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Adult Bible Fellowships


Introducing
Adult Bible Fellowships

The ABF philosophy of ministry believes “midsize” Adult Bible Fellowships (ABFs) or communities are the foundational ministry to adults in a church setting.  Although there are several other influential ministries to adults such as Men’s and Women’s Ministries, Small groups, etc., this philosophy believes it is essential to encourage as many adults as possible who attend a church to identify with and become a part of an ABF/community.  They are “mini-communities” or “mini-congregations” within a congregation.  Each ABF is a mix of ages, but normally organized by peer group or similar “life” situations.  Others are multi-generational or have some other special interest that draws them together in community.  In the context of these communities “body life” takes place.  (John 17:20-23; Acts 2:42-47; the “one another” passages of the NT; Eph. 4:12-16; Heb. 10:24-25)

Most of the ministry to adults flows thru these ABFs/Communities
ABFs are the main vehicle in which most of the ministry to adults flows including: fellowship, socials/activities, small groups, care opportunities, outreach, serving/ministry, assimilation of newcomers, etc.  As a result, instead of having separate ministries for small groups, newcomer follow-up, care and fellowship that experience very little communication and/or networking, the church can do a better Job of caring for its flock and assimilating new people into the church because “the right hand knows what the left had is doing.”  This synergy multiplies the effectiveness of all the ministries.

Leadership Teams within ABFs are essential to build and care for the group
Each ABF has a class/community leader.  It is this leader’s responsibility to organize, lead, and meet regularly with a leadership team that builds “community life.”  The team consists of the teacher(s) and those who lead the social and ministry events, caring opportunities, welcome/assimilation, outreach, newsletter, etc.  Each ABF/community is “self-governed” so the people within the group decide who will be asked to serve on the leadership team, how many team members there will be, and how long they will serve.  The leadership team meets on a regular basis to plan, evaluate, and hold each other accountable for their responsibilities. 

The Curriculum for the ABFs is the Bible
It is the supernatural Word of God that changes lives!  That is why the curriculum is centered around God’s Word and Its principles that guide the believer in Christ.  Churches Use a variety of curriculum structures in the teaching ministry.

Small Groups are made of people in the same ABF
As mentioned earlier, small groups (usually in homes) are strategically organized with people from the same ABF.  Having people from the same ABF experiencing ongoing sharing, praying, and inter-active Bible study together in these small groups will build the over all depth of community within an individual ABF.

The 6 Objectives of ABFs
1.       To develop ABFs that are functioning as “communities” not just classes
2.       To teach the Word of God for life application and transformation
3.       To nurture an outreach mindset for assimilation and evangelism
4.       To develop a healthy balance between group life (organism) and building an infrastructure (organization)
5.       To see ABFs reach their growth potential
6.       To help build the church by beginning new ABFs

Goals: To Make Mature Disciples and To Multiply ABFs
There are two crucial goals of ABFs: One is to assist in the process of making nature disciples of Jesus Christ in the context of biblical community.  Another goal is to continually “birth” and develop new ABFs to reach more people for Christ and to help them find a place to belong within the big church.
“ABFs are essentially congregations within a congregation” – Knute Larson. 

Championing communities as a way to Grow,
Pastor Glenn