Growth Groups at MBCC are small groups of approximately 5-10 individuals who meet regularly to engage the Word, pray for one another, and establish godly friendships.
Growth Groups meet in homes or at the church throughout the week. They meet regularly (2-4 times per month). Group members are asked to commit for at least one semester, but ideally for one year. Many of the groups break for Christmas and for the summer.
Though the packaging may change, the ingredients remain the same in all of our different types of Growth Groups.
The essential components are:
1- Meeting Regularly--Joining a group requires an investment of time and effort. Like all good investments, the goal is growth--growth of individuals which will result in the growth of God’s Kingdom.
2- Engaging the Word--The application of God’s Word in everyday life is a major emphasis (James 1:22-25). Any study or discussion is geared to help group members live out their faith as they walk through life together. This is done through Bible studies, discussion questions based on the Sunday-morning sermon, or other selected studies based on Scripture.
3- Praying for one another--Time is dedicated to praise the Creator and lift up the circumstances of life through prayer. This challenges all group members to remember their dependence on God.
All of these things together lead to the formation of godly friendships, tools that God can use to further his Kingdom.
Scripture tells us that growth “happens” primarily in the context of relationships, as we interact with “one another.” We challenge every person who attends this church to consider joining a Growth Group for this purpose. Pray about it and talk about it. Growth Groups present an excellent opportunity to cultivate your walk with Christ as you seek to advance God’s kingdom.
The title “Growth Groups” is somewhat new here at MBCC, though the concept of small groups is not. Many of our past and existing “small groups” could easily be described as “Growth Groups,” even if that was not their original title. Growth is the “umbrella” term that articulates what God is doing throughout our small groups--growth of individuals and growth of His Kingdom.
