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Discover the power of starting new groups for Bible study and Gospel sharing, leading to transformation and discipleship in Christ. Overcome barriers, engage catalysts, and unite in a vision for more people reached, matured, and engaged in ministry. Explore the impact of 200,000 new groups in 5 years, resulting in millions experiencing ongoing Bible study and leadership growth. Fulfill the dream of every church starting new classes yearly, with a group for every hundred attendees. Embrace the journey of growth and discipleship as we watch for the breaks in the sandbar.
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Growth ThroughNew Groups! Bruce Raley Director Church Education Ministry LifeWay Christian Resources
People Reached For Christ People Matured In Christ Commonalities…and Distinct Differences
If Churches desire:More people reached for ChristMore people matured in Christ Start New Groups
What Types of Groups? Connecting people through Bible study groups living and sharing the Gospel.
Realities • Discipleship takes places best in the context of relationships (group)
What is discipleship? Discipleship is not information. Discipleship is not behavior modification. Discipleship is transformation.
A disciple is being transformed into Christlikeness so that he/she thinks and acts like Christ.
Realities • The Word of God is the focal point of life transformational groups
Realities • Barriers must be overcome • Time and location no longer define groups • Need for Sunday and weekday groups
Realities • Catalysts are essential for the creation of new groups • New groups are created proactively
Realities • Organization attendance will increase approximately 10 for every new adult groups properly started.
What are the possibilities of uniting in a vision to Grow through Groups? • More people accepting Christ and being baptized • More people maturing in Christ • More people engaged in ministry • More people giving to kingdom causes
A dream of State/National Sunday School Directors… 200,000 new groups in 5 years Resulting in 2 million more people in on-going Bible study and Hundreds of thousands of new church leaders and thousands accepting Christ and following him in Baptism.
A dream fulfilled… Every church begins at least one new Sunday School class each year … one group for every hundred people in attendance.