead their flock group as an extension of the mission and public
ministry of College Park Church.
C. Visit the flock groups of the leaders placed in their care and encourage and support
them in their leadership of their groups.
D. Encourage their leaders to actively pursue their mission as a flock group to glorify
God by building disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, employing…
Prayer…joining together in adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication
to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and
E. Encourage their leaders to be faithful and diligent in shepherding those under their
care by:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Carefully preparing and prayerfully leading their Flock Group gatherings.
Encouraging participation from each flock member.
Faithfully encouraging each member in their walk with the Lord.
Regularly communicate with each member via telephone, e-mail, or regular
mail.
73
5. Encouraging each member in living up to the agreements made to God and
each other in their Flock Group Covenant.
6. Living an exemplary and righteous life as a model and encouragement to
others.
F. Encourage their leaders to identify leadership potential within their group and work
with them, as an apprentice, in the development of their skills (i.e., delegating
responsibility for various segments of their meeting, giving them resources to read,
encouraging them to attend leadership training, etc.).
G. Keep the Flock Group Ministry Council informed of any leadership issues that need
to be addressed, and work with the council in the smooth transition of leadership
when changes occur.
H. Keep the Flock Group Ministry Council regularly informed on the progress of the
flock groups placed in their care, and submit any requested documentation to assist
the council in its oversight of the Flock Group Ministry.
Evaluation Forms
In order to assist in providing ongoing encouragement and support to the flock group
leaders, the council has created a couple of evaluation forms to help both flock group leader
and their coach:
Flock Group Evaluation
Coach & Leader Discussion Guide
Intern Observation Guide
The forms are provided in the Appendix L for your use.
Editor Note: The forms are not "fixed in stone," but are offered as tools to assist both flock
group leaders and their coaches in their ongoing evaluation process. The Intern
Observation Guide is to assist participants going through the training to have a structured
way of capturing their observations.
If you would like to obtain a copy of the forms for your use, you can download them from our
Flock Group Ministry website which is currently being hosted by Biblical Studies Ministries
International at www.bsmi.org.
The hyperlink to the forms section is www.bsmi.org./flock_forms.htm.
School of Ministry
Leaders and their coaches are also encouraged to participate in continuing education
through a School of Ministry conducted several times a year by the Flock Group Ministry
Council. The school provides an opportunity for participants to attend special presentations
on topics of interest, and coaches to interact with their flock group leaders for mutual
encouragement, feedback on what's working and what's not, and building one another up.
The School of Ministry provides a great forum for leaders, coaches and council members
alike in sharpen their leadership skills and gain ideas and tips on ways to improve their
group and mutually encourage one another.
74
For example, Topics presented during our con-current sessions in 2003 included…
Building Disciples
Loving One-Another
Applying God’s Word through Intentional Facilitation
Developing Your Flock Group
Meeting the Needs of Children in the Flock Group
Developing New Flock Group Leaders
Growth & Multiplication
The agenda for the coach/leaders sessions include a time for…
•
•
•
Sharing what God is doing in the flock groups,
Learning what other leaders and coaches are doing, and
Encouraging one another in shepherding the flock the Holy spirit has placed in our
care.
Our hope is that through such interaction, we will be better equipped as we minister together
to meet the needs of a Spirit-blessed, ever growing congregation. Therefore, attendance is
encouraged for everyone involved in the ministry.
As the Flock Group Ministry continues to grow, it becomes more important for us to…
A. Periodically meet together as fellow flock group leaders, couches and council
members,
B. Get to know each of other better,
C. Learn how we can mutually support and help each other in our efforts to make our
flock groups to be even better.
D. Review the purpose of the Flock Group Ministry so we can stay focused on "making
the main thing the main thing" as Pastor Kimber often encourages,
E. Provide an opportunity to exchange ideas on how to improve our groups,
F. Discuss successes and share any concerns or problems, and
G. Learn what others are doing in the body of Christ, outside of College Park Church, to
meet the growing needs of their congregations.
75
Chapter 10 Resources
Here are several references that we have found helpful in implementing flock groups at
College Park Church. May the Lord bless you in your continuing quest for wisdom and
understanding on how to effectively lead and shepherd the flock that the Holy Spirit has led
into your care.
The Living Word of God
Our most effective resource is the Living Word of God. Search the Scriptures and determine
if what we have said is so. For example, if you have a computer software version of the
Bible, and are wanting to lead your group into application discussions on "one anothering,"
search on the key words and phrase like "one another" and you will be richly rewarded with
an abundant array of Scriptural passages from which to study. Lead your group into a study
of the passages in the context in which they are written, and discuss their application to how
the group interacts with each other.
College Park Church
Otherly Love by Richard J. Vincent - Pastor of Single Ministries at College Park Church. It
is a study of the "One Anothers' of the New Testament and their implications in the life of the
believer. To obtain a copy of the 46 page booklet, call College Park Church at 317-8750282. The table of contents includes the following topics:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The New Commandment: Love one another.
Greet one another.
Be devoted to one another.
Forbear one another.
Be subject to one another.
Serve one another.
Stir up one another.
Encourage one another.
Bear one another's burdens.
Admonish one another.
Forgive one another.
Flock Group Ministry Webpage, currently hosted on the website of Biblical Studies
Ministries International at www.bsmi.org. You can access this site via the Small Flock
Groups link on www.yourchurch.com.
Flock Group Ministry Council. Staff support and leadership for the Flock Group Ministry is
guided by a council made up of members who are actively involved in leading and/or
coaching flock groups. The council is under the oversight and leadership of Dr. Garrett
Higbee, Directory of Family Ministries and Discipleship and Dr. Eugene Kimble, Elder with
oversight responsibility from the board of elders of College Park Church.
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Willow Creek Community Church
The Willow Creek Guide to Leading Life-Changing Small Groups (ISBN: 0-310-20595-6), by
the Willow Creek Small Group Team and Dr. Bill Donohue, director of adult education and
training at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Pages 108-112 and
124-131. Small groups are an integral part of their ministry, and provide the framework for
the organizational structure of the whole church. Their website is www.willowcreek.org.
Pantego Bible Church
The Connecting Church - Beyond Small Groups to Authentic Community written by Randy
Frazee, Senior Pastor at Pantego Bible Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Published by
Zondervan Publishing House 2001 (ISBN 0-310-23308-9) and copyright by the Willow Creek
Association. Small groups are an integral part of their ministry and are actively involved in
building links to people who live in the communities served by the church. Their website is
www.pantego.org.
Harvest Bible Chapel
Harvest Bible Chapel has been involved in small group ministries since they began in 1985
and have now grown to over 4500. Small groups are an integral part of their ministry, and
provide the framework for the organizational structure of the whole church. Their website is
www.harvestbible.org. One of the resources they use in training their leadership is Why
Small Groups? (ISBN 1-881039-06-4), edited by C. J. Mahaney, Published by PDI
Communications. Their website is www.pdinet.org.
Intervarsity Press
Small Group Leaders’ Handbook: The Next Generation (ISBN: 0-8308-1139-1), by Small
Group Leaders of the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Published by InterVarsity Press.
Pages 39-51. Their website is www.ivcf.org.
NavPress Publishing Group
How to Build a Small Group Ministry by Neal F. McBride and published in Colorado Springs
by NavPress, 1995.
Discipleship Journal's 101 Best Small-Group Ideas (ISBN 0-89109-950-6), compiled by
Deena Davis for by NavPress Publishing Group.
Their website is www.navigators.org and www.navpress.com.
Growth through Accountability
To learn more about how to encourage growth in your flock group through accountability,
read Character Counts by Rod Handley. His thought provoking book is published by Cross
Training Publications at www.crosstrainingpublishing.com.
For more information about Rod Handley's ministry, see www.characterthatcounts.org.
For suggested accountability questions, see www.gospelcom.net/ctc/indexframes.html and
click on the hyperlink to Accountability Questions at the bottom of the page.
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Book Purchases
If you are interested in purchasing the references listed above, search for the books on
www.amazon.com and you'll see other related resources.
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Appendix
Appendix
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
Contents
Sample Training Program Schedule
Leadership Training Covenant
Sample Ice Breakers
Reaching Out to Others
Discussion Guide - Spiritual Harvest
Sample E-mails for Group Formation
Flock Group Covenants
Leadership of the Early Church
Leadership Questionnaire
Leadership Covenant
Evaluation Forms
Review Questions of Basic Concepts
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Appendix A: Sample Training Program Schedule
Flock Group Ministry Leadership Training will be provided from 11:00 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in
Room A5 across from the Kitchen at College Park Church. The sessions will be led by
Joshua & Becky Harber with participation from other members of the Flock Group Ministry
Council for content review and co-facilitation of each session. The sessions will be
conducted using a facilitated discussion format to model the process which the council
recommends leaders use when conducting their small flock group meetings.
In preparation for the first session, please read the introductory sections of the Flock Group
Ministry Manual and study Chapter 1 on Philosophy. Please also read and sign the
Leadership Training Covenant in Appendix B.
Content
Welcome & Intro to Training Program
Review Philosophy (Chapter 1)
Leadership Training Covenant
Schedule Flock Group Visitations
Prayer Time
Get Acquainted
Review Fellowship
One Anothering
Prayer Time
Assignment for Next Session
Fellowship (Chapter 2)
Sample Ice Breakers in Appendix C.
Take notes during next Sunday morning’s
sermon and pick up audio tape. Arrange
for FG Visits for later critique in Session 6
Teaching (Chapter 3)
Prepare application Discussion Guide (DG)
from today's sermon for discussion during
our next training session.
#3
2/29
Review Teaching
Applying God's Word using DG's
Prayer Time
#4
3/7
Review Prayer
Creative Approaches to Prayer
Prayer Time
Prayer (Chapter 4)
Prepare suggestions for possible
approaches to Prayer Time
Outreach (Chapter 5)
Appendix D - Supplies
Appendix E - Reaching Out
Appendix F - DG - Spiritual Harvest
#5
3/14
Review Outreach
Outreach Opportunities
Prayer Time
Formation (Chapter 6)
Appendix G - Sample E-mails
Appendix H - Small Flock Group Covenants
#6
3/21
Review Formation
Critique of Sessions Visited
Prayer Time
Leadership (Chapter 7)
Appendix I - Leadership in the Early Church
Appendix J - Leadership Questionnaire
Appendix K – Leadership Covenants
#7
3/28
Review Leadership
Co-Leadership
Questionnaire & Covenants
Prayer Time
Facilitation (Chapter 8)
Coaching (Chapter 9)
Appendix L - Evaluation Forms
#8
4/4
Review Facilitation
Review Coaching
Critique Training Program
Closing Challenge & Prayer
Resources (Chapter 10)
Pray for the Holy Spirit's leading in fulfilling
your role in the Flock Group Ministry.
Follow-up on Visiting Flock Groups.
Plan to attend School of Ministry.
#1
2/15
#2
2/22
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Appendix B: Leadership Training Covenant
Each participant in the Leadership Training Program is asked to covenant with each other
that they will prepare for, attend and fully participate in all eight session of the program. As
part of the covenant we ask participants to commit to visiting at least one flock group
gathering and use the Intern Observation Guide (Appendix L) to communicate their
experience back to the training group. We have found that visiting other flock groups is a
great way to fertilize our minds and gather ideas of things we can do in our own flock group.
At the conclusion of the program participants are encouraged to prayerfully consider
becoming actively involved in the ministry as hosts and/or flock group leaders. If they feel
led to become leaders, they are asked to complete a Leadership Questionnaire and sign a
Flock Group Leadership Covenant for either co-leaders or individual leaders.
For those who choose to be hosts only, attending the Leadership Training Program provides
them valuable insight and tips on providing hospitality as well as an overview of the Flock
Group Ministry.
Two training covenants are provided. One for couples attending the training program and
another for individual participants.
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Training Covenant for Participant Couples
With the Lord's help we agree to prepare for, attend and fully participate in all eight sessions
of Flock Group Leadership Training Program and visit ___ flock group meetings during the
training program.
At the conclusion of the training program we will prayerfully consider hosting and/or leading
and shepherding a flock group.
If we feel led to become flock group leaders, we will complete the Leadership Questionnaire.
Upon approval by the council we will sign a Flock Group Leaders Covenant and provide
leadership for a flock group with the guidance, assistance and prayer support of a coach
assigned by the Flock Group Ministry Council.
Signed __________________________________ Date ______________
Signed __________________________________ Date ______________
Training Covenant for Individual Participants
With the Lord's help I agree to prepare for, attend and fully participate in all eight sessions of
Flock Group Leadership Training Program and visit ___ flock group meetings during the
training program.
At the conclusion of the training program I will prayerfully consider hosting and/or leading
and shepherding a flock group.
If I feel led to become a flock group leader, I will complete the Leadership Questionnaire.
Upon approval by the council I will sign a Flock Group Leader Covenant and provide
leadership for a flock group with the guidance, assistance and prayer support of a coach
assigned by the Flock Group Ministry Council.
Signed __________________________________ Date ______________
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Appendix C: Sample Ice Breakers
When in your growing up years did you ever get into big trouble with your parents?
The person to whom I am proud to be related is _______________________.
Where do you consider home?
Complete: "When the going gets tough, I_____________________________________."
Who always helps you laugh?
What possession would be the hardest for you to give up?
What size family did you grow up in and where are you in the order?
How many times have you moved in your lifetime?
What is your favorite place to relax?
Have you ever purchased anything at an auction?
What do you collect?
Have you ever made a New Year's resolution that you have kept? What was it?
Fill in the blanks, "I was born in _______. My favorite childhood game was ___________.
If you had the power to go back in time and visit anyone you wanted to, who would it be?
As a teen, what was your favorite music group? What type of music do you listen to now?
What would be the first thing you would buy if you suddenly had a million dollars?
What would you like to accomplish in the next 15 years?
What is your favorite sport to watch? To play?
What chore would you prefer: mowing the lawn, putting on a new roof, cleaning house?
What type of movies do you prefer? Action, Horror, Comedy, Drama, Love Stories, Science
Fiction, Musicals
If you like swimming, do you prefer an ocean, swimming pool, or lake?
Regarding money matters, would you consider yourself a saver or a spender?
Were you ever bullied as a kid? By whom?
How do you stay informed on current events?
When home alone, do you like silence or do you have to have some noise going on?
Source: derived from Serendipity Bible for Groups.
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Appendix D: Supplies for Evangelism
Publication Outreach
Supplies for outreach using various publication media include
Child Evangelism Fellowship: www.gospelcom.net/cef
Campus Crusade for Christ: www.campuscrusade.com
The Billy Graham Association: www.billygraham.org/resources.
For example, if you would like to send someone a one-year subscription to the Billy Graham
Association's "Decision" magazine, check out…
www.billygraham.org/ourMinistries/decisionMagazine/subscribe.asp.
Here you will learn how you can subscribe online, or send their full name, address, city,
state and zip code, along with your payment (currently $12.00), to:
Decision
P.O. Box 779
Minneapolis, MN 55440-0779
Tract Ministry
An excellent resource for building your own tract collection is www.atstracts.org.
Jesus T-Shirts
If you are interested in buying a “Jesus” T-shirt, you have 135 choices at ChoiceShirts.com.
Their quality and selection are great and they company ship to you VERY quickly. Here's
their link: www.choiceshirts.com/store/productsearchgrid.asp?k=Jesus&f=0&x=16&y=6
Hand out New Testaments
For inexpensive NIV paperback New Testaments, check out the Christian Book Store. The
price is $1.49 each, but if you buy in bulk, it should be cheaper. If you want to order by
phone call toll free at 1-800-CHRISTIAN (1-800-247-4784) anytime between 8 a.m. and 11
p.m. (EST) Monday through Friday (9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday) to speak with one of our
friendly customer service representatives. For more information on this item, check out their
website at…
www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product/85817563?item_no=9229x&event=SP5735
5
Another resource for pocket New Testaments; is the Gideons International at
www.gideons.org. When you arrive at their website, click on FAQ to learn more about how
to purchase them. Here is what you can purchase, however, supplies are limited:
•
Plain full Bible (brown only, King James Version only) for $8.75 each.
•
Plain large, soft cover New Testament with Psalms in medium bold print (dark blue
only, King James Version only) for $4.00 each.
•
Plain pocket-sized New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs (brown only, King
James Version or New King James Version) for $2.50 each.
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•
Orders may include a maximum of 10 Bibles and/or 25 New Testaments
•
Send your check and request to: The Gideons International, Post Office Box 140800,
Nashville, TN. 37214-0800. The price includes shipping and handling.
Distribute Bibles via Christmas Cards
On the left side of the Gideons website, will be a place to click on the distributing Bibles via
Christmas cards. You get 12 very nice Christmas cards for $18. That money will go to
placing 12 Bibles or New Testaments around the world (which I believe that in this case,
Gideons is going to place Scriptures in countries other than the USA)
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Appendix E: Reaching Out to Others
As we meet together in our flock groups, there will be ample opportunity for us to reach out
to each other within, and outside, our group. Our attitude and approach in doing so should
be out of love for one another with compassion.
Compassion Deacons
Beginning in 2003, the Family Care Deacons of College Park Church will become known as
Compassion Deacons with the role of compassionately reaching out to the body of believers
and helping them in their times of need. As the need arises, you and the members of your
flock group may be contacted to help meet those needs. When asked to participate, please
prayerfully consider how you might respond to their request and how your group might be of
service.
Serving Others
Other areas of service that may emerge within your group may include helping one another
out when a special need arises. Members of your group may also be led of the Holy Spirit
to volunteer their time, talents and spiritual gifts to serving in others areas of ministry in the
church.
Sponsor a Child
Perhaps in reaching out to others you feel led to sponsor a child in an underdeveloped
nation. If so you might find www.compassion.com a helpful resource.
Outreach to Other Countries
For example, you could reach out to people in Asia through www.gfa.org.
Outreach to People of Other Faiths
Here's a couple of great resource for reaching people of other faiths:
•
•
•
•
Reaching the World for Christ http://www.reachingforchrist.org
Jews for Jesus www.jewsforjesus.org
Arab International Ministry http://www.arabim.org
Witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses http://www.jude3.net/JWDOC.HTM
Finding Resources
To find other resource, enter the following in your favorite search engines:
reaching [FaithName] for christ
For example, reaching mormons for christ
86
Appendix F: Discussion Guide - Spiritual Harvest
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship,
to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 (NIV)
January 5, 2003: "Laboring for a Spiritual Harvest" by Anatole Gloukhovsky, Rector for
Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary. Brother Anatole began his sermon with an
update on the progress of God's blessings upon the ministry and outreach of the UETS. In
his update he commended the people of College Park Church for their willingness to pray, to
give and to go so that the ministry of Christ might be strengthened in the Ukraine. We were
richly blessed by God through our partnership with you as you prayed for our ministry, gave
generously to meet our financial needs, and your willingness to give of yourselves and send
people to visit, encourage and help us in our ministry.
Brother Anatole then read and preached from Matthew 9:35-38, challenging us to continue
in our efforts in reaching the world for Christ.
Anatole pointed out how Jesus went through all the towns and villages and that the historian
Josephus (~ 37-100) had determined that there were 204 such towns and villages in which
Jesus visited during his ministry. As Jesus went out into the world around him, Anatole
described the work that is before them in the Ukrain and challenged us to look around in our
home town to see where God might be leading us in our "labor for a spiritual harvest."
As Jesus had compassion on the people he saw in the crowds, we should also have
compassion upon those who are "harassed and helpless" without Christ or struggling in
living their life for Christ in a meaningful and fulfilling way. Many people today are
perplexed, downcast and distressed in their lives and looking for answers.
We need to be more than just followers of Christ. We need to be fully functioning and
effective disciples for Christ who put what they learn into practice.
Anatole challenged us that as we look out upon the harvest we should pray, give and go.
•
•
•
pray for God's leading and direction in reaching out to others
willingly give of ourselves and invest ourselves in the lives of others
go into the harvest fields and bring them into fellowship with Christ.17
Discussion Questions:
1. As we survey our local harvest area, who are the people of our Jerusalem, Judea
and Samaria to which God may be leading us in our "labor for a spiritual harvest?"18
2. Who are these people, where do they live and how might we go about
compassionately reaching out to them?
3. What are the characteristics of a fully functioning and effective disciple for Christ?
17
18
John 20:21
Acts 1:7, John 20:21
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Editor's Note
Here are several resources that you might find helpful in your search for characteristics of
fully functioning and effective followers/disciples of Christ.
Resources - Books
World's Bible Dictionary - Student Edition, written by Don Fleming19 and published by World
Publishing 1990 (ISBN 0-529-07309-9). In his definition for disciple, Don states…
"True disciples of Jesus Christ put into practice what they have learned from him and
maintain a consistent obedience in doing what he had commanded them to do (Matt
11:29; Eph 4:20; John 8:31). They also give visible proof that they are Jesus' disciples
through practicing genuine love towards each other and through bearing spiritual fruit in
their lives (John 13:13-15, 35; 15:8). This practical love extends beyond the group of
fellow disciples to all people everywhere (Matt 5:44-46). Jesus' disciples are, therefore,
to take his message to others in order to make more disciples, no matter who the people
are or where they live (Matt 28:19-20)." Don Fleming (1990)
The Connecting Church - Beyond Small Groups to Authentic Community written by Randy
Frazee, Senior Pastor at Pantego Bible Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Published by
Zondervan Publishing House 2001 (ISBN 0-310-23308-9) and copyright by the Willow Creek
Association. Randy describes 10 beliefs (what we need to know), 10 practices (what we
need to do), and 10 virtues (what we need to be) that are descriptive of those who desire to
follow Christ. When asked, "Does it really make a difference?" He replies…
"The answer is most definitely yes! Consider a study by George Gallup Jr., who
randomly polled a cross section of people regarding their feelings about twelve Christian
beliefs and practices.20 He then asked a series of follow-up questions about Christian
virtues, such as experiencing joy, forgiving others who deeply hurt you, and showing
compassion. His findings were shocking. Those who said they strongly embraced these
twelve beliefs and practices showed a significant increase in personal joy, the ability to
forgive others, and a willingness to show compassion when compared to the people who
said they strongly disagreed with these beliefs and practices. When the Christian life is
tried, it work!" Randy Frazee (2001)
Resources - Internet Links
Core Competencies:
http://pub43.ezboard.com/fthedialogueboxfrm19.showMessage?topicID=59.topic
http://www.pantego.org/resources/30core.html.
19
Page 97 World's Bible Dictionary Published by World Publishing in 1990 (ISBN 0-529-07309-9).
Don Fleming has had wide experience as a missionary and Bible teacher both in the West and in the
East, and is well known for his ability to explain the Bible writings concisely and simply. He has over
twenty books to his name, and his writings have been published in almost a dozen languages. His
home country is Australia, where he is engaged in teaching and evangelism ministry that extends
overseas, chiefly to the countries of Asia and the Pacific.
20
See George Gallup Jr. and Timothy Jones, The Saints Among Us (Harrisburg, Pa.; Morshouse,
1992), 10.
88
Appendix G: Sample E-mails for Group Formation
Sample #1 – sent on 9/16/01, this was the first e-mail to group 1
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
There are six couples and one single who are interested in participating in a flock group
which will meet at our house (820 Bennett Court, Carmel).
We will have the first meeting either October 13 or 20 at 6:30-8:30 pm. We will meet on the
one of the two possible dates on which the most people can attend. leave both dates open,
if possible, but let me know if one or the other is not feasible for you. I will contact you the
week of 9/24 and tell you which date will work best for the majority.
We will spend some time socializing and getting to know each other. Then you can ask any
questions you might have. The group will decide what night of the week we want to meet,
the time to meet, how often, and anything you want to discuss. Joanne will serve light
snacks and dessert.
Joanne and I will lead the group and Greg and Cindy Cislak will be our assistants.
If you have immediate questions let me address them when I contact you the week of 9/24.
Regards,
Eugene Kimble
Sample #2 – 9/27/01 to group 1
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The following couples have indicated that they will be at our home (located at 820 Bennett
Court, Carmel, IN 46032) Saturday, October 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM to join hands and
fellowship in a flock group.
Jim and Nancy Jordan
Greg and Cathy Cislak
Mark and Marsha Vaillancourt
Dean and Dana Rankin
Gary and Donna Sandahl
Aaron and Jill Gick
Eugene and Joanne Kimble
At 6:30 PM Joanne will provide some sort of snack and beverage for us to partake of while
we get to know each other.
89
The remainder of the evening will be spent in various organizational matters such as what
night of the week to meet, what time to meet, the frequency to meet, and the duration of the
commitment to the group. We will also get a feel for how our group will operate.
If you have immediate questions or need directions to our house, contact us at
[email protected] or 575-8901. If for any reason you cannot come on 10/13/01 at 6: 30
PM, please let us know. We're excited that you are coming and look forward to meeting you.
May God bless you richly,
Sample #3 – 10/5/01 to group 1, text was all red and larger than normal
Remember to check your calendar!
Saturday, October 13 is fast approaching. Snacks and beverage to start out the flock group
at Kimble's.
Meeting place: 820 Bennett Court, Carmel Meeting time: 6:30 -8:30 PM
This will be the first meeting to organize ourselves.
If you have any questions or need directions to our home, please let us know. Also, if
circumstances change and you are unable to attend, please call us promptly at 575-8901.
We are still excited about getting to meet with you.
Sample #4 – 10/11/01 to group 1, heading was blue
FINAL COUNTDOWN TO THE OPENING ACT
As you know, Saturday 10/13 you are one of several couples who will meet at Eugene and
Joanne Kimble's from 6:30 to 8:30 PM for the initial, organizational meeting of our flock
group.
We both look forward to receiving you as our guests as early as 6:10 PM, before it gets too
dark. We'll have the lights on to help you spot our house.
At the latest, plan to be here by 6:25 so we can start promptly at 6:30.
We look forward to meeting you and beginning a solid relationship and spiritual journey
together. "The LORD bless you and keep you. The LORD make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace" Numbers
6:24-26.
90
P .S. Once again, if you have any questions or should find that you will not be able to come
on Saturday, please call us promptly at 575-8901.
Sample #5 – 10/17/01, follow up to the gathering on 10/13/01
Dear Friends,
We were so glad to have eleven in attendance at our organizational meeting on 10/13, when
we engaged in fellowship, teaching, and covenant making.
To review, we as a group decided to meet every other Saturday evening at 820 Bennett
Court from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. The next meeting will be on 11/03/01. At that time we will
complete our accountability covenant, enjoy some fellowship, prayer and a
discussion/application of the 10/28 Sunday AM sermon.
Joanne and I and Greg and Cathy Cislak greatly enjoyed meeting with you and look forward
to the next fellowship meeting on 11/03.
Those who plan to be there include:
Greg and Cathy Cislak
Aaron and Jill Gick
Jim and Nancy Jordan
Dean and Dana Rankin
Gary and Donna Sandahl
Mark and Marcia Vaillancourt (Remember this family in prayer. Mark's mother died this week
and the funeral will be Saturday in Illinois. Both his parents are believers.)
Here's your homework assignment:
1. Please read the covenant carefully and be ready to discuss any changes you feel are
desirable. Otherwise, we will confirm it as it stands. Bring your covenant and Bible with
you to the meeting.
2. 2. If for any reason you are unable to attend on 11/03, be sure to let me know promptly
at 575-8901.
God bless you.
Eugene Kimble
Sample #6 – first e-mail to group 2
Dear Friends,
As you know, we will have our first meeting to organize our flock group at the home of Dave
and Jane Schuth. Their current address is 5413 Indian Cove Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268
(note: this is a different address than I gave you earlier). They live just south of Pike High
School. From 1-465 go east on 71st Street to Zionsville Rd. Turn right (south). You will pass
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Pike High School and Pike Library. Turn left onto Indian Cove Rd. Their home is on the right
side about two blocks ahead.
The following individuals have set aside time to meet as a group on 10/27 from 6:30 to 8:30
PM.
Mark and Jill Carson
Steve and Beth Herr
Jay Higbee
Tyler and Elizabeth Mendenhall
John and Bev Mize
David and Jane Schuth
Jason and Kristi Wood
Our time will be spent in fellowship, in an overview of what our home group will look like, in
making a covenant for accountability (concerning both organizational and relational
matters), and in discussion and application of the 10/21 AM sermon as time allows.
Please let me know promptly if you any reason you are unable to attend this meeting
(telephone 575-8901).
May God bless each of you richly this week.
Eugene Kimble
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Appendix H: Sample Flock Group Covenants
Here are several worksheets and sample covenants you can use as you begin forming your
flock group. The first worksheet provides an interactive way to help your group understand
the biblical basis for the mission of the Flock Group Ministry. The second worksheet is both
a sample and a worksheet to assist you in helping your group develop their covenant.
Following the second worksheet is another example of a flock group covenant along with a
worksheet that is available for your use in helping your group develop a covenant.
•
•
•
•
Mission of Flock Group Ministry - Worksheet
Flock Group Covenant - Worksheet
Flock Group Covenant - Sample B
Flock Group Covenant - Worksheet B
The key in developing a covenant for your flock group is to provide enough structure to help
your group clearly understand why they are assembling together (your mission) and what
your focus will be (the four pillars) and then provide an opportunity for input on goals and
objectives, and how they would like to organize themselves and interact with each other.
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In John 10:14-16, Jesus referred to those who follow him as his _________ and himself as
the ______ ______________.
In Acts 20:28, Paul encouraged the elders of the church at Ephesus to keep watch over
yourselves and all the _________ of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be
_____________ of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
In like manner the elders of College Park Church in Indianapolis consider themselves as
shepherds of the flock. As our church has grown in size, the elders have been led to form a
Flock Group Ministry to meet the needs of the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made them
overseers.
In Acts 2:42 we learn that the fellowship of believers in the early church devoted themselves
to the ____________ teaching, and to the ______________, to the breaking of bread and to
______________.
We are richly blessed at College Park Church with such a gifted, dedicated, and Spirit-filled
pastoral staff who provide us with sound Biblical teaching that is worthy of our continued
devotion and study.
In Hebrews 10:22-25 they, as brothers and sisters in Christ, were admonished to…
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Draw near to ______with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.
Hold unswervingly to the ______ we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Consider how we may ______on another on toward love and good deeds.
Not give up __________together, as some are in the habit of doing, but
Encourage ___________--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
In Philemon 1:4-7 we learn that Paul always thanked God and remembered Philemon in his
prayers because of his _______ in the Lord Jesus and his _______ for all the saints. He
also prayed that Philemon would be active in __________ his faith, so that he would have a
full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. His _______ was a great joy and
encouragement to Paul, because of his work in ______________ the hearts of the saints.
Following the examples set for us by the early church, we are encouraged by the elders to
meet together regularly in small home-based flock group settings as an extension of our
corporate worship at College Park Church to glorify God by building disciples of the
Lord Jesus Christ, employing…
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Flock Group Covenant - Worksheet
Our flock group gives us the opportunity to develop relationships and fellowship desired
within the body of Christ. Genuine biblical fellowship is possible with God’s help through our
individual and mutual commitment. To assist us as group members in achieving our mission
and guide us in our mutual commitment to one another as brothers and sisters in Jesus
Christ; we agree to abide by the following covenant:
As in the early church, when the fellowship of believers devoted themselves to the apostles’
teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer, we agree to do
likewise and spur one another on towards love and good deeds and the sharing of our faith
in Christ Jesus.21 In this way we will be furthering the ministry of College Park Church and
helping to fulfill the mission of our church to glorify God by making disciples of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
Our mission as a flock group is to glorify God by building disciples of the Lord Jesus
Christ, employing…
To accomplish our mission, we agree to organize our activities and work together, as the
Holy Spirit leads, towards balancing our time in each of the four areas and achieving agreed
upon goals.
Our group goals are as follows:
A. _____________________________________________________________.
B. _____________________________________________________________.
C. _____________________________________________________________.
D. _____________________________________________________________.
As thought starters, here are a few goals other groups have set for themselves: connecting
in a fulfilling relationship with God and other Christians, making our flock group experience
transferable to our home and work place, and training flock group leaders so we, at some
point can multiply.
21
Acts 2:42, Hebrews 10:19-25, Philemon 1:1-7
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To accomplish our mission and goals, we further agree to the following:
1. Our group leaders will be ______________________.
2. Our primary meeting place will be the ___________ home, with alternate locations
as needed.
3. We will gather together on ___________ from _____ to _____ p.m. and meet
______________ for ____ months. At the end of this period we will evaluate our
progress and growth and determine where to go from there.
4. Child care: ____________________________________________________
5. Refreshments: _________________________________________________
6. Teaching: We will use our pastor’s previous Sunday morning sermons as our primary
focus for study and application of God’s word.
7. Prayer: We will pray regularly for and with each other.
8. Fellowship: In addition to our regular meetings, we will plan special fellowship
activities in which our flock group can get to know each other in a variety of settings.
9. Outreach: We will encourage one another in the sharing of our faith and engage in
outreach activities, as the Holy Spirit leads.
10. We agree to abide by the following disciplines during this period:
A. Attendance: We will make every effort to attend all meetings and arrive on
time. If we are unable to attend, we will let the host know.
B. Confidentiality: We will keep confidential matters shared within the group.
C. Accountability: We give permission to the other group members to hold each
other accountable for goals we set for ourselves.
D. Accessibility: We give each other permission to contact one another when a
need arises.
In full acceptance of the provisions of this covenant, I affix my name to this document in
recognition of my commitment to God and the members of this group. I shall keep this
document as a reminder of this voluntary covenant I’ve entered into on this date.
Signature _____________________________________ Date __________________. (Your
signature is an affirmation of your own commitment: you retain this document. Adapted from Neal F. McBride,
How to Build a Small Group Ministry published in Colorado Springs by NavPress, 1995, 92).
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Flock Group Covenant - Sample B
Our flock group gives us the opportunity to develop the relationships and fellowship
necessary within the body of Christ. Genuine biblical fellowship is possible with God’s help
through our individual and mutual commitment. To assist us as group members in achieving
the goals of identification; love; caring and accountability to God and to guide us in our
mutual commitment to one another as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ; we agree to
abide by the following covenant:
1. The reason our group exists is for Discipleship (Ephesians. 4:11-16), composed of
fellowship, prayer, teaching (Acts 2:42), and sharing our faith (Philemon 6 NIV).
2. Our specific group goals include: developing a fulfilling relationship with God and
other Christians; accountability and spiritual maturity within ourselves; to make our
flock group experience transferable to our home and work place; and to train flock
group leaders.
3. We will meet on Thursday’s from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..
4. We will meet every other week for twelve months. At the end of that period, we will
evaluate our progress and growth.
5. Our meeting place will be at 820 Bennett Court, Carmel.
6. We will use the previous Sunday morning sermon for study and application.
7. Eugene and Joanne Kimble will be the group leaders.
8. Snacks and beverages: Kimble’s will provide beverages and volunteers will bring
snacks
9. Child care: each family will provide their own child care, if needed
10. Our plan for growth: 1. We will have “interns” who will go out to multiply by forming
new groups. 2. Individual goals.
11. Service and outreach: Service to the church, neighborhood, or community and
reaching out to those who are lost, hurting, or wandering.
12. We will agree on the following disciplines:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Attendance: We will be here whenever possible, be on time, and will let the
group know when we will not be in attendance.
Ownership: We agree to share responsibility for the group and our goals.
Confidentiality: We agree to keep confidential matters within the group.
Accountability: We agree to give permission to the other group members to
hold each other accountable for goals we set for ourselves.
Prayer: We agree to pray regularly for and with each other.
Accessibility: We give each other permission to call us when they are in
need.
In full acceptance of these covenants, I affix my name to this document in recognition of my
commitment to God and the members of this group. I shall keep this document as a
reminder of this voluntary covenant I’ve entered into on this date:
Signature _____________________________________ Date _________________ (Your
signature is an affirmation of your own commitment: you retain this document. Adapted from Neal F. McBride,
How to Build a Small Group Ministry published in Colorado Springs by NavPress, 1995, 92.)
97
Flock Group Covenant - Worksheet B
Our flock group gives us the opportunity to develop the relationships and fellowship
necessary within the body of Christ. Genuine biblical fellowship is possible with God’s help
through our individual and mutual commitment. To assist us as group members in achieving
the goals of identification; love; caring and accountability to God and to guide us in our
mutual commitment to one another as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ; we agree to
abide by the following covenant:
1. The reason our group exists is for Discipleship (Ephesians. 4:11-16), composed of
fellowship (community building), prayer (supplication and worship), teaching (nurture)
(Acts 2:42), and sharing our faith (outreach) (Philemon 6).
2. Our specific group goals include: connecting in a fulfilling relationship with God and
other Christians; accountability and spiritual maturity within ourselves; to make our flock
group experience transferable to our home and work place; and to train flock group
leaders.
3. We will meet on _________’s from _____ p.m. to _____p.m.
4. We will meet __________________ for ________months. At the end of that period, we
will evaluate our progress and growth.
5. Our meeting place will be: ________________________________________
6. We will use the previous Sunday morning sermon for study and application.
7. The group leaders will be ________________________________.
8. Snacks and beverages: ___________________________________________
9. Child care: _____________________________________________________
10. Your plan for personal growth:
11. Service and outreach: Service to the church, neighborhood, or community and reaching
out to those who are lost, hurting, or wandering.
12. We will agree on the following disciplines:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Attendance: We will be here whenever possible, be on time, and will let the
group know when we will not be in attendance.
Ownership: We agree to share responsibility for the group and our goals.
Confidentiality: We agree to keep confidential matters within the group.
Accountability: We agree to give permission to the other group members to
hold each other accountable for goals we set for ourselves.
Prayer: We agree to pray regularly for and with each other.
Accessibility: We give each other permission to call us when they are in
need.
In full acceptance of these covenants, I affix my name to this document in recognition of my
commitment to God and the members of this group. I shall keep this document as a
reminder of this voluntary covenant I’ve entered into on this date:
Signature _____________________________________ Date _________________
(Your signature is an affirmation of your own commitment: you retain this document. Adapted from Neal F.
McBride, How to Build a Small Group Ministry published in Colorado Springs by NavPress, 1995, 92.)
98
Appendix I: Leadership of the Early Church
As we study the New Testament for how leaders emerged and were developed in the early
church, we find rich examples of how they were developed and what qualifications were
expected of those who became leaders of the first century church. Among the examples are
those of…
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Apostles
The Chosen Seven
Elders
Shepherd Role of Elders as Overseers
Overseers
Deacons
Deacons' Wives
The Apostles
When Jesus selected those that would entrust to be the future leaders of the church, only
He knew the exact qualities he was seeking, however, there seems to be one common
thread for all of them, and that is their willingness to follow him. For example,
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called
Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were
fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once
they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother
John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called
them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew
4:18-22
Jesus later chose, from among those that were following him, a small group of future
leaders that would be with him throughout his earthly journey and that he would send into
the world.
He appointed twelve--designating them apostles--that they might be with him and that he
might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the
twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James son of Zebedee
and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of
Thunder); Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus,
Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Mark 3:14-19
As the apostles accompanied Jesus throughout his early ministry, they received their
leadership training by way of personal example in watching what Jesus did, and listening to
his teachings and engaging in "small group" interaction along the way. He often spoke in
parables to the people, and later, perhaps around the campfire, Jesus would explain their
meaning and help them understand the deep truths of the faith.
99
At the conclusion of his earthly ministry, Jesus sent his apostles out into the world with the
"great commission."
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to
go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to
them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore
go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded
you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:16-20
As Dr. David Kasali -Vice Chancellor of the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of
Theology said recently in his challenge to the people of College Park Church, they were
following the example of Christ, a man on a mission. Their mission was clear, for they
clearly knew…
•
•
•
•
who sent them,
what they were to accomplish,
how they were to be equipped, and
to whom they would give a report.
The Chosen Seven
As the number of followers increased, the apostles commissioned seven men from among
the disciples to help them in meeting the growing needs of the body of believers.
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among
them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked
in the daily distribution of food [benevolent funds]. So the Twelve gathered all the
disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the
word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you
who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to
them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of
the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from
Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed
and laid their hands on them.
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly,
and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:1-7
Elders
As the church was established throughout the known world, elders were appointed to carry
on the work at the local churches.
The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished
and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. Titus 1:5
Paul continued on in his letter to Titus to help him identify the leadership qualifications of the
elders.
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An elder [Gr. presbuteros] must…
•
•
•
be blameless,
the husband of but one wife,
a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and
disobedient. Titus 1:6
Shepherd Role of the Elders as Overseers
The Apostle Peter, in his letter to the churches scattered throughout the region, encouraged
his fellow elders to shepherd those that the Holy Spirit had led into their care, and to do so
as overseers of the flock.
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and
one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is
under your care, serving as overseers-•
•
•
not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;
not greedy for money, but eager to serve;
not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never
fade away. 1 Peter 5:1-4
Overseers
In his letter to Titus, Paul included more details on the qualifications for those who would
aspire to the leadership position of an overseer.
Since an overseer [Gr. episkopos] is entrusted with God's work, he must
•
be blameless -not overbearing,
not quick-tempered,
not given to drunkenness,
not violent,
not pursuing dishonest gain.
Rather he must…
•
•
•
•
•
•
be hospitable,
one who loves what is good,
who is self-controlled,
upright,
holy, and
disciplined.
He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can…
•
•
encourage others by sound doctrine and
refute those who oppose it. Titus 1:7-9
In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul stated that the role of an overseer was a noble task, and again laid
out the qualifications for an overseer.
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Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a
noble task.
Now the overseer must be…
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
above reproach,
the husband of but one wife,
temperate,
self-controlled,
respectable,
hospitable,
able to teach,
not given to drunkenness,
not violent but gentle,
not quarrelsome,
not a lover of money.
He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper
respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care
of God's church?)
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same
judgment as the devil.
He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace
and into the devil's trap.
Deacons
In 1 Timothy 3:8-12, Paul described the qualifications for deacons and their wives.
Deacons [Gr. diakonos], likewise, are to be men…
•
•
•
•
worthy of respect,
sincere,
not indulging in much wine, and
not pursuing dishonest gain.
They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as
deacons.
A deacon…
•
•
must be the husband of but one wife, and
must manage his children and his household well.
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their
faith in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 3:8-10 and 12-13
102
Deacons' Wives
Paul inserts in his discussion about the qualifications of deacons and says…
In the same way, their wives are to be women…
•
•
•
worthy of respect,
not malicious talkers, but
temperate and trustworthy in everything. 1 Timothy 3:11
As you've read the various leadership qualifications of what the Apostles felt were needed
by those who aspire to leadership positions, our prayer is that the Holy Spirit will raise your
awareness and enlighten you as to those areas that you sense need to be shored up in your
life, so that you may be used mightily by the Lord in your flock group.
103
Appendix J: Leadership Questionnaire
Explanation & Statement of Confidentiality
Our primary avenue of discipleship, mutual ministry, and accountability to one another in the
Flock Group Ministry of College Park Church is through flock groups. Flock group leaders
are members of the Flock Group Ministry team, having the privilege and responsibility for
many types of pastoral care to their group members. We therefore take intentional steps
such as this application, subsequent interview(s), and on-going training activities to ensure
that our flock group leaders are equipped for effective service.
The information on this form is for use by the Flock Group Ministry Council; it will not be
divulged, transferred, sold, or otherwise made available to persons or organizations outside
the church.
Personal Information
Name:
Date:
Street address:
City, State, Zip:
Home phone:
Work phone:
Mobile phone:
E-mail:
Home
Mobile
Best way(s) to
contact you:
Age group:
18-22
23-30
Work
E-mail
Best time(s) to contact you:
Day
Evening after
31-40
41-50
Occupation:
Marital status:
51-60
PM
over 60
Education:
Single
Divorced
Married
Remarried
Name of spouse:
Separated
Widow(er)
If married, is your spouse a
Yes
No
believer?
Ages of children:
Have you gone through any of these life experiences?
Death of a loved one
Career change
Church split
Divorce
Job loss
Church discipline
Serious illness
Serious financial loss
Cult exposure
Other:
Do you think you have been able to work through these experiences with God’s help?
(Please explain)
104
Spiritual Information
How long have you been a Christian?
Please describe how and when you came to know Christ as Lord and Savior:
Please describe your personal walk with the Lord:
Church & Ministry Information
What other churches have you attended in the past?
How long have you been attending College Park Church?
Are you a member of College Park Church?
Yes
No
When did you join?
In what types of Christian service have you previously been involved?
At College Park:
At other churches or organizations:
Do you know your spiritual gifts? What are they? How have these been utilized in your service to
Christ?
105
Have you participated in a small group at College Park ?
Yes
No
If so, what type was it and how long did you participate?
Who was the leader?
Please tell us why you want to be a flock group leader:
Have you had previous experience as a small group leader?
explain when and where?
Yes
No If so, please
Have you completed the Flock Group Ministry's Leadership Training Program?
If not, do you covenant to complete it as soon as possible?
22
Yes
Do you agree to abide by the Leadership Covenant for FG leaders?
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
If you have any unique personal views on biblical doctrines that might differ from the doctrinal
statements and constitution of College Park Church, please mention them here:
Leadership Qualities
Please read through the following statements from God’s word concerning those called to
leadership in the local church.
1 Timothy 3:1-13
Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he
desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but
one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given
to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He
must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper
respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take
care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become
conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good
reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much
wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of
22
Appendix K of the Flock Group Ministry Manual
106
the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is
nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious
talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and
his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and
great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Titus 1:5-9
The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left
unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be
blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not
open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted
with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not
given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be
hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and
disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so
that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Although the passages above refer specifically to elders and deacons, the spiritual and moral
qualities mentioned apply to all disciples of Christ. As you read through this material, are there
any areas of your life where spiritual immaturity or secret sin might undermine your ability to lead
others?
Personal References
Please list below at least one name and contact information of a long-time member or leader of
College Park Church whom we may contact to gain additional perspective on your potential to
lead a flock group at College Park Church. (It would be most useful if at least one of those you
list has observed you in a ministry setting or service context.)
Name
Phone Number
107
E-mail Address
Appendix K: Leadership Covenant
At the conclusion of the Leadership Training Program participants are encouraged to
prayerfully consider becoming actively involved in the ministry as hosts and/or flock group
leaders. If they feel led to become leaders, they are asked to complete a Leadership
Questionnaire (Appendix J) and sign a Flock Group Leadership Covenant as either coleaders or individual leaders.
Flock Group Leaders' Covenant for Co-Leaders
Flock Group Leader Covenant for Individual Leaders
Prospective flock group leaders are asked to complete a leadership covenant before
beginning to lead their flock group.
For those who choose to be hosts only, attending the Leadership Training Program is
recommended for an overview of the Flock Group Ministry. However, making application to
become leaders and signing a leadership covenant is not required for hosts.
108
Flock Group Leaders' Covenant
With the Lord's help we agree to lead and shepherd a flock group as an extension of the
mission and public ministry of College Park Church with the guidance, assistance and
prayer support of a coach assigned by the Flock Group Ministry Council.
Members for your group can be drawn from those you would like to have join you, and those
who sign up and indicate an interest in becoming a part of the Flock Group Ministry.
teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer, and were encouraged
to consider how they may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, and the
sharing of their faith in Christ Jesus 23, we will do likewise in our flock group. In this way we
will be furthering the ministry of College Park Church and helping to fulfill the mission of our
church to glorify God by making disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In fulfilling our leadership role, we also agree to the following guidelines:
1. We will actively pursue the mission of the Flock Group Ministry to glorify God by
building disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, employing…
2. When forming a new flock group, we will lead them in establishing a Flock Group
Covenant and encourage each member in accomplishing the mission, goals and
expectations agreed upon by the group.
3. We will be faithful and diligent in shepherding those under our care by:
a. Carefully preparing and prayerfully leading our flock group gatherings.
b. Encouraging participation from each flock member.
c. Faithfully encouraging each member in their walk with the Lord.
d. Regularly communicate with each member via telephone, e-mail, or regular
mail.
e. Encouraging each member in living up to the agreements made to God and
each other in our Flock Group Covenant.
23
109
f.
Living an exemplary and righteous life as a model and encouragement to
others. 24
4. We will look for leadership potential within our group, and within the flock at large,
and recommend them to our coach for consideration.
5. We will develop leadership skills, as appropriate, within our group (i.e., by asking
group members to prepare and handle various segments of our meeting time
together) and encourage our flock group to grow and multiply at an appropriate time
in the life cycle of the group.
6. We will notify our coach if unable to complete the term agreed upon by our flock
group, so that new leadership may be trained and appointed by the council. We
agree to work with our coach for a smooth transition of leadership.
7. We will submit to the oversight of the Flock Group Ministry Council in everything
regarding the group that we lead (i.e., keeping our coach regularly informed on the
progress of our group, submitting requested documentation to assist the council in
oversight, etc.).
Signed: __________________________________ Date _____________
Signed: __________________________________ Date _____________
24
I Thessalonians 1:4-7
110
Flock Group Leader Covenant
With the Lord's help I agree to lead and shepherd a flock group as an extension of the
mission and public ministry of College Park Church with the guidance, assistance and
prayer support of a coach assigned by the Flock Group Ministry Council.
Members for your group can be drawn from those you would like to have join you, and those
who sign up and indicate an interest in becoming a part of the Flock Group Ministry.
teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer, and were encouraged
to consider how they may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, and the
sharing of their faith in Christ Jesus 25, we will do likewise in my flock group. In this way we
will be furthering the ministry of College Park Church and helping to fulfill the mission of our
church to glorify God by making disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In fulfilling my leadership role, I also agree to the following guidelines:
1. I will actively pursue the mission of the Flock Group Ministry to glorify God by
building disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, employing…
2. When forming a new flock group, I will lead them in establishing a Flock Group
Covenant and encourage each member in accomplishing the mission, goals and
expectations agreed upon by the group.
3. I will be faithful and diligent in shepherding those under my care by:
a. Carefully preparing and prayerfully leading my flock group gatherings.
b. Encouraging participation from each flock member.
c. Faithfully encouraging each member in their walk with the Lord.
d. Regularly communicate with each member via telephone, e-mail, or regular
mail.
e. Encouraging each member in living up to the agreements made to God and
each other in our Flock Group Covenant.
25
111
f.
Living an exemplary and righteous life as a model and encouragement to
others. 26
4. I will look for leadership potential within my group, and within the flock at large, and
recommend them to my coach for consideration.
5. I will develop leadership skills, as appropriate, within my group (i.e., by asking group
members to prepare and handle various segments of our meeting time together) and
encourage my flock group to grow and multiply at an appropriate time in the life cycle
of the group.
6. I will notify my coach if unable to complete the term agreed upon by my flock group,
so that new leadership may be trained and appointed by the council. I agree to work
with my coach for a smooth transition of leadership.
7. I will submit to the oversight of the Flock Group Ministry Council in everything
regarding the group that I lead (i.e., keeping my coach regularly informed on the
progress of my group, submitting requested documentation to assist the council in
oversight, etc.).
Signed: __________________________________ Date _____________
26
I Thessalonians 1:4-7
112
Appendix L: Evaluation Forms
In order to assist in providing ongoing encouragement and support to flock group leaders,
the council has created a couple of evaluation forms to help flock group leaders, coaches
and intern/observers critique the sessions:
Editor Note: The forms are not "fixed in stone," but are offered as tools to assist both flock
group leaders and their coaches in their ongoing evaluation process. The Intern
Observation Guide is to assist participants going through the training to have a structured
way of capturing their observations.
If you would like to obtain a copy of the forms for your use, you can download them from our
Flock Group Ministry website which is currently being hosted by Biblical Studies Ministries
International at www.bsmi.org.
The hyperlink to the forms section is www.bsmi.org./flock_forms.htm.
113
Flock Group: ________________________________
Date ______________
Those in Attendance:
Absent:
On a scale of 1 to 10 how did you sense the overall outcome of your meeting time? ____
What was/were the topic(s) of discussion?
What contributed to its success?
If any, what things did you struggle with the most as a leader?
What creative things did you do in your group that might help other groups?
How can the flock group council leadership best pray for you?
Are there any questions you'd like us to help answer about flock groups?
Prayer Requests and Praises (Encouragements/stories for the council)
Stories and requests are given with permission from group members
114
Flock Group: ________________________________
Date ______________
Attendance: Do most of your flock group members attend regularly? ___ Do any need
encouragement? ___ What approaches have you found helpful in encouraging attendance?
Outcomes: On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 high) how would you rate the overall outcome of
your time together over the last several meetings? ___ Explain?
Is your group successfully following the four pillars? ___ How are you using them?
When things are going well, what does that look like?
Are there any difficulties you are encountering? If so, how can we help?
What things are you doing to keep the group meetings fresh, stimulating, alive and well?
Multiplication: How are things going in developing potential flock group leaders?
Encouragement: What encouraging stories do you have to share? Can we use these in
our Newsletter? ___
In what ways may we be of further support and encouragement to you and your group?
Resources: Are you finding the resources we provide helpful (i.e., manual, website,
discussion guides, newsletter, School of Ministry, etc.)? ___ How are you using them?
What other resources might be helpful?
115
Flock Group: ________________________________
Date ______________
What did you observe this evening that you'd like to try in your own flock group?
On a scale of 1 to 10 how did you sense the overall outcome of the meeting time? ____
What was/were the topic(s) of discussion?
What contributed to its success?
What creative things did you observe happening that you'd like to share with other
participants in the training program?
As you consider becoming a leader, how can the Flock Group Ministry Council best pray for
you?
Are there any questions you'd like us to help answer about flock groups?
Prayer Requests and Praises (Encouragements/stories to pass along to the training group)
Stories and requests are given with permission from group members
116
Appendix M: Review Questions of Basic Concepts
As we come to the end of our formal leadership training sessions, here are some questions
that will help us review what we have learned during the leadership training course.
I hope you feel equipped and ready to do one of two things. First, if you are in a flock group
already, you can go back into your existing group with a greater understanding of what flock
groups are all about and perhaps why you have chosen to be in one. Or secondly, you may
feel led to become a host and/or a leader and shepherd of a flock group.
Well, today is like your final exam and ours as well. We’re going to go through some the ten
“areas of interest” in flock groups and ask some pertinent questions of you and then give
you some time to ask questions back to us as flock group leaders. To start with we’d like for
you to contribute by answering the questions. After one or more of you comment, then we’ll
give you an opportunity to ask follow up questions.
Ok, let’s start off with flock groups…the overarching…big picture
1. The Big Picture. How do flock groups fit into the overall mission of our church?
As an extension of the pulpit ministry of the church they provide an opportunity to
build disciples through (1) discussion and application of the pastors' sermons, (2)
drawing close in fellowship with one another and allowing "one anothering” to
take place at a deeper more continual level, (3) having a deeper time of prayer in
opening our hearts and minds to our Lord in adoration, confession, thanksgiving
and supplication, and (4) encouraging one another in sharing their faith and
service to others.
2. Forming the Group. Talk a little about the role that the covenant will play as you
first begin your flock group.
The covenant will help establish the expectations that the group members will
have of each other and themselves.
The covenant will provide a relatively high commitment level from the group from
the start. This will deter early disintegration that can happen when people don’t
show up on time or are regularly absent.
3. Prayer. Case Study:
[As you introduce the flock group prayer time, you open up for anyone with
prayer requests for the week. One group member begins by asking for prayer for
a cousin who just had to move to Denver because her husband got
transferred…and the cousin, Ann is getting ready to have a baby and they are
concerned about traveling when the baby is in the 3rd trimester. Then another
group member says, that reminds me of a man at work whose wife just had a
baby who is now having some lung problems and could use some prayer. This
triggers another group member to remember a neighbor whose emphysema is
now getting in the latter stages. At this, the time you planned for prayer is
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expired…prayer time is over and everyone in your flock group prayed, but no one
prayed for anyone else in the group…is this ok?]
Considering all of this, how can you as a flock group leader introduce the prayer
time in such a way to keep this from continuing?
How can you facilitate so that prayer becomes a vital portion of your time
together as a flock group?
Are there other creative ways to introduce prayer time so as to keep it from
becoming rote and routine?
4. Teaching. What is everyone planning to use as their discussion base?
Another Case Study.
[Three months into your group, a pretty strong and vital member of your flock
group comes up to you after the flock group meeting and asks to speak with
you…you agree and he recommends that you consider changing the
discussion topic to a new book that he just finished which radically affected
his outlook on some things spiritually. He is eager to share it with fellow
group members. He would like for you to consider putting the sermons on
hold and let him lead through a book for a few months.
How would you respond to this request? Why?
A good response would include refreshing his understanding of the mission of
the Flock Group Ministry. If so led, you might also express an interest in him
doing a short excerpt/share time on the book. He agrees and says, “why do
we have to do the sermons anyway? I just don’t understand why it’s so
important for us to discuss the sermons…especially when the Spirit is
prompting me to share more of what’s in this book. Gently but firmly go back
to your flock group covenant and help him see that it is part of the agreed
upon focus for your group.
5. Facilitation
What is the difference between facilitating a discussion and leading a Bible
study?
Why is it important as a leader of your flock group to encourage participation by
everyone in the group and draw them out during your discussions?
6. Outreach
How can you incorporate lifestyle evangelism into your flock group? (i.e. work
relationships, neighbors, etc.).
Why is it important to encourage others in the sharing of their faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ?
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7. Socials/Fellowship
How often do you think it is appropriate to schedule socials outside of regular
meeting times? Please briefly explain, how do you plan to coordinate socials?
(i.e. delegate to others or on your own)
What is at the heart of fellowship and community building?
8. Other General Questions
Should I encourage others to get involved with flock groups? Why? Why not?
I encourage others to get into a flock group, particularly those who do not
have significant Christian relationships. They may have other relationships
but not very many Christian ones.
New members, attenders and new believers should definitely get into flock
groups to start getting integrated into the body life here at College Park.
Others who do have several Christian relationships and have been members
for a little while, may consider leading flock groups.
How can I encourage others to get involved? What’s appropriate?
Are flock groups for everybody?
Some people may just not want to become involved with others at this time.
People who say I just don’t think it’s time right now should not be pressured
into it. If they have special needs that need to be met in other context, they
should be encouraged to do so, with the Lords blessing.
Can people who are not members of College Park Church be in a flock group?
Yes. However, membership is required to become a flock group leader.
9. Multiplication
When should a flock group multiply and why?
Re-evaluate at the end of the covenant period. We did a questionnaire at the
end of the covenant to get a general consensus on if and how we could,
should multiply. I think a group should only consider multiplying after having
been together at least one year.
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10. Coaches
What is the role of my coach?
Their role is to provide support and encouragement to the flock group
leaders. In that role they often find themselves being a sounding board, a
consultant, a prayer partner, a mentor, etc..
How can I utilize my coach?
We encourage you to maintain active communications with your coach.
Feel free to contact your coach: when you are confronted with tough
situations, when you need some encouragement, when you need some refocusing on why you’re doing what you’re doing, etc. Remember they are
there to help you effectively lead and shepherd the flock that the Holy Spirit
has placed in your care.
120
Appendix N – Updates to Manual
This manual is a dynamic document reflecting changes in response to feedback and
additional content as the ministry expands and the needs of the ministry continue to grow.
This appendix is provided to help those interested in keeping their manual up-to-date with
the latest additions and revisions.
After First Edition Published January 29, 2003
Revised Appendix H - Sample Small Flock Group Covenants: After the 53 copies of the
first edition of the manual was printed on January 29, 2003, the need arose to add an
additional introductory page to Appendix H and rename the sample worksheets and
covenants as the documents were individually placed on our website. The documents in
Appendix H are now named…
•
•
•
•
Small Flock Group Covenant - Worksheet
Small Flock Group Covenant - Sample B
Small Flock Group Covenant - Worksheet B
For those who received one of the original 53 copies distributed on February 2nd, you will
need to replace the entire contents of Appendix H. This is available on the website at
http://www.bsmi.org/flockgroupministrymanual.htm.
February 1, 2003
Revised Coach & Leader Discussion Guide: As the council prepared for the launch of
the School of Ministry at their meeting on February 1st, the need arose to modify the Coach
& Leader Discussion Guide in Appendix L.
For those who received one of the original 53 copies distributed on February 2nd, you will
need to replace the Coach & Leader Discussion Guide in Appendix L. This is available on
the website at http://www.bsmi.org/schoolofministry.htm.
Revised Acknowledgements Page: At our meeting we [The Editors] became aware of the
fact that Ron & Jenny Brake were one of the first small flock groups to form and Jenny
created the Small Flock Group Evaluation form with the picture of the lamb and questions to
help Small Flock Group Leaders evaluate their meetings and keep their coaches informed of
how things were going.
As a result, special thanks has now been included in the Acknowledgements page which
now reads…
Special thanks also goes to Ron & Jenny Brake for their active involvement in launching
the SFG ministry as charter members of the council and her contribution of the Small
Flock Group Evaluation Form, to Jennifer Collins, Ministry Assistant to Garrett Higbee,
for her help in publishing the manual, and to Daniel Clements, Student Intern at CPC, for
his artistic talents in creating the logo.
121
For those who received one of the original 53 copies distributed on February 2nd, please
replace the Acknowledges page with the new page available on our website at
http://www.bsmi.org/flockgroupministrymanual.htm.
February 2, 2003
New Electronic Forms: In response to a recommendation from Tom Eads, for those who
like to do their reports on the computer, we are now creating form documents in Microsoft
Word and adding them to our website. When creating form documents, fields are inserted in
each of the places where responses are to be recorded. This allows the respondent to tab
between them and they automatically expand depending on the length of the response. The
"form" feature in Microsoft Word is really slick and is a great tool for an application like this.
Thanks Tom
February 3, 2003
Changes in Introductory Sections: In response to input from Eugene Kimble, the order of
the introductory sections of the manual are now…
Cover Page
Foreword by Kimber Kauffman
Acknowledgements
Table of Contents
Preface
For those who received one of the original 53 copies distributed on February 2nd, you can
rearrange the order of the introductory sections. If you like to obtain a complete copy of the
updated manual in one pdf file, contact us at our new email address.
Please also note that Forward has been changed to Foreword. A new copy is available on
the website at http://www.bsmi.org/flockgroupministrymanual.htm.
February 4, 2003
New email Address: A new email address has been established for the Flock Group
Ministry of College Park Church. The address is [email protected]. Changes
will be made throughout the manual that reference contacting us via [email protected].
February 8, 2004
The entire manual was updated with current statistics, changes in personnel, update of
School of Ministry, and changes throughout from “small flock groups” to “flock groups.” The
word “small” was eliminated when we changed the name of the ministry from Small Flock
Group Ministry to Flock Group Ministry in 2003.
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manual 0402 - Biblical Studies Ministries International

Transcription

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