Growth Groups Trainer Notes

Description Growth Groups is for any Christian or group of Christians committed to equipping leaders of God's people. It is designed to train leaders who can teach the Bible and pray with other Christians. It will prepare leaders to gather together fellow-believers in evangelistic enterprise. In short, it will equip leaders to grow Christians and grow the gospel. The course is for anyone who wants to pursue these ends. These are the Trainer Notes to assist those who want to run the training course. They require the manual. Recommendations Having been leading Bible study groups for 8 years and studied at a seminary for 3 years, I did not expect a lot from Growth Groups initially (thinking of the saying 'there is nothing new under the sun'!). But as it turns out, Growth Groups has been one of the most rewarding Christian learning experiences I have gone through. It sharpened my vision of gospel ministry and raised my awareness of how to diagnose dysfunctional groups. Most of all, it taught me how to teach the Bible and prepare for a bible study in a way that submits fully to the authority of the Word of God. Rather than using the Bible as a springboard for great discussion, the course focuses on how we are to dig deep into the Bible by studying the passage and finding out what God intends to say to us in those words. I thoroughly enjoy the fellowship and friendship that has been built and would recommend it to anyone who wants to teach and study the Bible seriously in any small group setting. –Diana (home group leader) I joined Growth Groups to equip myself better in leading Bible studies. The course has been helpful especially in helping me to set the right direction in leading a home group: that we are to meet together for gospel growth (evangelism) and spiritual growth (becoming more Christ-like). It also corrected my old concept that being a bible study group leader is just a facilitator. Growth Groups teaches me that as leaders, we are first of all teachers and shepherds who are accountable for God's sheep. I will surely apply what I have learnt as I continue leading a home group. As a first step, I correct my mindset and re-position myself as a teacher. I would also like to try to challenge my group members to raise their level of commitment when we begin a new series of bible study. I would recommend Growth Groups to all current and future leaders because it is very helpful in setting a right mindset for gospel ministry. –Harmony (home group leader)