Group Reality, Part 2

I understand why churches structure groups the way they do. There are parallels between small groups with discipleship and support groups with pastoral care. Additionally, people who need a support group are often in crisis, and it can be overwhelming.

We don't communicate small group and support group to our guests at GCC. We communicate the priority of creating relationships; groups are a great place to do that - Starting Point (friendship) or Turning Point (personal change).

We've learned a ton (aka lots of trials!), but two large benefits are surfacing strongly.

Synergy

• Relationships matter
• Creating a "come as you are" atmosphere is necessary
• Training leaders to create a caring environment is the same in all groups
• Branding helps people understand their choices and what they can expect
• People fear being known and want to find acceptance

Stigma

• People need to be labeled "You Matter" rather than "Abused, Addicted, Divorced, Depressed, Bipolar, Lonely, Offender" (need I go on?)
• Stigma runs deep and is difficult to overcome - what will people think if I attend?

When Mark Waltz and I first talked about my role over groups and care, combining them into the Director of Community role, we nearly dismissed it as "nobody does it that way. We need a groups person and a care person." I suggested hesitantly, "This is probably crazy, but regardless of where people are at, they need relationships; it's the core of groups and care and counseling. What if we put them together?" I'm grateful that he was and is crazy enough to listen!

Comments

[Miki]

I am glad too. GCC's groups are so easy to want to keep going to because you feel accpeted, you know you matter by the way its all put together and it allows people to grow at their pace.

[Zena Holderbaum]

Way to go Kathy! I am right there with you. God doesn't look at us and put us in a catagory of how bad or good we are. We all matter! No matter what. I want to just let people know that and let God direct them as to what and when He will and can change them. I've learned that God's timing is always right and we just need to be loving people the way He does so that His work can be accomplished.