Small Group Meeting notes - 19th June 2001 Why do we need vision? Welcome Worship Word Get a large piece of paper and a thick marker. Write the word VISION in the middle. What is the definition of the word "VISION"? VISION "the ability to imagine how a country, society, industry, etc. will develop in the future and to plan in a suitable way" - Cambridge English Dictionary Ask someone to be a scribe, and ask the following question. Record how ideas flow and join up from the central word. You are creating a mind map. Why does God say that without a vision the people will perish (ref?)? You may like to prompt a few ideas such as; encourages unity, creates enthusiasm, provides purpose, presents risks, encourages excellence, sustains ministry, empowers, releases finance. What is ultimately God's vision for us? How is this vision expressed in St Alkmund's? - what are the 4 pillars? 1. Growth through evangelism 2. Every member in a small group 3. Leadership, development and training 4. Mercy ministries Discuss each pillar in turn, asking people to explain what their understanding of what we (the church, the small group and individually) are doing in each area. This could lead to some people feeling discouraged in what they and we are doing in these areas. Sometimes we find our selves in a position when we need re-inspiring with a new passion of what we are here to do. Spend some time reading and discussing Deuteronomy 10v11-13. You may want to ask the following question: To prevent becoming a bored or apathetic Christian what things does the Lord tell us to do in this passage? To fear... To walk... To love... To serve... To observe... What does this mean for us in everyday life? Witness Jesus made it clear that we are a "missional" church. Ask people to read the following to make the point: Luke 19v10 John 17v18 Matthew 28v19 There were 621,300 deaths in the UK in 2000. Only 2% of our country's population have had contact with the church. Spend some time praying for our nation, the people in our community, our specific friends/family/colleagues that we are regularly praying for. Listen to God for his thoughts and direction in what we each should be doing / saying to those we know to help them come closer to Jesus. * Jesus at the Centre - Meeting with Jesus at core. Only Jesus changes people. * Every member in ministry - Every member feeling they have a ministry and role key to revival. * Every member growing - Every person taking responsibility for their personal holiness and growth in their walk with Christ. * Multiplication - The spreading of the gospel and making disciples at the heart of groups. * Sacrificial love - Jesus demonstrated love by sacrifice. His the challenge to all. * Community - The building of relationships both within and without the group produces community. * Honesty - Honesty is the lifeblood of community and the doorway to Christian growth.