Why a Life Group-Discipleship Ministry?
This Ministry is based on our church’s desire to be obedient to the mandate given in Titus 2. The Titus 2 mandate was given to the young pastor Titus by Paul in Titus 2:1-8. He instructed Titus to equip older, spiritually mature men and women in the congregation to teach and encourage the younger men and women within the church. In line with Titus 2 each of our Life Groups will be led/facilitated by spiritually mature men and women within our church family.
What is the purpose of this ministry?
The purpose is to help establish nurturing relationships with other men and women, learn to think biblically about manhood and womanhood, and learn to apply biblical principles to relationships and circumstances.
What is the curriculum we will follow?
The Gospel of Matthew Bible Study paired with Discipleship/Accountability Questions. The Bible study and discipleship questions will be supplied for you at our Kick-off on Sunday 9/8 at 5 pm.
Why the Gospel of Matthew?
Matthew’s Gospel is focused on explaining who Jesus Christ is, what the gospel is, and how it should be applied to our lives as followers of Christ. Studying this book together will help create a community of people that’s distinct from the world as God changes our hearts and makes us more like Jesus along the way.
Is there homework?
Yes, you will be expected to work through the Gospel of Matthew Bible Study on your own with discussion questions you will discuss weekly in your Life Groups on Sundays at 5:00 pm from Labor Day to Thanksgiving.
What will we do during our Life Groups from 5:45 -7:00 pm each Sunday night for 11 weeks?
In addition to discussing questions from your weekly bible study homework, we will spend time getting to know each other, working through discipleship/accountability questions, sharing prayer requests, and praying for one another. Life groups will be gender specific in line with the Titus 2 mandate of older men discipling younger men and older women discipling younger women.
What will we do during the Large group time from 5:00-5:45 pm?
During large group time we will all gather in the sanctuary for a time of worship music and teaching from the Gospel of Matthew so our questions from our personal bible study and Life Group discussion can be fully explained. The large group teaching each week will cover the chapters covered in your weekly bible study homework (this time is purposeful and designed to tie up any loose ends or questions you might have from the weekly bible study homework). Large group teaching will be taught by MGBC pastors, elders, and male leaders of our church.
How long is the commitment if I join a group?
This is a 22 week commitment broken into two 11-week terms in the Fall and Spring. All participants will be asked to sign a Commitment Covenant at the Fall Kickoff event September 8th.
Is this ministry just for young men and women?
No! Single and married men, women, and those of all ages are encouraged to participate. Even our children and youth will be having Matthew Life Groups while we adults do. We are all called to be disciples who then go out and help make disciples.
How many are in each Life Group?
3-6 people, including leaders.
Are Life Groups grouped by age or interest?
Neither! Groups will be paired with diversity of ages, interests, spiritual maturity, and experiences in mind. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ and the experience will be richer if we have the opportunity to get to know men and women in a variety of life-seasons and circumstances.
Does someone have to be a member of the church to join a group?
No! What a fantastic evangelistic opportunity. Feel free to invite friends and family to join us as we grow and worship together. However, they will need to understand this is a high commitment ministry and they’ll need to sign up in August or wait to sign up in December.
When and where will this ministry meet?
This ministry will run for two 11-week terms. Fall Kick-off will be September 8th, 2019 and Spring Kick-off will be January 12th, 2020.
● 5:45-7:00 pm Life Groups will be gender specific in line with the Titus 2 mandate of older men discipling younger men and older women discipling younger women.
- ○ Men: classrooms in education building
- ○ Women: third floor classrooms in the FLC gym
- ○ Children and Youth: second floor classrooms in the FLC gym
● 5:00-5:45 pm We have large group teaching from Matthew in the Sanctuary
Is child care available?
Yes. Childcare will be available for all ages from 5:00-7:00 pm. 1st-12th graders will have their own kids and student Life Groups and will join their families in the sanctuary for our large group worship and teaching.
How do I sign up to participate in this ministry?
Fill out a card and place it in the box available in all church lobbies. Or turn it in to the church office. Or sign up online. Sign ups are 8/11-8/25.
Due to our desire for Life Groups to be a high commitment where people can be open about their sins and struggles, our Life Groups will be closed after Fall sign ups, and individuals will not be allowed to join in the middle of the term.
New Life Groups will form for the Spring Term during sign ups in December. So make sure to get signed up 8/11-8/25 to get plugged into a group kicking off September 8th!!
If you have any questions please contact:
- ● Kasey Helder (479) 839-8011
- ● Janay Rice (334) 790-6462
- ● Matt Anderson (334) 590-4421
- ● Lane Gordon (334) 796-3448
- ● Nolan Helder (334) 648-0651
- ● Michael Lawson (334) 714-8944
