What is a Fellowship Group?
Fellowship Groups are basic Christian communities of 10-14 people that meet on a weekly or bi-weekly basis in homes throughout the city They exist to provide a context for discipleship, evangelism and community. They are led by trained lay-leaders from the congregation who are given on-going support and oversight by an elder and pastor.
Fellowship Groups at Four Oaks
Fellowship groups are the primary place for pastoral care at Four Oaks. Churches often do one of two things: They either practice systematic care and encouragement of the congregation or systematic neglect of the congregation. Our network of fellowship groups is the means through which we seek to practice the former. While some congregations may have small groups, we want our congregation to BE small groups. Our network of Fellowship groups serve as the nervous system of our church and are the 'hands and feet' of our pastoral ministry, an extension of the calling that the pastors and elders are to exercise in their care of the flock.
Though the Bible does not command us to organize small group ministry, it does presuppose that a significant relational life exists within the church. Where this does not happen naturally, the church must cultivate it. Fellowship groups are Four Oaks' chosen means of cultivating that relational life. Because of their foundational role in the life of our church, we ask that all of our covenant members be a part of a Fellowship Group.
You are considered a part of the geographical community (North, South, or West) in which your Fellowship Group resides. Your fellowship group leader will communicate with you regarding who your specific elder and pastor will be that will oversee your group. While your fellowship group leader will be your primary shepherd and care giver, your pastor and elder are spiritual authorities and resources for you.