Small Groups 

What are Small Groups all about?

Surely we are not talking about mere plans, projects to transform Shepherd Church into a very well organized, high-tech-type of congregation. We are not thinking about another interesting imported church-growth program that will motivate us for awhile. No, we are not thinking about doing, making, we are trying to focus on being a Church --completely.

What will a Small Group offer to us?

1.  Spiritual Formation--In a Small Group setting we grow naturally as disciples of Jesus Christ. Thank the Lord for the celebrations, the mountain-top experiences we have every Sunday, but a Church is much more than that. Reading and studying the Scriptures have always been the foundation of any progress in the Christian life. Through the Word of God, we learn to pray, we learn to worship, we learn to obey, we learn to walk in His presence and this means finding the life that is truly life.

2.  Fellowship Transformation -- In a Small Group we have surprising and different relationships. As soon as there is newness in our relationship with the Lord, everything changes. We share a deep sense of communion with new and old friends of the family of faith. We are not trying to plan conventional, formal or social meetings, we are anticipating real, spiritual relationships, in a context  in which our names, our families, our problems and struggles matter. In Small Groups, everyone is someone, and the Holy Spirit is all in all.

3.  Evangelistic Action -- In a Small Group we are able to testify about our faith in the Lord Jesus effectively. As we open our houses, we open our hearts and reveal the love of God in us. Many times we see ourselves challenged to do, to go, to preach, but our mission usually becomes a burden, because we don’t have simple plans, we lack the perfect environment. Through a Small Group we are able to reach our relatives, our neighbors by simply sharing with them who we are in Christ Jesus---without pressures, but with great pleasure. 

These three aspects answer the question: “Why Small Groups?” Yes, in a Small Group we see the Church in all its beauty and functionality. In a Small Group we are formed by the Scriptures, transformed in our relationships and sent to the mission field. Would you join us?

How can you be involved?

Every Wednesday night and Sunday night beginning March 1^st will be an open Bible Study. This Bible study will also serve as training for our Small Group leaders.  The plan will be for the study to be taught by Pastor Ernesto and Pastor Sam, and then those who are leading will take that material and use it to teach the members of their groups.  The study will begin with one song, then prayer, then the teaching, then a closing prayer.  The study/training will last for one hour.  Those who are interested in becoming leaders should plan to attend one of the training sessions each week. 

Please Note:

*Children and youth ministries are provided on Wednesday nights, but no longer on Sunday nights.

**Adult C.E. classes are being offered on Sunday mornings beginning in March to make room for the Small Group Ministry.