Small Groups are VERY difficult to maintain...

Accountable Small Groups have been at the heart of the Christian movement since day one.  John Wesley rediscovered the power of these groups and launched the Wesleyan Revival. 

This "Resurrection Power" can be unleashed as we gather people into small groups, "families".

These groups provide an energized response to the epidemic of loneliness that is sweeping our nation, leading to many social ills such as anxiety, depression, and suicide.

Resurection Families are open groups, willing to invite new friends into the family until a group limit of twelve.  When the group is ten to twelve, it must multiply into two groups, allowing further growth.

A Resurrection Family holds each other accountable in Unconditional Love. 

A Resurrection Family seeks to embody Unconditional Love, Forgiveness, Healing, Reconciliation, and Wholeness with themselves, each other, and all those around them.

In this way, it is intentional about making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the world through the redemption of all our relationships.  

It is always emphasized that  Resurrection Families are first and always spiritual in nature, leading to actions that are perfected in Love.

Unconditional Love, (Honesty, Forgiveness, and rebuilding trust) are at the heart of each and every Resurrection Family. 

Identifying passions and common interests is the first step. Individuals are encouraged to come together in the spiritual groups that focus on the issues and concerns close to their hearts.

They build the group to support and educate each other about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and their faith walk. Their life together also includes one shared mission/outreach project. 

All involved are working with the Holy Spirit to give birth to a deeply caring, accountable, and focused  "heavenly"  life in Christ.

Spiritual Growth is the most important component of the Resurrection Family Accountable Small Groups Commitment.  

The Leaders at all levels must realize this and all be on the same page.  

Existing groups can take on the Resurrection Family framework when all the members agree to the revision of their understandings.

Leadership is shared so that no one faces "burn out." 

 There are three main roles: 

• Content Ldr: provides  discussion content

• Connection Ldr: Connects group members together, meets with Sm. Group. Coord.

• Hospitality Ldr: Provides all the logistics for a comfortable and well-fed meeting!

Apprentice leaders for each of these three group leaders are identified as soon as possible and mentored for when the time comes to multiply as the group grows to 11 or more.  

The "Connection Leaders" are the key to the flexibility and sustainability of each small group.

They gather together quarterly with the Sm Groups Coordinator,  and are accountable there just as members are accountable to their small group members and leaders.  

Prayers are shared, insights explored and mid-range goals are set for each Resurrection Family.

As more groups form, Resurrection Families with similar affiliations gather once or twice a year to share the results of their mission project, pray for each other, and celebrate what the Holy Spirit is doing in their lives. 

This gives participants a sense of the larger body of Christ and may lead new members to the faith into the shared worship of the church. 

NOTE: There is no expectation that all members of a Resurrection Family immediately join in the worshipping community of the church. 

Worship is one of the Spiritual Disciplines that comes about with a growing faith.

There are several models for starting and renewing your small group ministry. 

• The most successful is a day-long 

"Turbo Group" training.  Potential Leaders gather for a day, a series of Saturdays, or even a weekend.  They spend significant time in a small group discussion under the guidance of the Workshop leaders, learning how to be a group.

Follow-up gatherings solidify the training and raise the confidence level of all the initial participants.

• Accountable Small Groups can also start with just one group under the leadership of the pastor and multiply from there..

• Finally, existing groups can decide to transition into an accountable  "Resurrection Family." 

Call or Email Pastor Terry TODAY! 

to begin the process of a Free consultation regarding how best to build an Accountable Small Group Commitment with Resurrection Families.

Next steps will be tailored to your context, leadership, and potential small group members.

Follow-up consultations with your core leadership and small group connection leaders will also be available until you are comfortable being "on your own." 

Prayer will surround each and every step! 

Call/Email TODAY!   661-717-0162  

Terry@agapejourneys.com