Connecting with Purpose: Unraveling the Art of Small Group Dynamics
Director of Children's Ministry
In the harmonious corridors of faith and communication, my journey as a seasoned children's ministry leader, educator, and communicator led to the inception of my book, Connecting with Purpose: Small Group Dynamics for Families in the Church. This work is not just a narrative of my experiences but a practical guide, a beacon for those seeking to cultivate thriving small groups within their church communities.
THE GENESIS OF A VISION THE GENESIS OF A VISION
My path in ministry, deeply rooted in local church engagements, often presented unique challenges in leading teams and small groups. When I returned to college in my adult years, I was drawn to the study of group communication. The concepts I encountered–group formation, inherent tensions, and nurturing healthy communication–were revelations that deeply impacted me. Post obtaining a master's in communication and a fulfilling stint in teaching, I found myself beckoned back to children's ministry. It was a divine alignment, intertwining my passion for communication and teaching with my ministry calling.
BRIDGING FAITH, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNICATION
Connecting with Purpose delves into the heart of small group dynamics, focusing on creating groups that cater to families and children—the cornerstone of church and community growth. It explores:
- The Formation and Operation of Small Groups: Understanding the unique dynamics and stages ofsmall group development within a church setting.
- Navigating Group Tensions: Identifying and resolving common tensions, turning potential conflicts into catalysts for growth and understanding.
- Cultivating Healthy Communication: Equipping leaders and members with effective communication strategies to ensure every voice is heard and valued.
- A Practical How-To Guide: Offering a step-by-step approach for anyone looking to start or grow small groups geared toward families and children.
Each chapter is meticulously crafted, concluding with discussion questions and activities that provide practical, hands-on tools for developing new groups and fostering open, healthy communication.
THE TARGET AUDIENCE THE TARGET AUDIENCE
While my primary audience includes ministry leaders and church members focusing on children and family ministries, the book's reach is extensive. It's an essential guide for anyone involved in or leading a small group, offering insights and tools that transcend the specific focus on children and families, applicable to all small group contexts.
PERSONAL REFLECTION AND INSPIRATION
Reflecting on this journey, it's evident how each phase of my life contributed to this book. My experiences in children’s ministry, combined with my deep understanding of communication and passion for teaching, are intricately woven throughout its pages. This book is a culmination of knowledge, experience, and divine guidance, intending to empower ministry leaders and members across North America.
AVAILABILITY AND ACQUISITION
Connecting with Purpose: Small Group Dynamics for Families in the Church is currently exclusively available through AdventSource offering a focused roadmap for anyone aspiring to enrich their small group ministry.
In February and March 2024, I had the privilege of conducting the Arise & Go workshops, which were extended to all our area churches. These workshops delved into critical aspects of the book, particularly the role of small groups in the faith journey and how to create a supportive environment conducive to baptism.
For those who missed these workshops or are seeking to train up small group leaders, there is an opportunity for churches to schedule workshops. These sessions are designed to cater specifically to the unique needs of your congregation, focusing on the practical application of the book's content in your ministry context.
In these workshops, while I share insights from Connecting with Purpose, the emphasis is on mutual learning and growth—a journey we embark on together to strengthen our faith communities. For inquiries or to schedule a workshop, interested churches can reach out directly to FaithInCommunication@gmail.com.
A BEACON FOR MINISTRY LEADERS
Connecting with Purpose: Small Group Dynamics for Families in the Church is more than just a guide—it's a catalyst for transformation within your ministry. If you've ever found yourself grappling with the nuances of communication in small groups or yearning to cultivate new, vibrant groups in your church, this book is for you.
You're invited to embark on a journey of communicative growth. My prayer is that this book encourages you to harness its tools and, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that you’ll enhance not only your personal ministry skills but also the spiritual well-being of your community. Let this book be your companion as you seek to deepen your understanding, strengthen your connections, and contribute to building a more vibrant and faith-filled community.
Ministerial Retreat Unites
This year began with a ministerial retreat designed to bring together the conference churches and create a vision for 2024. Over 400 pastors, elders, and executive committee members—and even their families—were able to meet at Mount Hermon in the Santa Cruz mountains February 9-11 and learn about finding a balance between self-care and the church mission: evangelism.
The last two retreats have expanded the meaning of a ministerial retreat. “The previous ministerial retreats were only for pastors,” explained Ricardo Viloria, ministerial and church planting director for the Central California Conference, who organized the event. “Last year we did something different. We included elders. This year we did a couple of things differently—we also included executive committee members and a food program for the pastors’ kids.”
This event focused on the conference’s mission while also highlighting the importance of self-care. Viloria invited Pastor Tyler Long, evangelism coordinator for the Washington Conference, to be the featured speaker at this event. The task was to find a balance between self-care for the pastor and the mission: evangelism. “He did such a great job,” said Viloria. “The first topic he touched on was self-care for the pastor, then he went on to focus on the mission. That balance between mission and self-care was a high point for the retreat.” Vilora continued, “Tyler Long talked about evangelism, revitalization, growing churches, but also self-care for the pastor—making sure the pastors are taking care of themselves. We have many challenges with emotional, physical, and spiritual health. He addressed that and also the need to press forward with the mission.” Long’s emphasis included the fact that healthy pastors are more able to lead healthy churches, and healthy pastors are more focused on the church’s mission.
This event also included adding more for the children who attended the event. “In the past we had daycare for the pastors’ kids. This time we decided to go ahead and have a food program for the kids as well,” said Viloria. “They loved it! They had a food program and a pizza night. We heard great comments from the pastors’ kids. As pastors, we go through so many challenges, but sometimes we forget about spouses and children. They are also facing challenges.” They decided to do something to show that pastors’ families are supported and cared for in the church.
MOBILIZE PEOPLE, START NEW GROUPS AND BAPTIZE
The diversity of the Central California Conference is an important piece of the conference’s mission, and every night of the event this diversity was emphasized. People shared music from many different ethnic backgrounds, including African American, Hispanic, Asian-Pacific (including a Korean choir), and even a Ukrainian group from a Ukrainian church that was planted last August by the Campbell church in the Bay area.
The ministerial retreat concluded with conference president Dan Serns addressing the conference’s message of creating new churches by spreading God’s message, casting the vision for 2024. Serns stated that the conference is emphasizing three key things: mobilize people, start new groups, and baptize.
In September 2024, these three goals will culminate with a large evangelistic event that includes a message from General Conference president Ted Wilson. “All the churches in the conference will be involved in this event,” explained Viloria. “We are hoping to get people involved in different ministries before, during, and after the September event. We are aiming to start new groups and church plants.”
One of the messages conference leaders want to emphasize is the fact that this mission cannot be accomplished by pastors alone. Viloria explained, “As pastors we need to work together with elders, leaders, and church members. We cannot do this alone. We’re going to need the members and leaders and elders involved in the mission. We also acknowledge that it is important to address the emotional challenges our leaders face. It is important to push the message forward, but it is also important to take care of our health.”
The next ministerial retreat event is scheduled for January 2025, but there are many other events coming soon. The SOQUEL camp meeting will take place in July, and a conference-wide evangelistic event will take place in September. Learn more about these and other upcoming events at cccadventist.org.
By Brennan Hallock
