I will never cease to be amazed at the way God moves powerfully when people take seriously the call for His children to join their lives together in relationship.  Whether it’s around the dinner table, the hospital bed and the living room sofa, when people gather with a purpose the stage is set for powerful life change. 

Of course, this isn’t a message we have to work too hard to convince people of here at Heights.  We’ve been doing small groups here for years.  The stories of how God has changed lives through covenant groups are almost an everyday part of life at HCPC.  But we can do even better.  That’s why this past August we recommitted ourselves to being not just a church with small groups, but a church of small groups. 

So, what are we doing to make this happen?  Here’s what we’ve done in the last 10 weeks:

1. We have created a new ministry position at HCPC, Minister of Discipleship and Service.  The search has already begun for a new minister on staff who will make his priority working with our congregational leaders to renew our small group ministry.  I can’t put into words how hard this team of ministers, elders and ministry leaders have worked to find just the right person’s for the job.  I’m excited to share the news that the search team has already honed in on two particular candidates for the position.  If God is willing we may be able to share the news about who will be our new Minister of Discipleship and Service within just a few weeks!

2. Our Adult Discipleship team has already begun putting together their new vision for small group ministry in conversation with current small group leaders.  Who’s on this team? Carl Peterson (Chair) Angelo Salazar, Dave Abrams, Wayne Einfeld and Bill Kesatie.  Of course our current Covenant Group leaders, Garth and Sheryl Germack are working with the team as well.  How could they not?  In the past eight weeks they have held an open meeting with current group leaders to help identify where we are strong and where we can grow.  By the end of this month the team hopes to have finalized immediate plans for small groups, and begin taking action. 

3. A training day for new and current small group Leaders has been scheduled for early in the New Year.  New training materials are being assembled and in January recruitment of new leaders will begin.  Look for more details to come after Christmas.   

Of course once our new Minister of Discipleship and Service arrives he will bring a few changes to things as they develop, but that doesn’t mean we should just sit and wait either.  The thing I love most about small groups is the powerful way they bring the Body of Christ right into the nitty gritty of our lives.  I think some days that’s where we need Jesus the most.