At the Leadership Briefing last month, we rolled out Bethel’s thematic goal for next year and specific plans to help small groups implement the thematic goal. The meeting generated a lot of good feedback and questions. I will summarize the plans for those who were unable to attend and respond to some of the questions.
Bethel’s Thematic Goal for 2007/2008
As an emphasis for next year, God has directed Bethel to the thematic goal of “Pursuing a deeper relationship with Jesus.” The idea of a thematic goal is that for a period of time (nine months) the whole church unites and coordinates to address a recognized need. Without abandoning the world-influencer growth achieved through Let the Light Shine, NOW, and Invite, we feel the need to focus attention on the God-lover aspect of discipleship. We want to become better disciples by knowing Jesus better and walking with Him more closely in the coming year. This theme will be rolled out to the congregation officially on September 9th, but you may share it with your small group earlier to let them start thinking about it.
Small Group Plans for Pursuing a Deeper Relationship with Jesus
Small groups will have several special opportunities related to the thematic goal and discipleship mapping next year:
1) Coordinate care group with September sermon series. Leadership is requesting that care groups begin the year with a curriculum being developed in coordination with a four-week sermon series on pursuing a deeper relationship with Jesus. We will encourage everyone in the congregation to participate in a small group for at least these four weeks. The curriculum is expected to be available to leaders by September 1. If you have questions regarding the curriculum and the coordinated sermon series, check with Kelli Templeton.
2) Participate in a January class as a care group. A slate of four-week classes related to the deeper relationship with Jesus theme will be offered in January. We suggest that small groups participate together in one of these classes in place of their regular meetings for the month, although individuals may attend whichever class they choose. Many other activities (Joy PM, Growth & Healing, Leadership Briefings, some youth activities) may be suspended during this time to highlight the priority of these classes. We expect that a group will be able to select from at least two classes offered each of the prime care group nights, and that time will be allotted for the care group to meet for a time of sharing and prayer as part of each class. Every effort will be made to make these classes high quality and relevant. The class topics and schedule should be known by September. Childcare will be available in some form. Contact Kent Ladendorf for additional information.
3) Study curriculum/books related to the theme. The church will identify and make available recommended curricula and books that a care group may choose to use during the year. An initial set will be available for review during the summer.
4) Take a God-lover retreat. A reproducible retreat format is being developed that a group may use or join with others to use sometime during the year. Featuring a variety of worship, prayer, meditation, and reflection experiences, the retreat is intended to lead individuals to encounter Jesus in new ways. A pilot retreat, especially for leaders and others who may help facilitate a retreat during the year will be held at Camp Ghormley on August 17,18. Contact Paul Casey for additional information.
5) Use deeper relationship tools. At least twice during the year, practical tools for enhancing prayer life, Scripture reading, study, and meditation, journaling, etc. will be released to the congregation. Care Groups, individuals, and families may want to encourage one another in using these. The Spirit may lead us into a time of congregational prayer and fasting sometime during the year, as well. Contact John Stone for additional information.
Q & A
How will teens & children be involved in the thematic goal?
Directors of these ministries are making plans for incorporating the theme into their programs and participating in all-church activities. The curriculum for the coordinated series in January will be offered to high school LTGs and middle school GROW groups. Youth will also be welcome in the January classes. Some of the tools developed will be specifically for use in the family.
What can we do between now and September?
- Deepen your own time with the Lord, especially reading about and talking with Jesus
- Try some new approaches to prayer and time in the Word (writing out prayers, journaling, prayer walking etc.)
- Read a book such as Into the Depths of God by Calvin Miller, Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby, or Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels
- Preview the studies for the September series
- Attend the God-Lover Retreat on August 17,18
- Communicate your plans and enthusiasm to your group members
How can I contribute?
- Suggest a book, class topic, or study curriculum
- Help facilitate a God-Lover Retreat
- Share an idea, resource, or story
- Attend the Leadership Community Experience September 14 & 15
- Consider how your group can pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus together weekly
- Pray for a deeper relationship for yourself, your group, and Bethel
