by: Jon Reed
Your pastors strongly believe that focus is the key to fostering spiritual growth. If we have competing or unclear focuses then we will be double-minded and unstable in all our ways (James 1:8). If you are leading, considering leading, or joining a growth group or gathering please consider these encouragements and expectations.
Simplicity. Your life is full and we do not want to add an extra item to your agenda. We have put in the work to help guide you in your growth and understanding of scripture. We recognize the the resources in this guide are not exhaustive however we believe that by focusing on these simple structure for our meetings will create spark and a space for our members to explore scripture.
Spirit-led. We trust that the same Holy Spirit who directed men to write the Bible, the same Spirit who preserved the Church and the Bible for over 2k years, is the same Spirit at work in believers when they search the scripture. We exhort you to take God at His Word, His word will not return empty, will always accomplish The Spirit’s purpose, and will succeed in the thing for which it was sent (Isaiah 55:11).
Serious Joy. Discipleship is a serious joy and should be a life-giving activity. At the same time discipleship is a call to commitment. Jesus class us to count the cost of following him and the daily take up our cross and follow him.
How can we expect these traits to be evident in our groups?
Setting the Tone:
Each of our groups have a specific focus to help each member grow in their walk with the Lord and to deepen community. We host 3 types of groups at The Fount Church and each of our groups have a primary and secondary focus. These groups are simple, Spirit-led and a source of serious joy.
Community Groups
These groups are open gatherings hosted by members of the church and are typically held 2-3 times each month. The focus of these meetings are:
Primary: Community & Connection
We are a family and we celebrate the gospel together in community by sharing a meal and connecting with each other on a personal and heart level.
Secondary: Discussion & Prayer
We celebrate the gospel in each other’s lives and spend time in prayer for one another and reading the passage of scripture for the previous or upcoming sermon.
Growth Groups
These groups are designed to help foster spiritual growth and discipleship. These meetings should not be a substitute for gathering with others (ie Men and Women’s Gathering, Community Group, ect). Growth Groups are small committed gatherings of 2-4 believers of the same-gender that meet weekly or every other week. The focus of these meetings are:
Primary: Scripture Reading
We take scripture seriously and in our growth groups we share H.E.A.R journals and discuss what we are learning.
Secondary: Prayer & Accountability.
Scripture commands us to prayer for one another and to bear each other’s burdens. We believe the intimacy of a growth group provides the best space for this to happen.
Men’s & Women’s Groups
Once each month the Men & Women gather at separate times to seek the Lord and grow in community.
The focus of these meetings are:
Primary: Doctrinal Discussion
This guide is the primary resource for those meetings and we have done the legwork to guide the discussion of each of the gatherings. While It is not necessary that you have all the answers to these questions before the gathering you are encouraged to consider and study these doctrines on your own. When you gather as a group, work together, search scripture together and trust the Holy Spirit to work within your group members to reveal the truth.
Secondary: Focused Prayer
Due to the openness and size of these groups and the time constraints it is best to spend time in focused prayer. IN the guide we have provided some prayer focuses for your group and encourage you to prepare to spend an extended time in prayer following the discussion
What groups are not:
While other interest or hobby focused groups and activities may arise organically from the community of men and women this should not be a focus of our gatherings or groups; however we encourage this to happen organically.
