As I mentioned yesterday, making disciples affects everything from our church programming to our personal behavior.  Below are the ares of adult programming that support our efforts to be building disciples who make disciples:

Sundays Mornings

On Sundays, the whole body of Hope gathers together.  We don’t go to church. We are the church.  At our Sunday gatherings we celebrate, share stories and are exhorted to keep being who we are in Jesus.  Sunday is also a unique time to invest in the lives of the children and students who are a part of Hope.

Our worship service is an opportunity to worship together, be taught from scripture, and hear stories of how God is at work in and through our church body.  Time before and after the service gives an informal opportunity to invest in one another as we share our lives together.  There are also opportunities to serve the children and students in our church family as well as other adults on different teams.

For people who are new to Hope we have introduced an opportunity called Compass.  This is an opportunity to learn more about Hope and learn more about how you can join the family here at Hope.  In addition to Compass we have additional adult opportunities called Sunday ‘U’.  Sunday ‘U’ strives to be a place for you to build and expand your foundation for your walk with Christ whether your exploring who Christ is or have believed in Him for years.

Groups

Groups are the place we live out our mission as a church in relationship with other believers. Our desire is that in every group you will find a place to connect with a caring community that works to keep you on track in your relationship with God and challenge you to live out that relationship in the different places God has you.  Groups are the place where we care for each other and intentionally share our lives and calling. You be challenged to grow as a disciple and a disciple maker.

Community Groups are the primary place we connect people into groups.  These smaller groups of people (generally 10-20) provide an opportunity to know others and be known within Hope Church.  Our desire is that every person who is committed to the Hope family and mission will be involved in a community group.  Our prayer is that community groups will grow and multiply to impact the communities we live in. Community Groups meet at various times and locations and are usually formed by life stage, geographical location, or a relational connection.

Equip

Equip is targeted at encouraging, resourcing and training those who are leading and working in our ministries. Equip events are focus training, supporting and building relationships needed to be successful in the area God has called that person.  Equip opportunities strive to build and grow in essential skills as we lead and shepherd others toward growth in their relationship with Christ.

Leadership gathering, an Equip event for all leaders at Hope Church, is an important opportunity for us to gather as leaders with all ministry teams.  These gatherings will provide a large group connecting time to hear stories on how God is at work and focus on the mission he has called us at a church.  There is also time to connect specifically as group leaders for each area of ministry.

Group Leader huddles have two main purposes.  First, they will be an opportunity to connect with other group leaders and we will learn from one another.  The second part of the nights this year will be working through the disciple making pieces and how they integrate into our groups.  It will be a blend of equipping, retooling, and encouraging us to stay on track in disciple making.

If you have questions about any questions or are looking for more information on any of the program parts as we prepare for fall – feel free to call or email me (david.cupery@hopechurchoakdale.com).