Healthy relationships are essential to effective shepherding and personal discipleship, and here at Berean we want to do all we can to facilitate and encourage the development of that kind of relationship. The presence of meaningful relationships, or the lack of them, will be one of the greatest determining factors in a person's spiritual well being and readiness for experiencing authentic Christianity. 

 "Iron sharpening iron" is a concept we find in Scripture that describes how people can benefit each other in a positive way. We use this term often in terms describing the relationships formed in small group settings, and we also use this term when we speak of discipleship. We have come to understand that as we are involved in other peoples' lives at a significant level, then we have an atmosphere that allows for accountability, encouragement and affirmation, support and friendship, and stimulation toward growth in Christ.

The Small Group and Care Group ministry of Berean Bible Church is the heart of discipleship and shepherding for our body. We believe that for new believers, and mature believers, the most effective way of growing in a vital relationship with Jesus Christ is to spend time with Him alone and to be with other Christians who are growing, as well.  Our philosophy of personal discipleship and spiritual shepherding centers around the small group setting because we believe that spiritual change happens best in an atmosphere that is small and close, open and honest, safe and encouraging, with skilled leadership that is willing both to teach and to listen.

Everyone in the Berean family is expected to participate in the Care Group ministry. Care Groups will meet every other week in various places scattered around the community.  Individuals are free to choose which Care Group to join, but there is a limit to 14 adults per group.  Individuals who are unable to attend for one reason or another will be assigned to a group so that no is left without a place to belong and a shepherd to care for them. These care Groups continue throughout the year and for as long as the group stays healthy. It is in these groups that issues of the heart are addressed, where mutual encouragement and loving confrontation can find expression, and where the most important aspects of body occur. These groups are shepherding units, not just Bible studies, and they are more relational than content oriented.  As you think about joining Berean Bible Church, you should be thinking which Care Group to attend.  These Care Groups will be come fully functional beginning the first week in January, 2008.

In addition to the Care Group structure for shepherding believers, we also encourage participation in Small Group Bible studies.  These small groups are usually Bible studies or topical studies on various issues of Christian life, and they normally continue for 10-12 weeks or possibly a semester or two.  They may meet every week or every other week. These small groups are important for developing Bible knowledge and ministry skills.  These Bible studies will address particular issues that arise and they are designed for the spiritual formation of Christ in every believer.  Various Small Groups and Bible studies are going on right now, but during this current year we will be offering a number of different small group opportunities to have a 12 week study entitled "How People Change." Times, places, and leaders will be announced as each new group is about ready to start.