Small Group Ministry
Small Group Ministry focuses on experiencing Christian caring in groups of 12 members or less through the use of Bible study, prayer, sharing, and service to others outside the group. There are
Small Groups for people of all ages and interests at Highland. For more information, contact Ted
Mingle; tedmingle@dejazzd.com
What Is Small Group Ministry?
Vitality, warmth, and
excitement characterize Small Group Ministry. Small Groups provide a
place of care and belonging, help build faithful disciples, and immerse group
members and visitors in a joy-filled Christian community. Each Group is led by a
trained leader who receives ongoing support and encouragement in his or her
ministry.
A Small Group is a
gathering of five to 12 people who meet regularly for the purpose of:
- Mutual care and
encouragement
- Prayer and worship
- Practical study that
relates the Bible and its principles to everyday life
- Service and outreach to
others in need
What Happens In Small Groups?
Community
Building
Warm relationships among group
members help create a place to share joys, sorrows, and faith. Group members
listen and support one another. They carry one another's burdens and encourage
one another to follow Jesus.
Biblical Equipping . . .
is a focused way for group members
to encounter the Bible and grow as Jesus' obedient disciples. Biblical
Equipping helps group members hear and understand God's word more clearly,
now and love God and others more deeply, and serve God more joyfully.
Prayer and
Worship
Group members offer themselves to
God, join themselves to God's purposes, and receive God's power. They respond to
God's love with thanks and praise. They ask God's help for one another and for
needs outside the group.
Mission of Small Groups
The mission of the Small
Group Ministry
at Highland is to help members experience the love of Christ in their daily
lives through relationships developed in small group communities. This is the
ultimate purpose of Small Group Ministry - to help each one of us to present - each
in our own way - the love of Jesus Christ to one another.
Highland's Small Groups include
opportunities for women, young singles or couples, other singles and couples,
youth, and men.
For more information about
Small Group Ministry, contact Rev. Ted Mingle at: tedmingle@dejazzd.com or Ginny
Kleppinger, 569-1303.
Why
do congregations need Small Group Ministry?
Research conducted by
Stephen Ministries has consistently uncovered four needs that God calls
Christian congregations to address:
Spiritual Growth - People truly hunger for the bread of life. They
are not satisfied with easy answers. They want to know and follow Jesus Christ.
Community - Meaningful relationships are becoming harder and harder
for people to develop. God works through Jesus Christ in building relationships
that result in persons caring for one another and growing in discipleship.
Mutual Care - In an increasingly competitive, self-centered world,
the Christian church is a haven of acceptance and care. Jesus said, "Just as I
have loved you, you also should love one another." - John 13:34. That's just
what people need.
Meaningful Ministry - People need a mission larger than themselves.
Christian congregations can help people discover their gifts, find places where
their gifts are needed, and support them in using their gifts. The result is
fulfillment and joy.
Small Groups at Highland
Faith and Sharing (Women): Ginny Kleppinger;
ginny_kleppinger@mtwp.k12.pa.us
Pathways to Joy (Women): Sylvia Wisehaupt;
swisehaupt@dejazzd.com
Strivers (Young Families-Singles or Couples): Ted Mingle;
tedmingle@dejazzd.com
Tuesday in Eden (Singles or Couples): Linda Rice;
ricesamlinda@aol.com
Weavers of the Faith (Women): Linda Rice;
ricesamlinda@aol.com
Seeking God's Will (Women): Marge Herrmann
Seekers (Singles or Couples): Frances Graul; fgraul8094@aol.com
Holy Huddle (Beta Group- Women): Mary Kay Hymes; hymesm@bhc.edu |
