Central Church of Christ

  Grow-group

Groups are an integral part of growing in your faith. The greatest growth occurs when you are in relationship with others. Growing with a group provides several benefits:

• Bible Discussion: You gain insight about the Bible as you discuss it with others. Hearing what others think about a passage will broaden your understanding.
• Relationships: You develop close relationships with others who also are growing in their faith. The friendships you make in a group are friends that will be with you throughout eternity.
• Support: Groups provide a network of support through the storms on life. The unconditional love and suport of group members can help you make it through those tough times.

We offer two types of groups:

CORE Groups (Mid-sized groups that Center On Reaching Everyone)

• Consists of 15-50 adults
• They usually meet on Sunday morning
• They are always open to having new people attend.
• Therefore each lesson must stand on its own. Even though they may study a book of the Bible or a series, each lesson will stand alone.
• They help people feel like they belong.

Small Groups that are Centered Around Real Encouragement

What is REAL ENCOURAGEMENT?

Biblical

Romans 15:4 ( NIV ) ⁴For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

According to the Apostle Paul, the Scripture was given as a source of encouragement so that we might have hope.

Encouragement is also one of the dominant themes of the New Testament. The Greek word that is translated “encourage” in the NIV is found 105 times in the New Testament and is translated by various words—plead, invite, urge, beg, appease, comfort, request, appeal, answer kindly, exhort, etc. But it is specifically translated as some form of the word “encourage” 45 times in the New Testament. Over half of the New Testament books contain some form of the word “encourage”.

Mutual

Paul had never been to Rome , but had a goal of stopping there on his way to Spain . In his letter to them, he introduced himself and then told them why he wanted to stop and meet with them. 

Romans 1:12 ( NIV ) ¹²that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 

Paul wanted to encourage them with his faith and likewise be encouraged by their faith.

Hebrews 10:25 ( NIV ) ²⁵Let 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.

 How often should this mutual encouragement occur?

Continual

Hebrews 3:13 ( NIV ) ¹³But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness

A CARE Group at CCC is…

a group of 5-15 Christ-followers and seekers who meet together on a regular basis in their homes or in the church building to biblically, mutually, continually encourage one another.

We have various CARE groups that meet throughout the week.

 

GriefShare is a support group for those who have experienced the death of someone they love. The group environment helps provide the support each person needs so they do not go through grief alone. Videos are also used to provide insights from experts and others who have gone through the journey of grief.

 

Most find it hard to come to the first session but soon appreciate the support, insight and encouragement they receive.

 

There is a one-time $25 fee but scholarships are available if needed. Babysitting can be provided with advanced notice.

 

The group meets in the Upper Room of the Ministry Center.  (Just follow the GriefShare signs.)

 

To register for GriefShare, call the church office at 815-673-1581.

 

 

To find out more about growing with a group, call Butch Ringwald, Discipleship Minister, at 815-673-1581.