moving from ABFs to group life

If you've been around SFMC/NewPointe at all lately, you know we've experienced major changes. In fact, nearly everything about us has changed; where we worship, the name of our church, the service times...and the list goes on and on. One big shift that took place recently was that we phased out ABFs (Adult Bible Fellowships). ABFs met on Sundays, during the worship services. ABF attenders could attend worship during one of our three Sunday hours and attend their class during another hour. ABFs were a very good thing for SFMC for a long time.

Ultimately, though, as leadership, we decided that we really couldn't do both ABFs and small groups and do them both exceptionally well. As we discussed the options and our mission and strategy, it became clear that our approach would be to move people into small groups. We want to send a clear message about something we believe in very passionately: we have discovered that the best place for people the experience real life change is when they're connected to others in intentional relationships. And we are convinced that the best place for this to happen is in a small group. We know that other approaches (such as ABFs) can work...we just think the small group model works best.

If you were here last Sunday, you'd know that with over 2,500 people here, we flat-out need volunteers. This is another huge factor in our decision to move away from ABFs and go small-group. See, our small group approach frees up attendees from choosing whether to serve on Sunday mornings or attend a class.

There are several (in fact, many) other reasons for the move away from ABFs to toward small groups. I'll be happy to discuss it further with anyone who'd like to.

When a change like this one comes down the pike it is guaranteed to ruffle feathers. I think this is especially true when an established, traditional structure (like Sunday School/ABFs) gets messed with. It's uncomfortable, it's different, and it can be flat-out hard to swallow. In fact, folks have left our church because of the change. That's unfortunate. But we're absolutely committed to the small groups strategy. I've had ABF leaders and attendees question our approach. And that's fair. We're cool with that. We openly invite questions and push-back.

We don't pretend to have all the answers. We just feel a deep conviction about the direction our church needs to go in order for us to carry out our mission: to lead people in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

I hope you'll find your place in the story God is weaving. I hope you'll find yourself in authentic, life-giving, soul-quenching community.