FGs also are a place for the promotion of ministry projects. Each year the elder/deacon team will plan a mercy ministry event and an evangelistic outreach event to be carried out by the FG. In addition to outreach ministries, FGs could also provide opportunities to share Christian life experiences with one another, and times of mutual instruction and edification. In addition to the TPC Sunday School classes, the FG structure is way in which ministry to the congregation at TPC can be pursued. The following are examples of how this may be developed:
- If someone is
sick, has a baby, is disabled, etc. the deacons of the FG of which he or she is
a member should seek to mobilize the members of the FG to which the member in
need is assigned, in order to seek to minister to him or her.
-
If someone is
addressing trials and/or hardships in life (marriage problems, job loss, etc.)
and is in need of counseling, the elders of the FG of which he or she is a
member should first seek to provide them counseling, and then, if need be,
consult with the pastors for additional assistance.
-
The
Elder-Deacon team should seek to establish a weekly prayer meeting for the men
and for the women of their FG
-
The
Elder-Deacon team should seek to assess the gifts of the men and women in their
FG and mobilize them for service at TPC in keeping with their gifts. Attention should be given to leadership
development among the membership of the FG, especially with an eye to men who
may serve as elders or deacons at TPC.