Care Group Ministry
(For home locations and times (CLICK HERE))

WHAT IS A CARE GROUP? 
            A Care Group is a home based, small group (about 24 or fewer) of believers who are committed to growth in the faith and the mutual care of others on the journey.

 WHAT HAPPENS IN A CARE GROUP? 
            Members of the group meet regularly to worship together, pray for one another, discuss relevant topics, and “stir up one another to love and good works” (Heb. 10:25).

 ISN’T THIS WHAT HAPPENS ON SUNDAY MORNING? 
            To some extent, yes, but a typical Sunday morning worship celebration allows for relatively little time to make consistent, meaningful investments in the lives of one another.  In fact, we believe this is so important we have taken to referring to “one anothering” as a verb, meaning to show the kind of concern and care that is seen all through the New Testament. 

“ONE ANOTHERING”?
            Yes, as you read through the New Testament you see many exhortations (commands, really) that fill out in detail the concept of a shared life in Christ:  encourage one another, build up one another, rejoice and weep with one another, confess sin to one another, and the like.  It’s been said that the task of persevering in the faith is a group project, and we firmly believe that.  We are all part of one body in order that we may help each other along.  More than anything, what we try to do is identify evidences of grace in each other.  Where is growth taking place?  How is the Lord making us more like Christ?

 HOW MUCH OF A TIME COMMITMENT IS THIS?
            Groups meet twice a month for about 90 minutes, beginning at 7:00 p.m.  One additional evening is set aside for hospitality—smaller groups that meet to share a meal, or dessert, so that relationships can be deepened. 

WHO DECIDES WHAT GROUP WE JOIN?
            That is largely a function of where you live and your stage of life.  Currently we have groups in Toms River and Lacey Township for adults.  In addition, we have a group for young married couples and one for single adults.  Each group is led by a team:  two couples or, in the case of the singles group, one man and one woman.  The details will doubtless change as we grow together; see one of the pastors for specifics.

WHAT ABOUT MY KIDS—CAN I BRING THEM?
            For older kids (teens), we offer a parent-youth ministry that functions as a Care Group.  For those who have younger children, we’d ask that parents work together to share the task of child care.  Due to the kind of sharing we want to typify our group meetings, it would not be appropriate for young children to sit in.  You’ll find it less distracting for yourself, and others won’t be self-conscious either. 

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
            We’d like everyone who is identified with TFC to be part of a care group.  In fact, we think of the leaders of the groups as an extension of the pastoral team, so this is where much of the primary pastoral care will originate.  The Care Group is the family within the larger family (that is, the congregation), and our goal is to “do” our group ministry so well that people are anxious to get involved. 

We know we can’t anticipate every question you might have, so please feel free to ask one of the pastors for further information.  Thanks for your interest, and we look forward to serving you through this ministry.

Care Groups meet in local homes at the following locations and times:

During the second week of each month
 there are usually smaller groups
 meeting for informal times
 of fellowship.

Please contact one of the listed homes
for more information.

To sign up or to find out more information, please contact the home listed above or you may contact:
Debbie.Stengele@trinityfellowshipchurch.net

Trinity Fellowship Church, 1644 North Bay Ave., Toms River, NJ 08753
Phone: 732-914-8885