Our Life
Growth Groups
"And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." Acts 5:42
Growing our relationship with Christ and growing the Kingdom of God are the most foundational purposes of the church. Helping each person in our fellowship develop as a disciple of Jesus Christ while reaching out with Christ’s love to enfold others into the family of God is the reason we exist. Common to both of these purposes is the high value of relationship. We cannot truly and consistently encourage someone in faith if we have not developed a relationship with them centered on these purposes.
For Weekly Growth Group Questions click here.
At First Presbyterian Church of Maumee, we have a small group ministry called GROWTH GROUPS that has a three-fold purpose:
These groups are unlike some of the small groups in this church. Group membership will not be predetermined, but will be continually open; always willing to include new members both from within the congregation and outside. As the groups grow, they will multiply and birth new groups with new servant leaders.
GROWTH GROUPS Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many groups will there be and who will be leading them?
A. Intially we began with 5 groups in September 2011 and the servant leaders are Judy & Bryce Harbaugh, Sarah & Jim Otis, Mary & Nick Seifke, Kristen & Andy Woodard and Stacey & Clint Tolbert. However, because a group servant is simply one who helps facilitate spiritual growth as people engage one another and God’s Word, we believe anyone who has a desire to help others follow Jesus can serve a group. The current groups are listed below:
Woodard Growth Group, Holland
- Meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday 6:15-8:30 pm
- Contact Kristen or Andy Woodard: kdobish@gmail.com
- A soup and salad dinner will be shared.
- Childcare may be available if necessary.
Otis Growth Group, Maumee
- Meets 1st and 3rd Wednesday 7-8:30 pm
- Contact Sarah or Jim Otis: sotis@ymcatoledo.com
Harbaugh Growth Group, Toledo
- Meets the 1st and 3rd Sunday 6:30-8 pm
- Contact Just or Bryce Harbaugh: bryce@msstoledo.com
Siefke Growth Group, Perrysburg
- Meets 1st and 3rd Friday at 7 am
- Contact Mary or Nick Siefke: siefke@umich.edu
Tolbert Growth Group, Maumee (Temporarily on Hold)
- Meets the 2nd and 4th Sunday 5:30-7 pm
- Contact Stacey or Clint Tolbert: staceyandclint@yahoo.com
- A soup and salad dinner will be shared.
- Childcare is available.
Q. What do the groups study?
A. Groups study the biblical passage considered in the pastor’s sermon from the previous Sunday. The pastor develops 3-4 questions each week for the groups to use. While it is beneficial for group members to have heard the sermon, questions are developed so that it is not necessary for someone to have been present on Sunday morning to participate in group discussion. These questions can be found on the website under Resources or by clicking here.
Q. What else can I expect to take place during a group meeting?
A. A strong emphasis is be placed on genuine fellowship. Time is given to allow members to enjoy one another’s presence and get to know one another in genuine ways. Some groups may choose to share a meal together. Emphasis is also placed on upholding one another in prayer. As group members begin to know one another more intimately, it is hoped that the members can be a prayerful encouragement to one another both during group meetings and at other times. Lastly, because these groups are intentionally outward focused the group spends time praying for people we hope to introduce to Christ.
Q. I’m already so busy, how can I be expected to commit to something else in the life of the church?
A. We hear you! The bottom line is that we believe these groups give us the ability to live out the essential values of the church in ways that are not currently available and that is a priority for us. On top of this, we hope these groups will be life-giving times during the week because they are based primarily on building up relationships we value and enjoy.
Q. What do I do with my children during group meetings?
A. Group servants work with the members to provide a solution for each group. Solutions may be, hiring a babysitter to watch the children in another room, hiring a babysitter to watch the children in another house, incorporating children into the life of the group or (in the future) offering child care at the church and encouraging groups with childcare concerns to schedule their meeting to overlap with this time.
Q. I’m interested in becoming a servant leader, what should I do?
A. First, join a group and begin to learn from the servant of that group as you participate. One of Pastor Nelson's primary responsibilities is to direct an “equipping track” which will be the place where more group servants are trained and supported.
Q. I still have questions, who should I call?
A. If you have a particular question about a particular group, call that group’s servant leaders. If you have a general question about the church or group ministry call Pastor Clint or Pastor Steve at (419) 893-0223.