Being consistent in service and small group weekly is essential for our faith — and the faith of our small group members — to grow. There are three key functions within small groups that are necessary to help us grow as disciples of Christ:
Up-reach: We connect “upward” with God through prayer and processing the Word together within the group. There’s power in prayer, and each group should take time to open and close in prayer. We also want the Word to be the focus in our conversations with one another, using it as a frame to point each other back to God.
In-reach: Real change happens through relationships. Each group should take time to process God’s truth and how it applies to our lives. We want to create environments for honesty and transparency, learning from and encouraging one another as we grow to pursue Christ. Relationships formed within group shouldn’t be isolated to the group meeting, but extend beyond to everyday life.
Outreach: God’s heart is for people far from Him, and each group should take time to share who they are reaching and pray for them as a group. Groups should also plan to strategically connect and invite those they are reaching to the group. This is an opportunity for our groups to think beyond ourselves and live on mission for God. The mission to reach people needs to be kept in the minds of the group as it can easily be buried in the busyness of life.
Discussion Questions:
Which of the three functions does your small group need to improve on and why?
What are some next steps you can take as the leader of the small group to grow in these areas?
Practical Application:
With the holiday season coming up, many of our small group members will be busier than usual. In the past, we’ve experienced increased inconsistency in small group attendance during this time due to parties and events that coincide with Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. We are encouraging everyone to plan ahead so that small group attendance is not compromised during the holidays. Take time at your next small group to discuss with your members what you will do during these holiday weeks - in particular, the week of Halloween for this month. Although the holidays can be very busy, it’s still important for us to be in services and small groups as it helps us grow in our faith.
Prayer:
Pray that Pearlside members would continue to grow in their relationship with God, with one another, and with those far from God.
Pray that our small groups will experience a harvest of new believers that are passionate about growing in their relationship with God.
Pray that each member of our small groups would reach their “one” (a person far from God or a person who has drifted in their faith).
Communications:
Small Group Best Practices
To better ensure attendance and participation, we are encouraging all small group leaders to ask for an RSVP during the week leading into group and for leaders to follow up on the reason why members are not able to attend that week. Along with ensuring attendance and participation, following up helps to cultivate accountability and care for our members.Please make sure to start and end group on time and to save catch up discussion and fellowship after the discipleship guide and prayer is finished. This will help ensure enough time to go through the guide and also honor one another’s time.
Pearlside 25th Anniversary - October 2019
Throughout October, we will remember the past 25 years of God’s faithfulness in our church. We will also be looking forward to the next 25 years with a fresh vision for the future. We are calling all those who consider Pearlside to be their home church to be in both services and small groups to hear the heart of what God is doing in our church for years to come. Exciting things will be revealed, and you don’t want to miss it.
Seek Week - October 22-24
Join us for our annual time of corporate fasting and prayer. We will be praying for our friends and families, areas of influence, and future church plants. Main Campus prayer pockets will be 6:30pm-7:30pm in the Worship Hall.