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*All sermons by Rev. Oehler unless otherwise noted.

7.25.10 - Teach Us to Pray

7.18.10 - Distracted by Many Things

7.4.10 - Go On Your Way

Sermon Archives

Pastor’s Corner

Rev. Phil Oehler

Session of The Presbyterian Church at Woodbury recently heard the following proposal: 

Christ-Centered Small Group ministries are acknowledged as perhaps the most effective approach for advancing the mission of the local church by inviting people to be in a deeper relationship with Jesus through closer relationships with brothers and sisters of the faith; in other words, to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

What is a Christ-Centered Small Group?  A Christ-Centered Small Group is a small number of people (less than 10-12) who gather together in community for a period of time (typically 6-8 weeks) to experience and share God’s loving grace and to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ through caring fellowship, Bible study, prayer, and outreach.  The Presbyterian Church at Woodbury already has a few functioning Small Groups, including three home-based care & Bible Study groups, a church-based study group, and a Pastor-led Bible Study at Pitman Manor.

Churches that have healthy, thriving Small Group Ministries point out a number of key aspects: Groups need to have a primary focus on the care of each member; they meet on a regular basis for an agreed period of time; they are intentional about getting group members involved in leadership and outreach roles; they work hard to develop a deep and meaningful prayer time; they emphasize involvement in service projects, either individually or together; and they talk about group growth and periodic multiplication from the beginning.  Small group facilitators need to take a proactive role in setting and maintaining this agenda through a group covenant.

To foster the growth of the Small Group ministry at PCW, the Session is asked to place a renewed emphasis on encouraging members to get involved in Christ-Centered Small Groups. It is proposed that through the Christian Education Task Force, new groups facilitators be sought and trained; new small groups be formed and nurtured; that the ministry receive heightened publicity; and that all church members be frequently encouraged to join a Christ-Centered Small Group by the Task Force(s), the Pastor, and Staff.

I believe that this renewed emphasis on Christ-Centered Small Group ministry will build the Kingdom of God, help members of the congregation grow spiritually, and welcome new disciples into this family of faith.  I hope that you will prayerfully consider participating in this ministry, made available in the fall.  Please pray for Christ- Centered Small Groups and that those whom God is calling to serve as facilitators may clearly hear the call to service the congregation.