CARE GROUP DYNAMICS

(Relational - Leadership Training)

Lesson 1 WHAT IS CARE GROUP?

A. Biblical History

The Lord Jesus Christ has a master plan. One of the keys to this plan in advancing his kingdom is the use of small group of ordinary people (cell or care group), the basic principle of the Bible. During the three-year earthly ministry of Jesus, he ministered to the multitudes of people. However, there was another equally important aspect of his ministry that we should not overlooked. He gathered together twelve ordinary men.(Mk3:13-19) 1. 2. 3. 4. He appointed the twelve ( significance of the twelve tribe ) He designated them apostles He invested time (that they might be with him) He personally called (that he might send them out to preach.)

Jesus spent most of his time with them; he ate and slept with them, he worked and traveled with them as he preach the gospel. Gods divine plan is to use a small group of committed men to carry on His work on earth which is (The Great Commission), Mtt.28:16-20. He loved and cared his twelve disciples, that enabled him to established a close personal relationship with them ( Mtt.4:18-21/ Mtt.9:9 and Mtt.10:2-4 ).
These was the very first small group fellowship in the history of the early church.

BIBLICAL SUPPORT: (Care Group) A manifestation of the New Testament Church. Pls. read and show the verses. Notes: __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

B.

The Conceptual Meaning of Care Group

It is a small group of believers (born again Christians) meeting in homes or within the communities and villages for the purpose of: 1. Fellowship (grk:koinonia)= to be a partaker of; a companionship, friendship. 2. Encouragement (heb:chazak)= to strengthen and stimulate, spiritual support. 3. Prayer (grk:deesis)= to teach them in communing closely with God. 4. Spiritual nurturing (grk:paideia)= to nourish, to bring or train up with care. SHOW ILLUSTRATIONS: It is in the Care Group that provides an atmosphere where a trusting relationship thrives (flourish, prospers, increase). No other structure basically from the Bible that can effectively care for the new believers and integrate them into church ministry. The fellowship of the believers, Read: (Heb.10:22-25) Let us not give up In the book of (Acts 2:42-47). They devoted themselves to the ff: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. apostles teaching. the word of God to the fellowship. the sharing of life-changing testimonies breaking of bread.. the communion or Lords supper to the prayer.. the praying of one another and Gods presence miraculous signs .. the anointing and healing from God displayed

There is bonding among the believers: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. sharing in their needs. the sharing of each blessings praising God joyfully he constant fellowship of the group sincerity in their hearts they ate together with gladness enjoying the favor with enjoyment and favor of all the people tremendous blessings. And the Lord added to their number daily

SHOW THE SURVEYS: How the growth of a Church or Small Group can be successful in terms of membership? Exercises: 1.stand up 2.hands up 3.open hand 4.shake hands Acronym C-oncern A-ssist R-elate E-ncourage Meaning relate to help out connect with persuade Biblical Basis 1 Cor. 12:25-26 Acts 9:36 John 13:34-35 Hebrews 10:24-25

C.

The GOAL of Care Group

The main goal of the Care Group Fellowship is to HELP the believers to 1. develop a closer relationship with God and in their family. 2. establish a relational fellowship groups in the community. 3. encourage them in caring other members, as serving God. 4. promote a trusting relationship among believers. 5. seek Gods will to build-up leadership in the ministry.

D.

The Growth Dimension of Care Group

1. Care Group grows warmer through fellowship. 2. Care Group grows deeper through discipleship. 3. Care group grows stronger through worship. 4. Care group grows broader through ministry. 5. Care Group grows larger through multiplication.

Christians need relationships to grow spiritually. We wont become matured if we are isolating from other believers; we could be developed in the context of having a genuine Christian fellowship (1 Jn.1:3-7) The word of God teaches us that fellowship is not an optional to every Christian, but rather, mandatory.

E. The Prime Purpose of Care Group

Is to provide practical, yet meaningful ways in the Church by which people can build relationships, to be cared for, as well as caring for the needs of others. ___________________________________________________________ RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE GLUE THAT HOLDS THE CHURCH TOGETHER. FRIENSHIPS ARE THE KEY TO RETAINING MEMBERS.