Family Groups
Belonging at West is not about attending
any particular worship service - it is about belonging
to a Family Group and like everything else at West, the
focus of these groups is about growing to be like Jesus
and being Jesus in the world. We recognise that this
happens best with a group of people who are a bit like
the group of disciples that Jesus gathered around himself
when he walked the earth. It is when we are a part of
a group of people that we get the rough edges rubbed
off a bit, where we are challenged to get our footsteps
to follow those of Jesus - and to figure out how to dance
in those footsteps! When we can walk with a group of
other people and become connected with them then we are
released to be able to join them in serving others. This
is where the real community and connecting happens.
The family groups are not perfect by any means - but
then neither was Jesus bunch of disciples!!
What do they look like?
Each group is made up of somewhere between
10-14 adults plus children. The groups are formed by
matching children of similar ages whilst ensuring a cross-section
of the ages of adults, gender and marital status in order
that it may resemble an extended family. Each group is
encouraged to develop its own flavour, while remaining
a part of the wider church family. It is a small group
where the participants can begin to learn to share their
lives together and learn how to put into action Jesus
command "to love one another' in a tangible way.
What do groups do?
The emphasis is on building relationships,
so that the groups are about 'being', rather than 'doing'.
Each group is encouraged to get together for an activity
at least once a month, usually all together, but occasionally
with just the adults. These gatherings allow people to
get to know each other, and then, in natural ways, group
members begin to create bonds with others. With the building
of bonds comes the opportunity to form friendships, have
fun, extend acceptance and support, and quite simply
and joyfully experience Christian life with others. The
emphasis is on low-cost enjoyment and allowing everyone
to feel a part of the 'family'.
The groups are a place where we can actively
work out our Christian faith. Single people, especially
those divorced or widowed find it non-threatening and
encouraging. It is also a non-threatening environment
where those who don't 'own' the faith can be included
and made to feel part of the family. As the jingle goes
for a t.v. programme -it's a place where everyone knows
your name - that is, they're a place to be loved.
Can anyone join?
The simple answer is YES. Family groups
are open to those who want to participate in the journey
we are on. It is quite conceivable that the Family Group
is the only part of West that a person wishes to connect
with - that's fine.
Is it social or religious?
It is doubtful that Jesus could have comprehended
such a distinction! When people learn to accept others
who are different from them, and offer love and care,
and enjoy doing it, then God is right in the middle of
it. We believe that faith is 'caught' rather than 'taught',
and there is a lot of faith 'catching' in family groups.
The major distinction is that Family Groups are not just
a different name for a Home Group or Bible Study group
- they serve an entirely different function. At West
they are the place where the 'church' really exists.
It is these that we have the greatest opportunity of
becoming like Jesus and being Jesus in the world.
How do I get involved?
You can phone us or grab a form in the
entrance to the church and hand it in to the office.
To find out about the other small groups
we have on offer go here
