We deliberately call many of our small groups CARE groups, and even made an acrostic out of the word care to describe what we would like to see occur in these groups;
C – community Being in the Word, praying together, sharing life together, experiencing intimacy with God and others…acting like the first century church as described in Acts 2
A – application/accountability Having a bias towards living what the scripture says, not only gaining Biblical knowledge but life change, and seeing that occur in the relationships of the small group where we are accountable to each other
R – resourcing Putting all the skills, gifts, talents, abilities, and resources of the group into practice and use in the local church, in the community, all the way to international needs and kingdom efforts
E – evangelism Supporting each other in relationships and efforts to take the message of the gospel to those who do not have a personal relationship with God
Some of the questions we must ask ourselves:
Are we experiencing care in the group(s) where we are participants?
How do we see more people experience the good things we are experiencing?
How do newer people find a place where this can happen?
Do we really know the people we meet with – and do they know me?
Am I in safe relationships?
How do I build this trust?
How do people who can not or do not participate in a group experience care?
And more…
I am pleased to see Rosanne Vidotto begin to take a key role in this ministry.
As shepherd/teacher, Rosanne’s primary functions are:
l. To oversee, to equip, and to minister care to people (group leaders and participants) who meet together in Care Groups sponsored by MCA church. (Eph. 4:11-12; I Peter 5:1-4; Heb. 13:17; II Tim. 4:5; I Thess. 2:7-8; I Thess. 2:11-12; I Cor. 4:14-15)
2. To set vision for the overall Care Group Ministry, to recruit, direct, train and support group leaders, and to lead in the establishment and fulfillment of goals and objectives for effective management and growth of the Care Group Ministry
3. To select, train, and care for partners in ministry who will assist her in this work
4. To serve the MCA church body at large, as called upon by pastors, ministry leaders and members, according to her availability and spiritual direction
Wow, that is a full plate, for a volunteer!
There is exciting potential in this ministry, and as it develops and grows – good ministry will continue and new ministry will occur.