Growth Groups

at Christ Lutheran Church

What Are They? Small group Bible studies meeting in members' homes. Why Be Involved? To GROW toward maturity as Christians in faith and knowledge of God & His Word; in discipleship, as we learn and are encouraged by our fellow believers. To GROW together closer to each other in Christian love; stronger in identity, service, worship, etc., as we put some muscle into our mission.

How Often Will We Meet?

Two times a month - often enough for continuous growth.

What Will We Be Studying?

The Bible - God's Word to His people.

What Will the Topic Be?

"Behold, What Manner of Love!" - the same as our Ministry Year theme this year. We'll be digging in deeper, looking at what the Bible teaches us about God's love in its many forms, and then considering how we reflect that love ourselves - back to Him, and then also to other people. Instead of studying one book of the Bible as we've done in the past, this year we'll be focusing on stories from the Old and New Testaments which demonstrate God's love for us and show us how to love others.

While this study will certainly provide a wonderful opportunity for believers to learn and grow - in faith, and together - it will also be a wonderful opportunity for believers to bring their friends and others to learn - to get to know Jesus while getting to know his love through a Growth Group.

What Makes These Groups Different from Sunday Morning Bible Class?

1. They are lay-led, so the leader of the study is a fellow learner who helps guide the discussion;
2. There is a more relaxed atmosphere when we meet in people's homes, which makes it easier for all to share their answers and ask their questions;
3. The smaller size of the groups and the more personal discussions make it easier to get to know other members and make connections.

What Do I Have to Do?

Just come with a Bible to the group that fits your schedule and location best - and let the Spirit grow you and grow us together! (You are also encouraged to bring a friend!) We have three groups, distributed geographically, this ministry year - we hope to add another Columbia-area group again soon. Group members sometimes alternate hosting the meetings, so please call a leader to find out where they'll be. If you have any questions, please talk to Pastor Samelson or any of the Growth Group leaders.

Growth groups contact information

Western Growth Group	Eastern Growth Group
Leaders: John Murtagh (301) 461-2900 & Dave Bradley (301) 865-3578 Meeting: meets on the 2nd and 4th Fridays at 7:00 PM at the Murtagh's in New Market, MD.	Leader: David Schwalenberg (443) 457-7585 Meeting: The group meets on the 2st and 4th Thursdays at 7:00 PM at the Jaeger's. The last meetings will be on 7 May and 28 May. After that the group takes a summer break.
	Columbia Growth Group
	Leader: Bill Toth (410) 997-5386 Meeting: meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 PM at Robert Nemchek's in Columbia, MD.

... and it doesn't matter if you missed the beginning lessons -- you are welcome to join any group any time!