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Small Groups Get a New (But Familiar) Name-Change
By Paul | August 2, 2007
At Bethel we continue to follow God’s lead in all of our ministries, and small groups ministry is no exception. Often, that means some tweaks, some “experiments”, some new directions along the way.
One of those tweaks for this fall, we believe, is moving away from the seasons-of-life delineations of GROWing Families and Second Wind as categories for small groups. We don’t sense a need to build identities around these as ministry groups, as much as we see that need with the Resonate age grouping.
Then, we also feel led to rename “CARE groups” as “GROW groups” from here on. GROW is Bethel’s moniker for identifying what a disciple looks like, and is more all-encompassing than just the one role of CARE in a small group. CARE falls under the C of CAT (Community) and maybe the A (Action) as well, but the T (Transformation) is really what small groups are primarily about—thus “GROW groups” seems more appropriate. I’m sure we’ll still call them CARE groups for many years to come since it’s been our heritage for so many years, but we’re starting to make the transition this fall.
The bottom line, of course, is what happens IN THE GROUPS and not what they are called. May this season ahead be the most fruitful GROWth ever in Bethel small groups!
Topics: Inform |
August 3rd, 2007 at 10:34 am
GROW groups is a good name. I like the emphasis on GROW. The CARE aspect will occur as we GROW. Way to go!
August 3rd, 2007 at 6:23 pm
I like the name change to “Grow.” I’ve never been fond of care group — seemed too focused on immediate needs and not quite enough on true growth. I’ve enjoyed the Hybel’s book and feel it will inspire us/me to pray with more understanding and praise. I’m excited to see what God will go—