Questions about Christcare Groups

Is a ChristCare Group a home bible study group?

YES - but MORE! A ChristCare Group does study the bible and discuss God’s Word but it does more than that. ChristCare groups focus on 4 activities: Worship and Prayer; Building Caring, Christian, friendships; bible study; and Mission Service. Also, ChristCare groups may meet at home, at church, or in some other location that benefits the group members.

What are the purposes and goals of ChristCare Groups?

ChristCare Groups have 3 main purposes.

• ChristCare Groups exist to help people grow in their faith and in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
• ChristCare Groups exist to help people grow in developing meaningful and caring friendships
• and relationships with others. ChristCare groups help God’s people to live out Jesus teaching that we should “love our neighbor as ourselves.” This helps to strengthen God’s church which is the “body of Christ.”
• ChristCare Groups are “missional.” That is, ChristCare Groups do not exist only for themselves.
• ChristCare Groups seek to show God’s love to others in a variety of ways.

How do I become part of a ChristCare Group?

Periodically, the congregation will be invited to sign up to participate in a ChristCare Group. All newly formed ChristCare Groups will use the ChristCare “BEGINNINGS” course as an introduction to what ChristCare Groups are all about. This will provide people with an opportunity to see if a ChristCare Group would be right for them.

How often do ChristCare Groups meet? Where? When?

Ideally, ChristCare Groups meet twice a month - at least in the initial stages. This allows group members to really get to know each other and begin developing meaningful friendships and relationships. Some groups, however, may end up meeting every week, others once a month. As far as when, where, and other practical considerations - group members make those decisions together.

Aren't ChristCare Groups kind of “rigid” and “formal?”

Not really. There is a lot of flexibility designed into ChristCare groups in order to meet the needs of the participants. ChristCare Groups do, however, provide a “system” and a proven “framework” in which to have a small group experience. ALL ChristCare Groups must have a trained leader. ALL groups must focus on the four activities of worship and prayer; community building and care, biblical equipping, and missional service. ALL groups must practice confidentiality. Most of the “details” of being a group, however, are left up to the group members.

Why are ChristCare Groups a good idea for Concordia?

ChristCare Groups offer many possibilities for our ministry at Concordia. First, ChristCare Groups can help a large church like Concordia feel “small” as group members build relationships with one another. Second, they can be especially helpful in providing a way for new members to meet and get connected with others at Concordia. Third, ChristCare Groups are an extension of our weekend worship and provide additional opportunities for people to WORSHIP Christ - GROW in faith - CARE for one another and SHARE God’s love. Fourth, ChristCare Groups are missional. They offer a way for non-members and non-Christians to be introduced to Jesus Christ and to a group of caring Christian people.

If you feel that something has been missing in your relationship with Christ or your involvement here at Concordia maybe God is leading you to try a ChristCare Group. It’s not for everyone but it might be just the thing you need. Please pray about it and see where God leads you.

Where can I get more information?

For more information contact:

• Kim Pape at 422-2429 ext. 107 or kpape@concordiachurch.org or
• Jim Moore at 420-3305.