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
