Statement of Purpose

For more information call the church office
or check out our website at www.pineschurch.org.
1. You will understand the Bible better in a TLC small group.
If you've ever listened to a Bible teacher or preacher and wanted to stop that person and say -
"But what about...?" or "I don't understand!", then a
TLC group is for you! Preaching and teaching is one
-way communication--you listen while the speakers
speak. It's fine for imparting knowledge but not as
effective for personal application as a small group.
In a small group setting, you can ask questions,
participate in a discussion of the Bible, and hear
others share insights and experiences pertaining to
the truth you are learning. The Bible must be applied
to our personal situations, and that happens best in a small group.

2. You will begin to really feel like part of God's
family. Most people who have been a part of a small
group Bible study say that the greatest benefit is
the close relationships and friendships that develop.
They may telephone each other during the week to
share an urgent prayer request or an exciting answer.
You'll discover that your needs and problems are not
unique--we're all in the same boat. It helps to know
that others are facing the same difficulties, or have
lived through them and learned spiritual principles
in the process.

Over fifty times in the New Testament the phrase "one
another" is used to describe our relationship to
other believers. We are instructed to love one
another, encourage one another, pray for one another,
accept one another, bear one another's burdens, and
build up one another. The only way you can obey these
commands is in a small group. We really do need each
other. God never meant for you to go it alone in the
Christian life. If you're lonely, the answer to your
problem is to join a TLC group.

3. Prayer will become more meaningful to you. Many
people are hesitant to pray in front of others,
especially in a large church. In a small TLC group of 6 to 12, you will learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one is
pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable,
you'll be able to pray sentence prayers and join in.
There are many promises in the Bible related to group
prayer. In praying together with a few others, we are
drawn together and we find answers to the needs in our lives.

4. You will be able to handle stress and pressure
better. TLC small groups will provide excellent
support in times of crisis, change, and stress.
You'll have a sense of stability and security knowing
there are people who really care for you and are committed to standing with you.
When someone loses their job, or a family member has an extended illness, or a mother needs a baby sitter
--these are practical needs that can be naturally taken care of through your small group.
Your group may coordinate the sharing of hot meals to be brought in when your family is in need.
Many people can testify that they would not have made it through a difficult time if it hadn't been for the support of their small group.

5. You will have a natural way to share Christ with unbelieving friends, relatives, and work associates.
It may be that some of your friends who don't know the Lord wouldn't think of attending a church.
They have a preconceived idea and just the thought makes them defensive.
But those same people may be open to an invitation to a casual Bible discussion in a home or neutral setting.
In a TLC small group, your unbelieving friends can ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling "put on the spot".
When your friend sees the love and warmth and honesty of your group, it will make him more receptive to the Good News.

6. You will deepen your understanding of worship.
Many Christians mistakenly believe that worship can only happen on Sunday morning in a large group with a sermon, a choir, and an offering plate!
Worship happens any time we focus on God. Worship is the outward expression of our inner faith and love of God.
Sometimes that happens best in a smaller group in praying or singing together.

7. You can develop leadership skills you never knew you had!
The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain talents to benefit others in the family of God. Unfortunately, most Christians remain as Sunday morning spectators all their lives because large group meetings are primarily "sit and listen" situations.
As you share and participate in a relaxed TLC group setting, you'll discover your confidence and self-esteem rising.
This will help you at work, at church, and in every other relationship.

8. You will be a New Testament Christian!
The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for His people to grow and have their needs met in the church.
We will never be able to hire enough professional pastors to meet all the individual needs in our church family.
God never intended for it to be that way!

Consider these verses: