SMALL GROUP CO-ORDINATORS
2008-2009 AGM report
here
Within Aldridge Parish
Church there are now 17 small groups, formerly known as house
groups, and the number is rising. Each group is different as might
be expected when the Church is made up of such a diverse group of
people. This being the case there is usually a group that would suit
any one wishing to join one.
Alan and Gillian Winser act, on behalf of the Church, as small group
co-ordinators. Their role is to support
the leaders of each group, to work with the rector in any problems
that may occur in groups and
to place people within the groups most appropriate to their needs and
desires.
Below is our working definition of the nature of small groups, which
gives a good indication of their,
and both Alan and Gillian’s and the Church’s, responsibility.
People who come
together on a
regular basis
for a common
purpose and are
led
by an
identified
leader who is
assisting them
in their walk
with Christ by
providing an
environment for
spiritual
growth, caring
and community
with
a view to group
and/or members
reaching out
Aldridge and
wider Society
NATURE OF
GROUP:
Should be up
to 15 people
meeting
together
including
Leader and
an
identified
apprentice
Leader, and
an open
chair to
welcome new
people. If
the group
has more
than 15
people
meeting
together, it
should be
preparing to
create a new
group with
assistance
of the
co-ordinators.
Groups
will
meet at
least
monthly
but not
meet in
weeks
when
there is
a
central
church
meeting
or when
groups
are
suspended
e.g.
Lent.
Group
members
will
share
responsibilities
for
Group
activities,
not
leaving
all to
the
Leader.
Groups
will
need to
look
outwards
as well
as
inwards,
so for
example,
looking
for ways
to reach
out to
neighbourhood
or
Group’s
friends
and
relatives
and
taking
an
active
interest
in
caring
and
communicating
with
Mission
Links.
All
groups
would be
expected
to
include
the 4
Ws:
Welcome,
worship,
word and
witness.
Worship
includes
prayer.
Groups
members
would be
expected
to care
and
support
one
another
ROLE OF
LEADER
Someone
who is
identified
and
approved
by the
Church
leadership
Having
concern
for the
Group
Member’s
growth
of faith
in
Christ
and
guiding
the
group
through
Bible
study,
relationships,
experiences
and
practises
where
challenge
and
spiritual
progress
can be
made
Providing
a place
where
each
individual
experiences
a sense
of
identity
and
belonging
and
where
people
are
being
Christ
to each
other by
knowing
and
being
known,
loving
and
being
loved,
serving
and
being
served,
celebration
and
being
celebrated
Ensuring
the
Group is
outward
looking,
ready to
take new
members,
looking
for
other
appropriate
means of
outreach,
and
being
prepared
for
growth
and the
creation
of a new
group as
numbers
increase.
Oversee
and
assist
an
apprentice
Leader
within
the
Group
with a
view to
them
becoming
proficient
and
confident
to lead
another
group
Being
accountable
to the
co-ordinators
and
Rector.
ROLE OF
CHURCH
Provide
guidance
on Bible
Study
materials
for use
in
Groups
and
other
means of
improving
prayer,
sharing
etc.
Provide
training
for
Leaders
and
Apprentice
Leaders
Provide
pastoral
care for
Leaders
though
the
co-ordinators,
Alan and
Gillian.
In doing
this
they
will
endeavour
to meet
with
Leaders
individually
and
visit
Groups
at least
once a
year.
Provide other
support and
encouragement as
is necessary
