Our Hope for Groups We urge our body to be deeply involved in the lives of others, but what does this mean? Is it merely hanging out and discussing the latest fashions or last weekend s sports scores? Community starts by hanging out with others, but it turns toward real and authentic when conversations shift to how Christ and Scripture affect our daily lives. Relationships get even deeper when we hold each other accountable for living lives that reflect God s impact on us. Why is it important that we pursue deep and abiding relationships? God has set the example by existing in community eternally. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit have dwelt in perfect unity, love and joy before and throughout time. Our triune God created humanity for the display of this relationship. Community is not a secondary Christian teaching but is central to the outworking of God s purpose in our lives. He is glorified when He is reflected, and we reflect Him by dwelling in unity. So our hope for groups is that we would not simply hang out with each other, but that we would engage in a battle for deep relationships founded on God s love for us. Group Leader Booklet This Group Leader Booklet will function as a blueprint for groups at The Village. In it, you will find an overview of our mission as a church and how groups apply our family traits. You will also find a condensed version of our Groups charter. It includes the responsibilities of leaders, our process of developing leaders, a guide to care and counsel, and the means by which groups function. Group Leaders 1
The Mission of The Village Church The Village Church exists to bring glory to God by making disciples through gospel-centered worship, gospel-centered community, gospel-centered service and gospel-centered multiplication. To understand this mission, we must first understand God s mission. From there, we can better grasp the mission of the church universal, which will then inform our understanding of the mission of this local church. The Mission of God All things exist and are being worked according to the triune God s passion, pleasure and plan (Ephesians 1:11), which is the demonstration of His own intrinsic glory. God creates, calls, rescues, redeems, saves, restores, restrains and grants all to the end that He might be praised. His desire, which He will surely fulfill, is that the knowledge of His glory would cover the earth as the waters do the sea (Habakkuk 2:14). God s mission is the manifestation of His magnificence. His mission is glory. What is the glory of God? The glory of God is the gravity that keeps those who see and savor it from spinning off into the spacious trivialities of sin. God s desire is that He might be known and enjoyed for His nature and character. He seeks to be recognized as supremely valuable, supremely worthy and supremely splendid. God s glory is sensed when we feel the reality of His presence, goodness and superiority. Isaiah 48:9-11, Ephesians 1:3-14, Isaiah 43:6-7, Ezekiel 20:14 The Mission of the Church The mission of the Church universal is to glorify God by making disciples through the gospel of Jesus Christ. God s mission and the mission of His Church are inseparably linked. If God s mission is to be glorified through the redemption and reconciliation of a people, the Church s mission must orient around the glory of God and seek to glorify Him through redemption and reconciliation. 2 Group Leaders
The mission of the Church is highlighted in 2 Corinthians 5. As those who have been reconciled to God through the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are now ambassadors of reconciliation to a lost and broken world. We plead, urge, implore, reason, pray, serve, preach, teach and gather to see God glorified through reconciliation. The Mission of The Village Church At The Village Church, the means by which we will pursue the glory of God in the making of disciples is fourfold: gospel-centered worship, gospel-centered community, gospel-centered service and gospel-centered multiplication. What is the Gospel? To explain the gospel fully, it takes a combination of two perspectives the global work of God to reconcile all things to Himself and the life, death, resurrection and future return of Jesus Christ. The combination of the two perspectives provides a crisp, clear and lifelike expression of the story. The gospel is the historical narrative of the triune God orchestrating the reconciliation and redemption of a broken creation and fallen creatures, from Satan, sin and its effects to the Father and each other through the life, death, resurrection and future return of the substitutionary Son by the power of the Spirit for God s glory and the Church s joy. Why Gospel-Centered? We are gospel-centered because the gospel stands at the center of God s redemptive plan, and in it we see Him most clearly for Who He is and what He has done. Our mission statement intentionally emphasizes the centrality of the gospel in all that we do. We never graduate from or outgrow the gospel. It is the very work of God for salvation from beginning to end (Romans 1:16-17). If the ultimate purpose and pleasure of God is His glory and if the Church s underlying purpose is to glorify God, why are we gospel-centered and not glory-centered or Godcentered? We chose gospel-centered to show the centrality of the gospel in the mission of the Church. Group Leaders 3
In the gospel, we see the most vivid and comprehensive demonstration of God s glory. It is the very manifestation of His glory. In it, we see more clearly the love, justice, wrath, grace, mercy, holiness and patience of God. We see the humility of the Son, and we experience grace. What is a Disciple? A disciple is a person who has been reconciled into relationship with God through new birth by trust in the gospel and is subsequently growing in a love for God and love for others. In giving the command to make disciples in Matthew 28, Jesus gives two qualifications. The first is baptism, which is the ceremonial initiation into the Christian life as a symbol of entering into the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The second is teaching for the sake of obedience to all that Christ commanded. What did Christ command? The Scriptures summarize the teaching of Christ in two ways: belief and love. These two are inseparably linked. A person who truly trusts or believes the gospel will love, and that person loves because he or she has first entered into relationship with God through faith. Gospel-Centered Worship Life consists of constant worship. Every thought, word, desire and deed involves the ascribing of worth and value glory. Each attitude, affection and activity is an expression of our allegiance, whether to our Creator or His creation. God is alone worthy of our worship. Worship is related to every area of our lives. We are called to eat, drink, speak, think and work to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Worship cannot be narrowed down to a particular time and place as if there are certain aspects of our lives over which God does not claim authority. There are no neutral desires or deeds; everything is an expression of worship. Gospel-centered worship is to be pursued in every facet of our lives as we consider how all-encompassing the gospel is to us. It is nurtured through the gathering of the saints in a corporate service primarily weekend worship services and Elder-Led prayer. Within these venues, we worship God by remembering the gospel through preaching, teaching, singing, praying and celebrating the ordinances of baptism and communion. Each presents an opportunity for the church to receive, remember, respond and rejoice in the work of our great King. 1 Corinthians 10:31, Psalm 145, Isaiah 43:6-7, Colossians 3:1-17 4 Group Leaders
Application to Groups Groups should be continually celebrating what the Lord has done and remembering the gospel through the means of grace we have been given. The Lord s Supper, worship in song, and careful study and application of Scripture should be a regular part of groups. Gospel-Centered Community We worship a triune God who has eternally existed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In identifying the tri-unity of God, we recognize that God is communal. The Godhead has perpetually dwelt in perfect harmony, unity, joy, love and bliss. As those who bear the image of God, mankind is called to reflect this reality. We are called to be communal creatures imaging the community of our Creator. Though each Christian does indeed have a personal relationship with God, this does not imply that our relationship is individual or private. The Christian faith is not intended to be lived in isolation. We were made for community relationship with God and each other. The local church is not merely a place that we attend but a people to whom we belong. The Bible calls us members of the body (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) with the expectation that we contribute to the body for the glory of God and the good of His people. Gospel-centered community is a radical call in the midst of a culture of mere attendance or somewhat casual involvement. It involves mutual love, care, consistency and authenticity as we seek to adorn the person and work of Christ with our lives. Where these elements are lacking, we have moved away from gospel-centered community and into the realm of social clubs or the like. Gospel-centered community is primarily expressed through our Groups ministry. Groups are not perfect and those who participate in them will find them messy at times. Our hope is that group members will be radically committed to reform from within. This takes time, prayer, effort, patience, love, trust and hope. Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 3:12-13, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Application to Groups Groups should be a place where truth and authenticity guide everything. They should be a safe place for individuals to confess sin, struggles and doubt and fight together by applying God s Word and shepherding one another towards a more mature understanding of the gospel. Group Leaders 5
Gospel-Centered Service In John 13:1-20, we read the account of Jesus washing His disciples feet. This was no regular rabbinical task but was instead reserved for the lowest of all servants. Here was the anointed King, the eternal Son of God, the blessed Lord, doing the inconceivable. By humbly cleansing the feet of His disciples, Jesus gave an abiding example of service and issued a command for us to follow in His steps. We were saved that we might now serve. Gospel-centered service is motivated by the reconciling work of God and seeks to extend His grace and mercy to others for His glory and not our own. It is an expression of love and stewardship of grace marked by humility, generosity and hospitality and empowered by a passion for the glory of God. Service can and should be pursued in various ways by all recipients of varied grace. Those who have been impacted by the gospel have countless opportunities both formal and informal to serve others by greeting at the doors of the church, volunteering in one of our Next Generation ministries, teaching, singing, serving communion, giving financially to the needs of others (especially the poor and oppressed), opening their doors to their neighbors, etc. John 13:1-20, 1 Peter 3:8-11, 2 Corinthians 8-9. Application to Groups Groups should provide a context for spiritual gifts to be affirmed and practiced. Group members should be challenged and held accountable to serve their group, church and the world with these gifts. Gospel-Centered Multiplication In perhaps most famous passage on discipleship, Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus issues the great commission for the Church, which involves multiplication. We are to become better disciples through love for God and love for others by equipping and empowering others to do the same. We are called to growth as we extend the gospel of life to a dead world. Numerous opportunities exist for the work of multiplication. God has determined the exact environment of time and place in which you live, work and play for His glory (Acts 17:26). As God was intentional in directing our lives, so we should live with intentionality in all that we pursue. 6 Group Leaders
We multiply the kingdom by living with purpose to make God known and enjoyed. Those who have been reconciled to God through the gospel have ample opportunity to enter into the work of gospel-centered multiplication. From missional living in interaction with neighbors and coworkers to missional outreach or short or long-term mission trips, our lives have been infused with purpose and meaning. The call of the disciple is multiplication and replication through the gospel and for the glory of our God. 2 Corinthians 5:11-2, Matthew 28:18-20. Application to Groups Groups should be intentional about applying God s Word in helping the poor, reaching the lost and loving one another. Conclusion Why does The Village Church exist? We exist to bring glory to God. How is God glorified? God is glorified as more and more people see and savor His beauty, majesty, supremacy, weight and value. How do we pursue the work of discipleship at The Village? We do so through worship, community, service and multiplication founded upon and empowered by the gospel of Jesus Christ. All preaching, teaching, singing, praying, gathering, serving and multiplying is filtered through the lens of the glory of God through the making of disciples. We exist, as all things do, fundamentally for the glory of our triune God, to make Him known, enjoyed, obeyed, trusted and treasured. To this end we labor, hope and pray. Group Leaders 7
Groups Charter Purpose Statement of Groups Ministry The Groups ministry exists to fulfill the mission of The Village Church by fostering gospel-centered community. Leadership Structure and Responsibilities Groups Coach QUALIFICATIONS Covenant Member Affirmed Characteristics Love for Jesus Actively growing in the maturity of faith while continually leading others in that direction Love for People Strong desire and gifting to provide pastoral care for those in their charge Love for Scripture Ability to communicate truth from Scripture accurately and articulately Leadership Gifting and Calling Confirmed through the leadership process ROLE Cares for and counsels leaders and, when needed, group members Encourages leaders to maturity in faith through the understanding and application of Scripture Models Christ and the fullness of joy found in Him Mobilizes groups to serve the body and incarnate gospel via missional living and service projects FUNCTION These are the specific means by which you will carry out the role of a groups coach in your designated Ministry area. 8 Group Leaders
HOME GROUPS Oversees 3-5 groups and their leaders Attends each Home Group once per quarter Meets with each leader once a month Holds group leaders accountable to the fulfillment of their roles Assesses replacement leaders when needed Attends Group Leader Conference Attends Group Leader Roundtables Attends GroupConnect RECOVERY GROUPS Oversees 3-5 Steps or Support groups and their leaders Attends Recovery Groups as determined by Recovery Groups pastor Meets with each leader once a month Holds group leaders accountable to the fulfillment of their roles Assesses and trains replacement leaders when needed HIGH SCHOOL GROUPS Oversees 3-5 groups and their leaders Attends each High School Group once per quarter Meet with each leader once a month Holds group leaders accountable to the fulfillment of their roles Attends two major events per year (ex. Spin, Camp, Focus) Attends Group Leader Conference Attends Group Leader Roundtables Attends Crave Group Leader QUALIFICATIONS Covenant Member Affirmed Characteristics Love for Jesus Actively growing in the maturity of faith while continually leading others in that direction Love for People Strong desire and gifting to provide pastoral care for those in their charge Love for Scripture Ability to communicate truth from Scripture accurately and articulately Leadership Gifting and Calling Confirmed through the leadership process Group Leaders 9
ROLE Cares for and counsels group members Encourages leaders to maturity in faith through the understanding and application of Scripture Models Christ and the fullness of joy found in Him Mobilizes group to serve the body and incarnate gospel via missional living and service projects FUNCTION These are the specific means by which you will carry out the role of a group leader in your designated ministry area. HOME GROUPS Shepherds a Home Group of 12-15 individuals Identifies and develops future leaders Encourages non members to pursue Covenant Membership and members to faithfulness Communicates regularly with Groups pastor and coach Meets with coach once a month Follows Group meeting frequency Attends Group Leader Roundtables Attends GroupConnect prior to launch Attends Group Leader Conference RECOVERY GROUPS Shepherds a Support or Steps group of 12-15 individuals Identifies and develops future leaders Encourage non members to pursue Covenant Membership and members to faithfulness Communicates regularly with Groups pastor and coach Attends weekly Support group meetings Attends Group Leader Roundtables Attends Group Leader Conference HIGH SCHOOL GROUPS Commits to one full year of service Communicates with Groups pastor twice a month Attends Crave Attends two major events per year. (ex. Spin, Camp, Focus) Attends monthly leader meetings Attends two GoGive events per semester Attends Group Leader Roundtables 10 Group Leaders
Leadership Development The leadership pipeline outlines the process by which we develop leaders within groups. The three levels of leadership include group members (lead self), group leaders (lead others) and groups coaches (lead leaders). Level 1: Lead Self Individuals grow in Christ through spiritual disciplines (ex. Bible study, prayer, etc.) and participation in groups. They join groups via GroupConnect (Home Groups), Crave and Spin weekend (High School Groups), and Support (Recovery Groups Steps). Level 1 to Level 2: Lead Self to Lead Others Individuals who are Covenant Members complete the process to becoming a group leader, which includes: Identification Individuals must be chosen or recommended based on leadership skills and character. Application Individuals complete unified group leader application several months before desired launch date. Interview Individuals participate in interview with Groups pastor. Assessment Once approved, individuals receive map of assessment period. This period involves serving in leadership under a group leader for a specified amount of time. Training Individuals attend one new leader training prior to launch. Training takes place four times per year prior to GroupConnect. Placement Home Group leaders launch new group via GroupConnect. High School Group leaders launch new group via Crave and Spin weekend. Recovery Group leaders begin leading Steps or Support group. Group Leaders 11
Level 2: Lead Others Leaders lead Home, High School or Recovery Group. Level 2 to Level 3: Lead Others to Lead Leaders Leaders with proven abilities and character complete the process to becoming a coach, which includes: Interview Leaders participate in interview with Groups pastor to discuss qualifications and expectations. Pastoral Training Leaders complete coach training, which takes place three times a year in the spring, summer and fall. Placement Leaders get placed as coaches based on their spiritual gifts, experience and desires. Level 3: Lead Leaders Coaches oversee groups and support their leaders. 12 Group Leaders
Leadership Care and Counsel Guide The following stages of conflict, struggles and sin within groups define the processes of pastors, coaches and leaders in providing care and counsel. Stage 1 Problem Individual confesses a conflict or struggle. Resolution PERSONS INVOLVED: group (primary), leader (secondary) ACTION: Group and group leader respond with truth and encourage individual to trust in the Spirit for guidance and deliverance while continuing to walk in community. Stage 2 Problem Individual confesses secret sin, or secret sin is exposed. Resolution PERSONS INVOLVED: leader (primary), coach (secondary) ACTION: Group leader walks alongside individual as he or she seeks healing and freedom and informs group of additional steps (Steps, biblical counseling, etc.) Stage 3 Problem Individual confesses grievous sin sin of significant deceit and rebellion that affects close relationships or grievous sin is exposed. Resolution PERSONS INVOLVED: coach (primary), leader (secondary) ACTION: Coach moves into main leadership role to provide care, counseling and additional steps to individual (Steps, biblical counseling, etc.). Stage 4 Problem Individual continues in disobedience and/or refuses to fully submit to counsel and accountability. Resolution PERSONS INVOLVED: pastor (primary), coach (secondary) ACTION: Pastor works alongside coach to provide care, counseling and next steps. Group Leaders 13
Stage 5 Problem Individual dismisses the counsel of the church and pursues sin without repentance. Resolution PERSONS INVOLVED: elder (primary), pastor (secondary) ACTION: Elder assesses situation and gives pastor further direction. Leadership Training Conferences Pastors host conferences to provide direction, training and support to coaches and leaders. Roundtables Pastors train and support leaders and coaches by hosting roundtable discussions throughout the year. Resourcing Pastors assist in the selection, development and deployment of resources for groups and leaders. 14 Group Leaders
Group Dynamics Home Groups Purpose Home Groups foster gospel-centered community in which believers grow as disciples and make disciples. Structure and Size The ideal size of a Home Group is 12 15 individuals, but size is ultimately determined by pastor based on abilities of group leader. Frequency All Home Groups follow the same weekly schedule that lines up with the church calendar. On the first week of the month, groups attend Elder-Led prayer or meet for prayer in their homes. On the second and third week, they go through required or approved curriculum. On the fourth week, leaders choose whether or not to meet for a non-study gathering. Entry Points Individuals join Home Groups by invitation from a Home Group member, with consent from the Home Group leader, or by attending GroupConnect. Mobilization and Service Home Groups follow 12-month Multiplication Strategy. High School Groups Purpose High School Groups foster gospel-centered community in which believers grow as disciples and make disciples. Structure and Size The ideal size of a High School Group is 12 15 individuals, but size is ultimately determined by pastor based on the abilities of the group leader. Frequency All High School Groups follow the same weekly schedule that lines up with the High School Groups calendar. On the first week of the month, groups attend Elder-Led prayer or meet for prayer in their homes. On the second and fourth week, they go through Basic Training curriculum. On the third week, groups participate in a connectivity gathering chosen by leader and occasionally by staff. Group Leaders 15
Entry Points Individuals join High School Groups by contacting the High School ministry or by invitation from a group member, with consent from the group leader. Students also find and join groups via Crave, Spin and other ministry events. Mobilization and Service Leaders empower group members to live missionally. Group members serve and participate in service and missions projects via Crave and other ministry events. Recovery Groups Purpose Recovery Groups foster gospel-centered community in which believers grow as disciples, specifically through repentance and reconciliation from sin and suffering. Structure and Size Support consists of a worship gathering and small groups dedicated to three general groups: suffering primarily as a result of disobedience (ex. addictions), suffering primarily as a result of a person being sinned against (ex. abuse) and suffering primarily as a result of the fall (ex. infertility). The ideal size of a Support group is 12 15 individuals, but size is ultimately determined by pastor based on abilities of group leader. Steps consists of a teaching gathering and gender-specific small groups. The ideal size of a Steps group is 12 15 individuals, but size is ultimately determined by pastor based on abilities of group leader. Frequency Support takes place once a week and lasts two hours. Steps takes place twice a year in the fall and spring and meets for two mandatory hours once a week. The study requires commitment outside weekly meetings, including daily assignments and sponsor time. Entry Points Individuals join Support through personal invitations and ongoing church communications. Individuals join Steps through Support, Home Groups, personal communication with Recovery Groups pastor, and church communications. 16 Group Leaders