GBC Small Groups |
Sept 2022 - Jun 2023 |
GROUP 1 | SERMON-BASED STUDY | ONLINE
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This group follows the preaching schedule at GBC, engaging the content taught Sunday mornings through a series of questions.
Our group will endeavor to see how we, as individuals and as church members, apply God's word in our lives. We will also seek to come together outside of our small group time to connect with one another and serve the Guelph community.
Our group will endeavor to see how we, as individuals and as church members, apply God's word in our lives. We will also seek to come together outside of our small group time to connect with one another and serve the Guelph community.
GROUP 2 | DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY | IN PERSON
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Our group desires to understand and live out God’s Word in our daily lives. We also seek to grow in our relationships with one another, through sharing and prayer and through spending time together both in our Small Group time and in other ways.
This groups planned study is on the life of Joseph in the book of Genesis.
This groups planned study is on the life of Joseph in the book of Genesis.
GROUP 3 | SERMON-BASED STUDY | IN PERSON
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This group follows the preaching schedule at GBC, taking an in-depth look into the sermon and how it encourages and challenges us in our day to day lives.
GROUP 4 | DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY | IN PERSON
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This approach focuses on seeing God – His character, His actions, His purposes, and His directions – in scripture. Additionally, we see how the people in scripture align with God’s purposes, the struggles they face, their character – the good and the bad – and how the depiction of people has implications for our lives today. You will be challenged to integrate what you have learned and to engage others with your progress. Various approaches to studying the Scriptures are applied by participating members. Our group will also seek to come together outside of our small group time to connect with one another and serve the Guelph community.
GROUP 5 | TOPICAL STUDY - SPIRITUAL GIFTS | IN PERSON
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This Group begins the week after the November 01 Seminar, and will initially go for 6 weeks. Our group will gather for fellowship, getting to know each other better, encouragement, and prayer. We will also delve into what we learned through the Spiritual Gifts Seminar, considering how this applies to our life in Christ. Members will have opportunity to ask questions, provide input, and learn in community.
GROUP 6 | TOPICAL STUDY | IN PERSON
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TBA
GROUP 7 | TOPICAL STUDY | IN PERSON
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TBA
Why Small Groups?Believing that Christ calls our church to participate in making disciples of all the world’s nations, GBC Small Groups foster community, encourage spiritual maturity and provide an opportunity to develop our spiritual gifts. Groups are also encouraged to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ through acts of service and evangelistic efforts.
We seek to make it possible for all GBC members to participate in Small Groups. Small Groups provide a natural mechanism for relationship-building and member care in our church family. Small Groups also play a vital role in pursuing an intentional discipleship path. Our Small Groups enjoy a sense of family, sharing responsibilities, using God-given gifts, and caring for one another and our community in practical ways. Partnering with GBC's Outreach Team, the Small Groups Team expects to announce opportunities for service suitable for individuals or the entire Small Group.
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Small Group Purpose Elements
Small Groups provide an environment for fellowship, giving, receiving, learning, sharing, encouraging, praying, confessing, and celebrating. We grow in community and discipleship in this context. We encourage each member of each small group to live out their purpose as an important contributor to health of the group. Relationships developed in Small Groups provide members with the opportunity to pursue life-on-life discipleship in an emotionally healthy context. Small Groups also form team, like a family, to engage in mission with those in our circles of influence and relationship. Service and mission as a Small Group proclaims publicly our life in Christ.
- Experiencing Community (fellowship, relationship, mutual encouragement)
- Fostering Spiritual Development (growing as a disciple, understanding God's Word, exercising spiritual disciplines)
- Bible-centred discussion (a variety of study approaches offered)
- Prayer (audible, silent, individual, and group prayer practiced)
- Integrating Service/Outreach (each group selects their area of service)
Build Community and Trust
In a desire to foster strong community ties, all GBC members are encouraged to meet with the same group September 2021 to the end of June 2022. At the same time, some members may choose to opt in or out of select Small Group opportunities, participating in cycles as they are able. Building community, growing as a disciple, and learning to pray transparently all require time and trust. We encourage our members to consider these elements when deciding about Small Group involvement. GBC Small Groups offer a variety of Discussion Topics, engaging with God’s Word using several different approaches.
Equipping and Support
The Small Group Leadership Team consists of Dan Chapman, Michelle and James Farnsworth, and Karen and Jacob Ginter. The Team is committed to equipping and supporting Small Group Facilitators in their catalytic role.