Connect Groups

Why Connect Groups?
 
With a growing church and people now attending one or more of four different Sunday services it is more important than ever to ensure that everyone feels part of the church family and has a group of people to whom they relate well. So as well as attending Sunday services everyone is encouraged to be part of a small group where we can get to know others well, have the opportunity to discuss the issues that arise in everyday life and grow spiritually. These groups at BPC are called Connect Groups
 
CONNECT GROUPS provide opportunities to:

• connect with God and grow spiritually;
• connect with others and make lasting friendships
• connect with the wider community and play our part in making the world a better place!

 
They are helping to reinforce and implement the BPC vision statement of being a community who:

• Worship God
• Make Friends
• Change the World.

Groups meet in a variety of homes across Buckingham and beyond as well as in the church. They meet on a variety of days and times so that there should be one that fits with your work or family commitments.
 
Part of God’s plan to make the world a better place!
 
When Jesus made the statement “I will build my church” he had in mind a worldwide community of people who loved and worshipped God above all else; who loved and cared for one another and who loved and cared for the most vulnerable in society. To build that community he helped people to become “disciples” and then commissioned them to “go and make disciples”.
 
Though Jesus was often surrounded by a crowd of followers, he devoted much of his time to a small group of 12 disciples and of those he singled out and ‘mentored’ 3 as future leaders.
 
As followers of Jesus today we all need to be part of a local church but we also need to be part of a small group with the same vision and agenda as the church but where we all play an active part and we can receive and give encouragement on a personal level.
 
What do they aim to achieve?
 
Through meeting regularly with a group of like-minded people we aim:
 
To deepen our love for God:

• Growing in our experience of worship and prayer
• Deeping our understanding of the Bible
• Encouraging one another to apply the teaching of Jesus in our daily lives
• Discovering the joys of praying with and for one another, for others and for the wider world

To deepen our relationship with others:

• Learning to listen to and appreciate others
• Caring for and supporting one another
• Praying for one another
• Established lasting friendships
• Encouraging one another to discover and use the gifts God have given us

To deepen our commitment to serve the world around us

• Responding to needs in the local & wider community
• Learning to share our faith naturally with others
• Making links with churches in other countries

 
What happens at a typical group meeting?
 
Each group develops its own style and character but all groups are encouraged to include the following 4 Ws and a P!
 
Welcome – time to chat, get to know each other better and catch up on news since you last met ( coffee & cake or alternative healthy options help in this part!) – many groups also organize an occasional ‘social’ events – to include other family members or neighbours and friends.
 
Worship – time to pause in the middle of a busy week and focus of God and the privilege of being his children – this may involve music, singing, silence, a meditation or an activity.
 
Word –  time to study, reflect on and discuss the Bible or follow a course that takes us deeper in our relationship with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
 
Witness – we have been blessed so that we can bless others and make a different in the world. Each group is encouraged to have an outward focus – supporting a local, national or overseas charity or mission. Groups also look for opportunities to serve our neighbours or the local community in Buckingham.
 
Prayer -  often there will be a time to pray for one another or specific needs but prayer should permeate all of the above Ws and be an integral part of the life of the group
 
Leadership of Connect Groups – everyone involved!
 
The groups have one or more appointed leaders who meet regularly for ongoing support and encouragement but in a sense every member plays an important part in making the group work well – every group needs a home to meet in as well as different members to take care of admin; to arrange Bible Studies; to organize worship; to make refreshments; to arrange social events; to provide a link with a local or overseas charity.

Want to know more?  
If you want to find out more, or to join a group, please contact Jo Wigley or Mandy Hagon by email.