Groups Ablaze! is a dynamic process designed to help local congregations reach out to their unchurched neighbors through small group methodology. Small Group activity has typically centered on nurture of present members in most congregations. Groups Ablaze! is designed to promote outreach by forming relationships with the unchurched and inviting them into non-threatening small group home meetings which become a setting wherein the Gospel of Jesus might be shared.
The process includes a series of modules, each comprised of six weeks of meetings designed to help congregational members to incorporate Gospel outreach into their lifestyle, to help them form relationships with their unchurched neighbors, and to form a variety of small group types as support structures for their ministry. It has been shown that most people are willing to commit to a short-term series of learning experiences. After completing a six-week series with positive results, they have the option to make an additional commitment to the next series.
Basic Modules of the Groups Ablaze! Process
Motivation for Mission: Six weeks of small group Bible Studies designed to motivate congregational members to see the purpose for outreach. Members learn that it is easy to host and facilitate small group experiences among their church friends, and it prepares them for Groups Ablaze!
Prayer: Connecting to Our Father: A second six week series devoted to the spiritual dynamic of prayer which lies behind the entire outreach process.
Natural Evangelism: A third six week series helping group members to understand and plan ways in which they might engage in and cultivate relationships with their unchurched friends and neighbors.
Ablaze! Living: A six-week study preparing church members to launch a variety of small group experiences designed to reach out to their unchurched neighbors. This is the heart of the Groups Ablaze! process which teaches the four effective behaviors of Praying Leaders, Focused Outreach, Loving Relationships, and Empowering Leaders. These behaviors are exhibited over and over again by effective Gospel outreach ministries all over the world. A goal of this process is to form interest, or affinity groups as an atmosphere in which individual and group relationships can be forged.
Seeker Series: A four-week module of small group meetings focused on discipling the seekers who have joined the group, followed by six-weeks of material designed to disciple unchurched and unbelieving seekers in a small group setting.
Coaching tool Kit: A six-week series which helps small group leaders to become more proficient in leading group members in leading others to Christ. Coaching is the one factor in conversion growth through group multiplication which affects every aspect of the process.
