What is it?

A typical Connect Group meets each week or fortnight for approx. 90 minutes and include refreshments, discussion, prayer, Bible study and encouragement – as well as for social occasions.

Most of the Connect Groups meet on Tues, Wed and Thurs evenings, hosted in people’s homes in the South Birmingham area.

What would I do?

You would either build a team to start a group or join an existing Connect Group to support in leading. Connect Group leading can involve hosting a group, being the point person of the group, leading group discussions and bible studies, planning and leading social events, prayer co-ordination.

How often would I serve?

Each group would usually meet three times/month (often term time) but can meet less regularly according to the needs or availability of the group.

What kind of training is provided?

There is an induction period to help you get established as a leader or as a new group. In addition, there are regular Connect Group Leaders gatherings for mutual support and to develop the small group ministry of Encounter Church.

Spiritual gifts or attributes that would help in this ministry include:

Encouragement, Faith, Administration, Leading, Shepherding, Teaching.

Is being in membership at EC a pre-requisite?

We would encourage those leading Connect Groups to be church members or to be looking into becoming members of EC as soon as the opportunity arises – unless they will only be part of the church relatively short term.

It would require having been a regular part of EC for at least 6 months and able to adhere to the Elim Statement of Faith.