Connect Groups - What
What is a Connect Group?
Connect Groups are small group Bible studies. Newsong is a church made up of Connect (small) groups, which meet weekly, outside of the Sunday services. Connect Groups meet in non-church locations such as homes, restaurants, coffee shops, businesses or any location that is convenient for the attendees. They can meet at any time of the day, any day of the week. This follows the pattern of the early church in Acts 5:42 "Day after day, in the temple courts (weekend celebration) and from house to house (Connect Group fellowships), they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." They grew as disciples of Christ as life unfolded. The most important thing is that a Connect Group is committed to loving, learning, and living life together. Connect groups will experience friendship, Biblical teaching and learning experiences, encouragement, truth-telling and accountability to serve the Kingdom of God using individual gifts and talents.
Worship
He put a new song in my mouth, praise to our God; many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:3
The music at Newsong is ultramodern touching the hearts and lives of people in today's society. Though most of the music is derived from the top 40 Christian hits, there is still an appreciation for the music of the hymns that has so ministered to thousands of believers over the years. With a carefree style and a passion to worship the King of Glory, the Praise and Worship Team leads the congregation each and every Sunday into the life-changing, powerful, presence of an Almighty God.
Spiritual Growth
Living in the Word is vital to the growth of any Christian. So often Christians find themselves overwhelmed by the cares of this world that it becomes impossible to focus on what is really important. Helping Believers stay connected to God's Word is one of the primary focuses of Newsong Church. The ability to apply Godly principles to everyday situations helps the Believer overcome the struggles and trials of this life.
Newsong Church is committed to helping each person understand the power of the Word and to walk in victory daily. There are numerous opportunities each week to be involved in the study of God's Word. On Sunday mornings, Pastor Kevin Lambert delivers a powerful, life-changing message. Sunday evenings the Connect Groups meet in homes throughout the city to study aspects of the Christian life together, and on Wednesday Evenings at the Word Institute, Pastor Monte Redman guides students through the MasterLife Program.
Join the Believers of Newsong Church if you have a desire to grow in your Christian walk and want to learn more about how to have a closer relationship with God.
Connect Groups
What is a Connect Group?
Connect Groups are small group Bible studies. Newsong is a church made up of Connect (small) groups, which meet weekly, outside of the Sunday services. Connect Groups meet in non-church locations such as homes, restaurants, coffee shops, businesses or any location that is convenient for the attendees. They can meet at any time of the day, any day of the week. This follows the pattern of the early church in Acts 5:42 "Day after day, in the temple courts (weekend celebration) and from house to house (Connect Group fellowships), they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." They grew as disciples of Christ as life unfolded. The most important thing is that a Connect Group is committed to loving, learning, and living life together. Connect groups will experience friendship, Biblical teaching and learning experiences, encouragement, truth-telling and accountability to serve the Kingdom of god using individual gifts and talents.
Who attends Connect Groups?
People connect in Connect groups consisting of 6 to 20 people who provide love, support, friendship, connection, and spiritual strength. The format is an informal and comfortable 1 1/2 - 2 hour gathering at the home of a Host. Participants are comprised of people from our church, as well as friends, neighbors, relative and coworkers who are invited to join in the adventure.
Why are Connect Groups Important?
Belonging to a Connect Group makes it easier to build relationships with each other and with God. Many things in our lives are too difficult for us to understand by ourselves. With a connection to a Connect Group, we are able to help each other apply the truth about the gospel to our daily lives. Scripture tells us to encourage one another and serve one another, to rejoice and weep with one another and to build up and accept one another. Connect groups offer the opportunity to fulfill these commands in an intimate and nurturing environment. Connect Groups produce disciples.
Why bother with Connect groups in a time-pressured culture?
Busy people can become isolated and disconnected, and sometimes they become pretty empty inside. They're surprised at the joy of authentic community when they find a place to belong in a Connect group, a group that fits their individual passions and needs. They make that group a priority. Connect groups shouldn't be one more thing on our agenda that drains us, but rather a place to be refreshed and replenished.
What happens at a Connect group meeting?
It depends on the group. Some groups share a meal and catch up with each other; while others simply have snacks and hang out for a while. Each group spends time telling a Bible story and then discussing the application of the Bible story. The study portion of a small group can last from 40 minutes to an hour and a half. A Connect group discussion is just that...a discussion. Our leaders facilitate conversation, they don't preach! It isn't a bunch of theological jargon that only a few can understand. A Connect group is for everyone at every point in their journey. Then the groups move into a time of prayer (No, you won't be forced to pray out loud). Then they hang out for a little while and go home.
Which Group Is Right for Me?
It is true that every group will gladly welcome you, but there are typically three factors that will help you identify which one is best for you. The first factor that we encourage you to consider is location. The second factor to consider is the particular evening that is best for you. Finally, you may consider visiting the group of those with whom you have made a relational connection.
What if I don't like the first group I try?
We encourage you to give the group a couple of visits. It may take a couple of times to begin to feel like you're in the right place. But at the same time, we want you to find a group that fits you! So don't be afraid to try another group if you don't really feel good about the group you try.
Do I have to be a member Newsong to join a Small Group?
No. Connect groups are for everyone.
Is there childcare available?
Every Connect group deals with this issue in its own way. Many of the groups welcome the children to participate during the Bible story time. Afterwards, the children will be led by an adult in practical application activities while the adults discover their own practical application.
Adults
The cutting edge ministries of Newsong Church provide a venue of thinking outside the box. There are opportunities for everyone to get involved and to experience a deeper relationship, more intimate walk with God. Some areas of ministry include the MasterLife Program, Connect Groups, Women's Ministry, Wednesday Night Word Institute, Worship Ministry, Volunteer Ministry, and NextLevel Ministry. For more information regarding any of these ministries, contact the church office.
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