“… (the early Christians) devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:42, 46-47).
Experiencing Life Together…through Community
God intends for us to experience life together. The Bible calls this fellowship. Real fellowship is much more than just showing up at worship services. It includes unselfish loving, honest sharing, practical serving, sacrificial giving, sympathetic comforting, and more “one another” experiences.
God has designed us to live in community. We need God. We need each other. It is our firm belief at FPC that “experiencing life together” happens best in community. When people gather in groups with a shared mission to pursue God, to love one another, and to serve others – God tends to show-up and do amazing and life changing things.
When it comes to fellowship, size matters – smaller is better. That’s why at FPC, we encourage everyone to join a Small Group. FPC’s Small Group ministry offers a variety of options. Wherever you are in your faith journey --- whatever stage of life you are in --- there’s a group ready to welcome you.
What Is a Small Group?
Small Groups are the primary ministry model for adults at FPC. These groups are a community of 8-15 people who commit to doing life together in the context of three primary relationships:
• God --- through prayer and Bible study
• Each other --- through fellowship and care
• Non-believers --- through communicating Jesus in personal relationships and involvement in local and global mission efforts
Why Should I Get Involved with a Small Group?
First, Small Groups provide sanctuary from the pressures and anxieties of life and facilitate the formation of new friendships. These groups are places where we can be revitalized and strengthened as we seek to reflect the love of Jesus in the world. As God made us for community, we need fellow believers to help us apply the gospel to our daily lives. Second, we believe that Jesus calls us to enter into life together as His people. This means that we are called to not merely spend two hours together every weekend, but we are called to get into the beauty and messiness of life together. It is in these deeper relationships that we will be able to serve and minister to one another. And as we serve and learn together in the context of community, we believe that spiritual growth takes place.
What about My Kids?
On Wednesday evenings, when many of the Small Groups meet, free childcare is provided at the FPC campus. This childcare comes in the form of a nursery, children’s ministry (K – 5th grade), and youth ministry (middle and high school). All childcare is led by friendly and trained church staff and volunteers.
How Do I Find a Small Group?
Small Group leaders are trained to actively invite and welcome new visitors to their groups. Moreover, visitors are encouraged to check out several groups before they commit to one, so there is no pressure to commit during the first visit. If you would like more information about FPC’s Small Group ministry, please contact Pastor Drew at 863-465-2742; ext. 102 or at revsev@fpclp.com.
