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What size group has the most potential for outreach impact?
by Amy Schenkel
Note the freebie at the end of this article!
Recently Sam Huizenga, Catalyst Leader for Small Groups and Discipleship, posed an interesting question to the Home Mission staff:
What size group has the most potential for outreach impact today?
Through the years our churches have hosted influential small groups, vibrant triads, and seeker-sensitive worship gatherings in order to connect with people who are far from God.
Sam’s answer to us is that in today’s context a social space of 13-35 persons is most likely to be a safe space to invite, enfold, and disciple an unchurched person. Examples we may already be familiar with are Alpha dinners, Coffee Break Ministry, Missional Communities….and House Parties!
Learn More>>
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Many of our Great Lakes Congregations serve the neediest neighborhoods in the region. If this describes your church, you are invited to join us for the Learning Lunch in January. Engage in a conversation with other ministry leaders serving in under-resourced communities to learn from one another and to hear how God is working among you.
Thursday, January 14; 11:30-1pm; CRCNA building (1700 28th Street SE Grand Rapids MI 49508)
Free lunch provided; please RSVP to Ruth (rhiemstra@crcna.org).
Victor Mitchell's Story: Reclaimed
from Gold Ave CRC
http://bit.ly/228nkM6
A rough childhood which included repeated abuse at the hands of religious leaders made Vic Mitchell a very confused and angry person. When he went into the service after high school and they asked him what he wanted to be, he replied, “I want to become the meanest man possible.” He hung out with the wrong crowd and took pleasure in beating people up. But one Sunday everything changed. His girlfriend’s mother dragged him to church, and for the first time he experienced the grace and mercy only God can give.
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Growing the church in the power of the Holy Spirit
Register HERE
The Great Lakes Region is sponsoring this six week course in the Spring of 2016 at Calvin Theological Seminary. The course is based upon the book, Growing the Church in the Power of the Holy Spirit, by Brad Long, Paul Stokes, and Cindy Strickler.
Testimonials from some persons who have participated in the Growing the Church in the Power of the Holy Spirit Conference in Canada during 2015:
• This conference has had a profound impact on me, my call, my faith, my trust & my full reliance on the leading & empowerment of the Holy Spirit. I have been transformed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit & I look forward with great anticipation of what the Lord will enable through me in the power of the Holy Spirit. I have been equipped in ways that at this point I cannot express; I just know this conference has had a profound effect on me and my approach to ministry will bear fruit according to God’s will in His time. (B.H. pastor)
• Restored my soul. Opened my heart again to the possibilities of what God is up to in our churches & renew desire to get in on that activity. (S.V. Pastor)
• The small group time and prayer time both stretched and encouraged me. ( L.J.R.) Read More>>>
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