Small Groups

What is Small Group Ministry?

Small Group Ministry is devotion and commitment to a covenant relationship of love, support and accountability between and among the people of God. At Tabernacle we accomplish caring through small groups.

Small groups enable us to be as effective as possible in providing a caring environment for our members. Success is in the hands of every member. Every member is responsible for maintaining a connected relationship with a small group of other members.

Small Groups give members greater opportunities to know one another. In small clusters, our members learn more than each other's names. A true sense of community exists. Sharing joys, sorrows, recreation, amusement and education in small groups strengthens individual faith and witness and strengthens community relationships.

Who can attend?

This is open to anyone. You do not have to be a church member to participate in any small group.

Spring Fall Groups Begin on Wednesday, February 17 at 6:30 p.m.
(click here to download the brochure)

Tabernacle 101
During the six weeks of this class, information will be shared that is specific to membership at Tabernacle, such as its history, ministry, and organization.  Most of the time will be spent in discussing how church membership contributes to the spiritual life of a member.  Each participant will receive a copy of Spiritual Disciplines within the Church: Participating Fully in the Body of Christ by Donald Whitley.  This class is for those who have recently joined Tabernacle or those who are seeking more information about church membership. 
Facilitator: Dr. Wayne Hager
Book Cost: None
Room: A15

Tabernacle 102 (Begins following Tabernacle 101)
A six week course which will explore the distinctive theological (words about God) and ecclesiological  (words about the church) distinctive of being a Baptist Christian and how those distinctives are worked out in the life of individual and the church.
            Facilitator: Dr. Wayne Hager
    Book Cost: None
Room A15

Mayberry Bible Study
We feel like Andy, Barney, and the gang in Mayberry are our friends. They have provided us with lots of laughter and warmth with their stories. Now take a look at their stories and find out what they have to teach us. Spend eight weeks in Mayberry, followed by four weeks in the Super Man Bible Study.
Facilitator: Phil Crane
Book Cost: None

“Prayer Meeting” In the Chapel
Those of us who grew up in the Baptist church remember Wednesday nights as being Prayer Meeting nights. And even though we do spend time in prayer prior to breaking into Small Groups, sometimes we need to have a special time and place to dedicate ourselves to prayer. Our Chapel will be open and quiet from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays for individuals or groups to come in and pray. Sam Lytle will be available for those who wish to pray with someone.

The Tabernacle Book Club
The Tabernacle Book Club will spend the first six weeks in a facilitator-led discussion of the best seller, The Shack, by William P. Young. The book jacket says, “In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant, The Shack wrestles with the timeless question, ‘Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?’ The answers Mack (the main character) gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. Prior to the conclusion of this study, Book Club members will select the next book to study.
Facilitator: Dick Wilson
Book Cost: Please purchase from a book store prior to study

Thursday Evening Small Groups

Men's Bible Study
Meets the Last Thursday of the Month at 7:00 p.m. in Room A20-21

The Men’s Small Group Bible Study is finishing the book Shoulder to Shoulder. Join them as they finish this study and then determine what the next study will be. It’s a great time to fellowship with other men of the church and to learn from each other.
Facilitator: Men of the church
Book Cost: Optional (TBA)
Facilitators: Men of the church
Cost: Optional ($9.00)

Home Bible Study

Hospitality: God's Call to Compassion

at the home of Carol Jordan (1008 Deboy Street)
Check with the Facilitators for a complete schedule.
This group does not meet when other church activities
are scheduled for Thursday night.

“The word hospitality brings to mind tables filled with cookies and pots of good coffee. But the biblical concept of hospitality is much deeper. In these studies you’ll discover the Old Testament call to hospitality as the outward-focused expression of God’s grace and provision. Come and discover God’s call to hospitality.” (cover blurb) This group meets at the home of Carol Jordan.
Facilitators: Clyde & Laura Smith
Cost: $6.00

A brochure describing the Small Groups is available at the entrances to the church.