Once launched in March, these groups based on interests, topics or our CORE model will serve as our main discipleship program. The goal of every group is to reach up by seeking God through prayer and reading the Bible, reach in by fellowship, support and accountabiblity, and reach out by inviting those around you who need a relationship with Jesus to join you at your group.
From now until March 2nd registartion is open for anyone interested in leading and/or hosting a group. Click the link below to register your interest.
• What is a Bridge Group leaer?
A Bridge Group leader is someone who is happy to organise a group, help the group stay on topic, willing to organise the set up and clean up for their group if hosted at the church as well as finding a topic or interest to focus on and approaching people about being in their group. Ideally this is someone who is outgoing. They must dedicated to God and consider The Bridge their home church.
• What is the difference between a leader and a host?
A host is someone who can open their home for a group to be hosted in. A host should be hospitiable and welcoming.
• What kind of group should I join?
Bridge groups are based on topics such as finance, marriage, parents, running, football etc; interest such as running, football, youth, young adults, singles while CORE groups are gender specific and will typically consist of 4 adults following our CORE model of confess, others, reading and encouragement.
In short, only you know the kind of group that is right for you.
• Can I leave my Bridge Group group at any time?
We ask that you commit to your group for at least one term. Leave well, if you must, following a conversation with your group and group leader. We would encourage you to join another group, course or activity group if you do as soon as possible.
• What is the differnece in the topical and interst groups as apposed to CORE?
While the topical and interest groups have clear leaders in CORE veryone has an equal role in the group. Every group will be assigned a CORE Lead, one of our church leaders, who will provide external accountability, act as a point of contact and check in with groups on a regular basis.
• Are Bridge groups confidential spaces?
Our groups should be safe places of love, trust, respect and openness. Gossip is a sin, and so what’s said in our group times won’t be shared with others if becoming like Jesus is a priority. Let’s listen well, love well and become people worthy of trust.
• Do groups have to be same-gender groups?
Only CORE groups are same-gender.
• How long will I remain in the same group?
Bridge groups will run on a termly basis, lasting approximately 3 months each, following the school calendar. We want to give groups time to develop, for group members to get to know each other, and to build trust, so we ask that you remain in your group for at least one term.
• Can I remain in the same group for more than 1 term?
Yes. You can remain in your group for as long as you want. You just need to register your group each Term. This helps us in terms of administration so that we can facilitate new members joining existing groups. We want Bridge groups to be missional and pastoral, so it is likely that over time the members of your group may change, as new people are added, others leave to attend a course or activity group for a term etc.
• I don’t like my group, can I change?
Maybe. If you are struggling please speak with your group leader in the first instance, then contact our Bridge Groups Director if necessary. But please don’t miss the opportunity to become more like Jesus through difficult situations and relationships.
• Can I join a group at any time, even if I haven’t been part of a group before or I’m new to The Bridge?
Yes. We’ll be relaunching groups every term. These are great times to join or leave a group. It’s preferable to join groups at the start of terms thus maximising the time available, however, joining mid-term is possible too, just complete a ‘I want to join a group’ form on our website and you will be introduced to a group based on your availability preferences.