About Adult Impact Groups
Definition
- The title "Impact Group" implies effecting others to reach the
mission. By using these words to identify our ministry focus, we are communicating
that small groups of individuals will work together to accomplish the predetermined
mission.
- God has called us together as a functioning whole (the body of Christ)
and we should structure our work to fit the pattern that God has given. (Ephesians
4:11-13)
- Each Impact Group is a small group of individuals (up to 10) who meet together
regularly (2-4 times per month).
- Serving Impact Groups (Galations 5:13):This type
of group may have a specific function or task (fold bulletins, work
sound system, provide meals, plan and rehearse for worship, or anything
that needs to be done).
- Nurturing Impact Group (Colossians 2:7; 2 Peter 2:5): This
type of grouped has its focus on Bible study, prayer and fellowship.
- The Impact Groups are the fellowship, discipleship, evangelism, and ministry
core of the church. This method is utilized to give coherency and provide
a comprehensive "game plan" for our church.
Philosophy
It is upon a lay leadership base that this ministry of the church
will be built.
Intrinsic with the Impact Group model is:
- lay ministry responsibilities (Eph. 4:11-12)
- lay leadership of ministry (2 Tim. 2:2)
- use of spiritual gifts (Eph. 4:11-12)
- necessity of leadership training (Eph. 4:11-12)
- formal organizational structure
- individual responsibility to evangelism and nurture of others in the church.
Strategy
WIN people to Christ through evangelism. This is accomplished
through personal contact and maintaining an open chair during meeting. God
has given us the command to witness to others of Christ's sacrifice and to
make outreach a priority within our fellowship. (Acts 1:8)
BUILD others up in their faith through discipleship. Members
of an Impact Group must be committed to studying God's Word daily individually
and as a group. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
SEND by training new shepherds and equipping them to effectively
communicate their faith and lead another Impact Group. This multiplication
will allow for greater evangelism, discipleship, and assimilation of those
who need such a ministry. (Matthew 28:19)
Organizing For Impact Groups
- Use small groups (of around 10 or so) to facilitate the ministry of the
church. These small groups will be called Impact Groups. It is through these
groups that individuals will be discipled, nurtured, and cared for. (Exodus
18)
- Set a standard for all Impact Groups to have an "empty chair" that
encourages inviting new individuals which will further multiply the ministry.
- Focus the pastoral staff on lay leadership training (Eph. 4:11-12 : equipping
the saints to do the work of the ministry).