Our Life Group Ministry exists to reach people, teach people, and minister to people. It is our largest ministry of the church, and longest ministry of the church. Through Life Groups, people experience community through encouragement, fellowship, discipleship and evangelism. While all this sounds a bit complicated, it really isn't. Being a part of a Life Group will help you not only be connected to Briar Hill much stronger, but most importantly connected to brothers and sisters in Christ, and to the missional work that Christ calls us to.
What we are teaching in Life Groups...
Explore the Bible curriculum...
THE WHOLE TRUTH FOR THE WHOLE PERSON
To know God’s Truth is to know that it is true and that every book matters. Explore the Bible: Adults is designed to illuminate the historical, cultural, and biblical context of Scripture. Book by book, we help men and women understand and apply God’s Word in a manner that is sustainable, thorough, and applicable.
UNDERSTAND THE TEXT IN CONTEXT
To best understand original intent, our studies dig deep into the historical and cultural context of Scripture to best frame how the text fits within the whole Bible and our lives.
GROW IN BIBLE SKILLS
We don’t just study the Bible, we help men and women build Bible study into their routines through sustainable personal Bible skills and disciplines that last a lifetime.
KNOW AND LIVE SCRIPTURE
God’s Word is alive, and Explore the Bible equips men and women to not just know Scripture, but to live it outwardly to the world around them.
Explore the Bible takes groups through the Bible one book at time. Rather than studying the Bible chronologically, our study plan is designed to provide a balanced study experience, visiting each genre of biblical literature every study cycle. Explore the Bible Curriculum is used in most of our Middle and Senior Adult aged classes. We will be studying 1st and 2nd Thessalonians over the coming weeks.
Bible Studies for Life curriculum...
Bible Studies for Life is designed to help adult groups make disciples through comprehensive, in-depth Bible study. Each year, this series addresses the eight spiritual markers found in maturing believers to ensure that participants are getting a balanced approach to discipleship. Those spiritual markers are: Bible engagement, obeying God and denying self, serving God and others, sharing Christ, exercising faith, seeking God, building relationships, and living unashamed.
The spring studies are Living Life Connected to Christ, which highlights some “last minute” teaching from Jesus, and Christ’s Return: Living with the End in Mind (a look at what we need to know in order to be ready for His return). A special focus session titled Jesus Lives—and You Can Too is also included, which examines the reality and significance of the resurrection. Bible Studies for Life is taught in our Young to Middle Adult aged classes, as well as some Children's classes
The Gospel Project curriculum...
Gospel? It means good news. As Christians, it’s all too easy to forget that. That’s what The Gospel Project, a Christ-centered, chronological Bible study curriculum for kids, students, and adults. Christ-centered discipleship was created for. TGP follows a proven plan to nurture disciples from preschoolers to senior adults with Christ-centered Bible study resources.
TGP is chronological Bible study. God’s gospel project unfolds from Genesis to Revelation, and the studies help participants of all ages study the Bible in an age-appropriate way. It is designed so that that student studies outside of the classroom and the teaching time compliments the studied work throughout the week.
The Gospel Project is all about the gospel because the gospel is all about Jesus. Through weekly group Bible study, daily devotionals, and a whole lot more, TGP helps us seek out Christ in his word pursue Him together. TGP is taught to our student ministry and some preschool and children.
More about Life Groups at BHBC
Jesus Christ himself demonstrates this throughout His ministry as he reached people through preaching repentance. He taught people how to live in such a way that honors Him. He also ministered to the people by meeting their needs. Hebrews reminds us to look to Jesus, as He is the writer and perfector of our faith, and we can look to Him as the guide to how we exercise our ministry. The apostles carried out these three directives during the birth of the New Testament church, as it was the vision set forth to them.
“And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.” Matthew 4:23, ESV
“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.” Matthew 9:35, ESV
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20, ESV
Jesus’ clear directive to us is to evangelize the unsaved and disciple the saved. We are to do this by reaching people for Christ and church membership (baptizing). We are also to teach people God’s Word and minister to people’s needs. Our church’s adopted purpose statement taken from Colossians 1:28 affirms that our purpose is to reach people (educating), teach people (equipping), and minister to people (empowering), in order that we become mature disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Life Group Ministry (aka Sunday School) exists to aid our church in executing this vision.
“To proclaim Christ, and Him crucified, to all people, warning and teaching them in all wisdom, to bring each one into God’s presence as a mature individual in union with Christ, for God’s glory.”
(Colossians 1:28) BHBC Purpose Statement
The leadership of each Life Group is set up in such a way to accomplish these tasks and support the purpose of the organization. The following three leader types are found in every life group. These leaders will also be responsible for the equipping of new leaders within the group on a regular basis.
1. Teacher: They will teach God’s Word and be the leader for the group
2. Outreach Leader: They will lead the group in reaching the lost and the unchurched.
3. Care Group Leaders: They will care for and pastor the people in their group.
Each group can have other designated roles to accomplish task, such as class secretary, administrator, treasurer, etc.
Life Groups (aka Sunday School) are for everyone at Briar Hill Baptist Church. These groups provide a weekly small-group Bible study experience where people gather together for study, fellowship, and encouragement. It is a place where people come together to experience the joy of following Christ and experiencing real life. From the very youngest to the mature adult, we have Life Groups for every age group and stage of life. Each week, gifted teachers and leaders work diligently to provide an environment where you can develop friendships, find encouragement, strength and support, and where you will have a great Bible study experience. Join us on Sunday Mornings at 9:00 AM.
