A connection group is a small group that helps people grow in their relationship with God through spiritual activities like worship, Bible study, and prayer. It also aims to strengthen relationships between members through social activities and accountability. The "wholistic" approach includes connecting upward with God, outward with others, inward with the group, and forward through spiritual growth and leadership development. Members progress through a discipleship track of lessons and seminars focused on knowing, growing, living for, and sharing Jesus. The goal is for each group to multiply by starting new groups as leaders are developed.

1. Connection Groups

2. Connection Groups What is a Connection Group? It is a wholistic small group to help people grow in their relationship with God.

3. Benefits of Connection Group Membership: Become involved with other believers Meet new people Strengthen your spiritual life Gain an accountability partner Be discipled and equipped for ministry Reach people for Christ Develop leadership skills Identify and implement your gifts

4. Connection Groups What does the word “wholistic” include: Acts 2:42-47 1. Upward 2. Outward 3. Inward 4. Forward

5. Connection Groups 1. Upward We connect with God through worship. (Singing, prayer, Bible study, testimonies, etc.)

6. Connection Groups 2. Outward We connect with others to share God’s love. (Acts of kindness in our community, sharing literature, inviting others to our Connection Group, etc.)

7. Connection Group 3. Inward We connect through hanging out with each other. (Once-a-month parties)

8. Connection Group 4. Forward We connect through purposeful growth. (Discipleship track, accountability partners, multiplying Connection Groups, etc.)

9. Connection Group Track I. Knowing Jesus Lessons (6 weeks) Completion of the lessons leads to the 101 Weekend Seminar: Discovering Your Starting Point

10. Connection Group Track II. Growing in Jesus Lessons (6 weeks) Completion of the lessons leads to the 201 Weekend Seminar: Discovering Spiritual Maturity

11. Connection Group Track III. Living for Jesus Lessons (6 weeks) Completion of the lessons leads to the 301 Weekend Seminar: Discovering Your Shape for Ministry

12. Connection Group Track IV. Sharing Jesus Lessons (6 weeks) Completion of the lessons leads to the 401 Weekend Seminar: Discovering My Life Mission

13. Knowing Jesus 1 John 2:12 -14 Growing Disciples Growing in Jesus Living for Jesus Sharing Jesus 1 2 3 H 101: Discovering Your Starting Point 201: Discovering Spiritual Maturity 301: Discovering Your SHAPE For Ministry 401: Discovering My Life Mission

14. Connection Groups We envision each Connection Group multiplying as soon as new leaders are ready to begin their own group!

15. Life of a Connection Group: 6 months – 1 year

18. 1 group = 12 people

19. 2 groups = 24 people

20. 4 groups = 48 people

21. 8 groups = 96 people

22. 16 groups = 192 people

23. 32 groups = 384 people