Our name reflects the nature of our studies. We have felt, since the inception of our group over seven years ago, that our mission was to ask questions, sometimes very tough questions. We like to study current events and find the correlating biblical references that reflect basic human struggles between good and evil.

The Small Group contact for more information is Paula Obermueller at 817-337-0835

In June, 2008 the Inquiring Spirits home group held a retreat at Camp Crucis.

 

 

 

 

 

New in 2011 - The Brotherhood of St. Andrew

Building Men to Build the Kingdom

Our Vision and Mission

Vision:

To inspire, empower and equip men and boys to fulfill the Great Commission.

Mission:

To introduce our men’s ministry to all parishes in The Episcopal Church and Worldwide Anglican Communion.

 

We invite parents with children of all ages to join us for an evening of fellowship, study, dinner and laughter. Care is provided for children up to the age of 10 at a cost of $10 a family.

Parenting can be a challenge so we seek the Lord's wisdom on how we can follow His plans for raising our children. Please join us as we explore how we can do this together.

Questions? Please contact Julie Williams at 817-514-0804 or email at julkevw@sbcglobal.net .

 

The Small Groups at St. Barnabas play an important part in reaching out and incorporating people into the life of the church. Since time for building community on Sunday mornings is limited, it is important for us to have the opportunity to meet during the week to build this community. This gives time for spiritual growth to occur, for relationships to form, and for people to experience a deeper sense of belonging to the church. A Home Group will have several aspects to its life:

1. Fellowship: This is a time to socialize freely with others, generally with some form of refreshment or a meal.

2. Study: This is a time for study whether it be a Bible Study or a selected book. This is an important opportunity for the ongoing spiritual growth of every person.

3. Prayer: A period of time is given for people to let their prayer requests be known. Prayers can be offered for a person's needs in a way that is deemed best by the group.

4. Pastoral Needs: Times of illness, bereavement, and unemployment give the group the opportunity to provide support to a member as the group is best able.

5. Outreach: The primary function of Small Groups is to be a place where new people can be incorporated into the church. This can occur by either inviting people new to the parish or by inviting guests outside the church. Of particular importance, Home Groups are a place to invite guests who may not be so keen on making that first visit to church on Sunday morning. Home Groups can be less threatening and easier to enter. Then, when the guest comes on Sunday morning they will already know several people.

Small Groups are a time for Lay Leadership to develop in all areas, including leading study groups, prayer, providing pastoral support, and incorporating guests and new members.

Q: What is a small group?

A: A small group consists of eight to twelve people who meet regularly to learn and care for each other. The focus of the group plays a significant role in determining the makeup of the participants. Some groups focus on specific needs for a definite time span. Others are more general in focus without a preset ending time.

For example, a parents of teens group may find participants changing yearly. A single parent group may find the same people attending for several years. While the two groups have a similar focus, the differences in marital status limit the ability to meet together. Other groups designed for spiritual growth and development may find their makeup includes both sexes, married and single adults. Whatever the makeup of the group, they soon learn ways to improve their lifestyles.

Determine the purpose of each small group. The purpose may be evangelism, discipleship, shepherding, or service. Some groups may feel they want to include the four purposes. However, the emphasis each purpose receives will vary from group to group.

Q: What is the vision for small groups at our church?

A: Small Groups provide certain basic needs at St. Barnabas. They first function as continuing adult education classes. Secondly they connect people who might be new to St. Barnabas and helps assimilate them as part of our Christian Community. Our Small Group ministries are at the very core of St. Barnabas' foundation and one way that we live out our church motto: "making disciples who make disciples". By being a part of a Small Group, you will get to know and learn from one another at a deeper level than Sunday morning coffee hour affords. Gatherings can be as small as three or four adults on some evenings to as many as fifteen or more. These groups are an ideal setting for making friends and finding ways to be used by God to build up others. We grow in our understanding and application of God's direction in our lives. Home groups help create Biblical community.

We invite YOU to become a member of a St. Barnabas Small Group! Come see for yourself how the Lord is working in the life of His Church!