"As
Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers,
Simon
called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into
the sea,
for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said,
'and I will make you fishers of people.'" —
Matthew 4:18-19
And so Matthew records how Jesus begins the formation of His small group.
What Are Small Group Ministries?
Small Group Ministries at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church consist of
fellowship groups of six to twelve people meeting in homes and apartments
throughout the greater New York City area. Small Group Ministries offer
the opportunity to build Christian bonds of love and friendship while
experiencing God's unconditional love.
All groups are led by trained lay-leaders from our congregation. Weekly
meetings include worship, prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and mission
projects. The fellowship groups come to know God and experience God's
presence, foster and develop a community and equip their members to do
God's work in the world.
Why Are Small Groups Important?
Belonging to a small group makes it easier to build relationships with
each other and with God. Many things in our lives are too difficult for
us to understand by ourselves. With a connection to a small group, we
are able to help each other apply the truth about the Gospel to our daily
lives.
Scripture tells us to encourage one another and serve one another, to
rejoice and weep with one another, and to build up and accept one another.
Small groups offer the opportunity to fulfill these commands in an intimate
and nurturing environment.
Small groups are a place for spiritual gifts to grow. Small groups produce
disciples, leaders, and contributors. Small groups can reach the lost.
Small groups can be lots of fun.
How Can I Get Involved in Small Group Ministries?
There
are three ways to get involved in Small Group Ministries at Fifth Avenue
Presbyterian Church. You can sign up to be a participant in a small group,
you can volunteer your home or apartment and become a "site host,"
or you can apply to become a trained Small Group Ministries leader.
Whatever you choose, your efforts are sure to become a rich and meaningful
experience.
There are small groups meeting throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New
Jersey studying the Gospel of Luke. There is limited space available in
some of our current groups and new weeknight groups are being created
on the Upper West Side and in Yonkers. Small groups designed for young
couples, Focus age participants and Kindership mothers are also offered.
Most small
groups meet once a week on a weeknight evening for six weeks. Each meeting
is approximately one and a half hours. Training is available for those
interested in leading a small group.
Additional Information
If
you would like additional information, please
Contact: David Liu, Small Group Ministries Coordinator
by telephone: 212.247.0490, ext. 3005, or by e-mail at DLiu@fapc.org
Click HERE to request information online.
Small
Groups
A part of Next Ministries, this
is a sub-ministry of FAPC's larger Small Group Ministry. Click
HERE for more information.
Copyright © 1999-2006 Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, 7 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019 212.247.0490
