Small Groups

Our Goal: Presenting everyone mature in Christ.

Our goal at MEFC is to worship the Lord by allowing Him to transform us into His image. The small group ministry is designed to help individuals mature in their relationship with God, no matter where they begin the process.

Our Focus: The primary focus of our small group ministry is building relationships.

Our Strategy: We believe that the process of developing maturity involves three vital experiences-

• A vital learning experience with the Word of God;
• A vital relational experience with other believers;
• A vital ministry experience using our spiritual gifts.

These three vital experiences are like a three-legged stool. If any of the legs is missing, the stool isn't useful. We seek to keep the stool balanced as a church. In our small groups, all three "legs" are present.

While these three vital experiences can be seen as individual experiences, they are actually interrelated. What makes them related is relationships. We believe that as individuals and as believers, we were created to need relationships to grow. We weren't created to live in isolation nor can we grow spiritually in isolation.

With our common relationship to Christ through the cross, using the Bible as our foundation and guide, small groups can help us grow to a mature, balanced life demonstrated by the fruit of loving God and others. Therefore, it's our goal to involve all who attend MEFC in relational, discipleship small groups.

Small groups provide the atmosphere of love needed for individuals to have a group identity within the church. When there is a group identity, then there can be shared purpose and ministry. The small group format provides an arena in which a person can participate in the three vital experiences and can grow toward maturity. 

• Group meetings normally consist of a time of sharing and prayer, Bible study, and meaningful fellowship.
• Most groups meet bi-weekly.
• Some groups have specific stage-of-life targets, while others are broader in their scope.
• Most groups begin meeting in September, but new groups are formed as needed.
• Some current groups concentrate on Bible study, topical, age-specific, geographical, or stage of life.