Our Senior Pastor’s vision for this church includes connecting every person to a Life Group where tight communities of people are built that love and care for each other. People are discipled into mature believers through these groups. Hundreds of “Faith in Action” acts of service, given freely through the ministry of Life Groups, would impact our community with the love and message of Jesus Christ in a tangible way.
Hydesville Community Church has a long history of “small group” ministry. Starting in the early ‘80’s small groups of believers committed to spend 18 months to 2 years together in a “Growth Group”. They met weekly, studied the Bible and, prayed together, fellowshipped, recreated together and reached out into the community with acts of love and service in Jesus name. And ever since that time “Small Groups” have been an intricate element woven into the fabric of our Hydesville Church culture.
I was in one of those first “Growth Groups” and have a vivid memory of it’s beginning. At that time our church sanctuary faced Highway 36. The church hadn’t been redecorated since the 1950’s and the linoleum tile floor and old style hanging wallpaper dipped down precariously from the ceiling above. The building itself didn’t look terribly inviting, but the people within those walls welcomed us with open arms. My husband and I arrived early one morning, as we were official “greeters” for the church service. My husband casually mentioned to Pastor Mike that he thought we would like to join a Growth Group. In just a moment Pastor Mike was speedily back from his study with two booklets in hand and a place for us to sign on the dotted line. I’m not sure I had ever seen him move so fast, but now, nearly twenty-five years later, I totally understand . These small groups whether they are called “Growth Groups” or “Life Groups” have an amazing potential to facilitate great spiritual growth , a real sense of community, and are truly a place where “people know you and care.” If you are someone who gets excited about seeing people grow spiritually and develop in their God-given potential as a unique member of the body of Christ, then you will understand why we are thrilled at seeing this ministry expand. Will you join us on our continuing journey as we dive into this new chapter called Hydesville Community Church “Life Groups?” As Beth Moore would say, “Let’s do this thing together”.
Penny Fregeau, Director of Small Groups
Hydesville Community Church
