THE DISCIPLESHIP DIALOGUE 2017
During 2017 there will be a monthly focus on different issues, to help us grow as disciples. The emphasis on DISCIPLESHIP is a current issue in Churches, partly because of the growth of "Consumer Culture" in Churches. The aim is to get us all to think about how we can better follow and serve the Lord, not just be "consumers" of ministry.
The DIALOGUE will start with some input on the issue of the month - see below for some info. on midweek services and small groups. An essential part of the DIALOGUE will be your feedback, through a simple questionnaire. I hope this will give us the opportunity for some further thinking. Questionnaire returns can be with or without names, as you wish.
The DIALOGUE will generally be focused on the 2nd Sunday of the month
JANUARY - MIDWEEK SERVICES/SMALL GROUPS
SMALL GROUPS - USEFUL OR NOT?
- The aim of this exercise is not to persuade you to spend more time in Church, but to find out if we can offer more or better opportunities for you to grow in faith and discipleship.
- Large Church gatherings are very popular because they can offer great music, a range of ministry, including teaching for different age-groups, and a real lift to the spirit.
- Churches have generally found small groups useful for interactive learning (many of you will have been to Baptism/Confirmation groups), prayer, and discovering/learning to use Gifts.
- Small groups can also offer support, fellowship, and help develop new leaders.
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two - or at the most three - should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 1 Corinthians 14:26-31
- Most Churches have a network of Home Groups, but they have never really worked well at St John's. We have always offered some midweek services, and these have generally been useful.
- Church on Wednesday is not currently doing well, and needs a re-launch. Any thoughts or ideas on times/format etc? This is a chance to do something new!
WHAT'S ON OFFER AT ST JOHN'S? Currently we have:
- Tuesday Morning Bible Study: 10:30am
- Tuesday Healing Cafe: 11am-2pm Tea/coffee/prayer/mentoring/fellowship
- Tuesday Lunchtime Service: 1:10pm-1:30pm
- Church on Wednesday (Now 'Wednesday Fellowship'): 8pm-9.45pm Prayer, Praise, interactive Bible study, tea/coffee/juice/biscuits, monthly Holy Communion
- Thursday Lunchtime Holy Communion: 12:40pm-1:10pm followed by coffee
- There are also the Men's Group, (1st Sunday of the month, 1pm), and the Women's Group, (1st Friday of the month 7:30pm).