3. The baptism of Jesus: Luke 3:21-23 After all the people had been baptized, Jesus also was baptized. While he was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit came down upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you." When Jesus began his work, he was about thirty years old. (GN)
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. Church as a body “ Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” I Corinthians 12:27
10. How does it work? The Holy Spirit makes it possible through the gifts He gives to each member of the body (I Cor 12:7-11)
11.
12.
13. Small groups – an inspired plan… … for the development and release of spiritual gifts for ministry
14. Middle East Union Pastors Council Arua, South Sudan Field March 4-8 Small Group Ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church
16. The Gospel according to Jesus “ Jesus went to Galilee to preach God’s good news. ‘At last the time has come!’ He announced. The Kingdom of God is near! Turn from your sins and believe this good news!’ Mark 1:14,15
17. “ Jesus travelled throughout Galilee teaching in the synagogues, preaching everywhere the Good News about the Kingdom.” Matthew 4:23 The message
18. “ Then He sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:2 “ Jesus began a tour…to announce the Good News concerning the Kingdom of God.” Luke 8:1 The message
19. Central message “ The Kingdom of God is like…” “ Blessed are the poor in spirit…” “ He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Matthew 6:33 He then demonstrated the beauty and power of the Kingdom in His own life
20. Last message “ And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then, finally, the end will come.” Matthew 24:14
21. Kingdom of what? Political greatness x “ The Kingdom of God isn’t ushered in with visible signs. You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the kingdom of God is among (or within) you.” Luke 17:21
22. The Kingdom of God The kingdom of God is the place where His will is done, where what He prefers is actually what happens. KINGDOM = King(s) domain - the domain where the king reigns
23. The promise is ours! “ And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.” Matthew 18:20 The kingdom of God is among you!
24. The promise is yours! “ If anyone loves me he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23 The kingdom of God is within you!
29. Middle East Union Pastors Council Arua, South Sudan Field March 4-8 Small Group Ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church
30.
31.
32. 3. Organise prototype group for training 2 - 4 leadership teams Facilitator + This group meets weekly for 3 months for practice and prayer Leader Apprentice Hosts/hostess
33. 4. New groups from prototype group start to grow 2 – 4 church members 5 – 7 friends New groups stay connected through supervisor
34.
35.
36. 7. Create sub-groups as needed Task Group Support Group Study Group Training group Prayer group Leadership Group Holistic Group Network
37. 8. Remember Jethro! Multiply leaders and groups Leaders of 10 Supervising pastor Leaders of 50 Leaders of 100 Leaders of 500 The Jethro leadership principle
42. Holy Spirit power House-based church “ The great work of the Gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening.” White, The Great Controversy 610