A Core Group allows the members to know Power to Change and see how we operate. It also allows students to get some good Bible study, to check out their leaders before they commit to being discipled by them, and an opportunity where they can then be invited to other momentum campus events (weekly meeting, camps). This will hopefully lead to the student staying involved, growing and eventually moving into leadership with us, pastoral care, real sharing., and an entry point to Power to Change activities. Most students’ initial contact with Power to Change is through being invited to a small group Bible study. This is particularly the case where Power to Change groups meet at night-time for the weekly meeting or where there is no common lunch-hour.
Core Groups also allow leaders
1) To begin meeting group members individually to ensure that students are practising the truths
2) To observe a student over time to determine FAT (faithful, available, teachable) and to determine if they wish to continue to meet with the individual
3) Opportunities to in lead! As students lead they learn so much about not just the foundational material but then become really teachable about discipleship. Their leading creates an opportunity for real life-changing input to occur in their lives.
After students have completed a Core Group they may be invited or want to join one of our training groups. These explore the current implications of the Great Commission – revisiting evangelism, discipleship and leadership issues to help develop future multiplying disciples. It is assumed students will be experimenting in ministry and developing a heart for the Great Commission. The time frame of this group is open-ended; students will not automatically move through to the next level until they are ready.
Most of these students will be meeting individually with a leader. However, the time frame of this meeting is not open-ended. The discerning period of who actually is or will be committed to the Great Commission focusing on their local campus is still in process. We are still discerning who is F.A.T. and students are still decided if they are F.A.T. and if they want to minister with us.
Some of the questions being resolved in level 2 groups are:
Students must have completed the level 1 group before proceeding here.
At some point, students cross over from being trainees (stage 4) and become “leaders in the movement”.
As leaders they:
Certainly, it is very important that the group learns how to use scripture well. To this end, some inductive Bible studies are very helpful.
As we decide on content in our groups and in the individual times we need to bear in mind the following principles:
It is obvious that leading groups at all levels is both simple and complicated. As leaders, we have to juggle principles as well as what is able to work on a campus. We have to juggle student and campus idiosyncrasies. We have to juggle strategising as well as joys and disappointments as people grow and develop or make choices otherwise. There is the need to hang in there for a while to allow the Timothy’s to be developed. But as we trust God and lead in the power of the Holy Spirit, we have to remember that we are on God’s journey, seeking to implement his purposes for the world and our campus and that it is God who makes things grow.
A clear and compelling vision that is cast repeatedly. As we look at key activities that our ministry undertakes, what are some key characteristics of these activities in Power to Change’s ministry?
1. Individual times: