What is a Care Group?
A Care Group is a small group of 12-16 people who agree to meet together mid-week, usually in someone's home, for bible study, prayer, and to build relationships for care and accountability.
When do Care Groups start meeting?
All Care Groups should plan their first meeting to take place by the end of September. Ideally, Care Groups meet weekly. However, some groups meet every other week. Each group decides the day, time and frequency for itself.
How do I connect into a Care Group?
For more information or to get connected with a Care Group, contact Mike Poole, the Care Group Administrator, at 508.226 2916 or by email to caregroups@gnbc.org. He can answer your questions and talk with you about the Care Group openings in your area on the day that works best for you.
I heard that Care Groups may sometime divide into two Care Groups. Why is this and how does it happen?
Care Groups are meant to build strong stable relationships and provide spiritual growth for the members, and then multiply themselves. Care Groups should stay together for about 18 months. During the last 6 months an elder will work with the group to help the group transition into two groups. When a group divides it can be difficult for those in the group. However, it creates more opportunities for new people who are not yet in a Care Group.
I don’t feel like I can lead a Care Group, but I would like to host a Care Group at my home. What should I do?
Talk to Matt Harris or Mike Poole about hosting a Care Group. This is an important and necessary role to the success of Care Groups at GNBC.
My life is too busy to connect into a Care Group. What should I do?
If this describes you, welcome to the club. Our lives become very full with family, sports, work, and church. However, Care Groups are a critical part of the life of the body at GNBC. This is where you will be known and cared for, as well as where you will love others as Jesus commanded.
What resources are available for Care Groups?
Matt Harris and Mike Poole have extensive lists of already existing resources that Good News owns or shares with area churches and that Care Groups can use. These include DVD (or VHS) video studies on a number of topics such as spiritual gifts, finances, and relationships. They also have a current list and samples of a wide assortment of study guides and a list of approved publishers that can be used to select appropriate study materials. In addition, there are training opportunities throughout the year that Care Group leaders can take advantage of to build their skills.
Are Care Groups only for couples?
No, Care Groups are for singles and for couples. You should feel comfortable joining a care group consisting of couples or singles. We do want to encourage couples to be in a Care Group together, even if they are also part of a men’s or women’s group.
Who are Care Groups accountable to?
All of the Care Groups at Good News fall under the shepherding of the elder team. Each Care Group is assigned an elder who serves as a coach, mentor, and resource. Quarterly meetings of Care Group leaders and elders provide an opportunity for feedback, problem solving, training and encouragement.