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An Intentional Christian Community
In the Tradition of Church of the Saviour
Seventh Edition - October, 1996
Washington, DC
This guide is dedicated to all those whose frustrating experience with Seekers mission groups has taught us how important it is to be clear about what a mission group is and how it functions.
Seekers Task Force on Group Life
(November 1989-February 1990)
Carolyn Brock, Chair
Marjory Bankson
Art Carpenter
Muriel Lipp
Cynthia Power
Jim Power
Peter Bankson, Staff
This booklet provides information on how mission groups in Seekers Church are structured, what a mission group and a participant can expect from each other, and short descriptions of the different mission groups that are active today. This information should help you decide whether you want to be part of a mission group, and if so, how to explore membership in the group.
We understand that, according to the New Testament, a mission group is an expression of the Body of Christ, in which Christ is resident and present. Because of this, we believe that the mission group has such power that if it forgives the sins of any, they shall be forgiven. For us, mission groups carry the seeds of the destiny of humankind. The future depends on what happens in such groups and whether they are faithful to Christ. Without the living presence of Christ in the group, participants will not feel a sense of eternal significance.
In Seekers Church, we sustain our worship life and enable our School of Christian Living through mission groups. We participate in "corporate" missions that serve the needs of the world through other mission groups. We support individuals who are called into a vocation as ministry through other mission groups. For us, mission groups are the focal point for living out our commitments to mission (the journey outward), community (the life of Seekers), and spiritual growth (the journey inward).
Persons joining a mission group are expected to have completed two classes in the School of Christian Living. Joining normally begins with a trial period, to help all participants in the process confirm the joining. Joining a mission group involves a commitment to the spiritual discipline of the group.
Mission groups are not for everyone. Participation in a mission group is a balance of giving and receiving. Participants are called to give themselves to the group and its mission. In doing that they receive support and affirmation for their unfolding lives as Christians. This giving and receiving is more a matter of commitment than one of maturity or strength.
Some find the focus and expectations of the mission group too intense to satisfy their needs. This is often the case for those who have recently begun worshipping with Seekers. There are other options for small group experience, although Seekers is committed to the mission group structure for as many Seekers as possible.
Produced by the Staff of The Seekers Church
Deborah Sokolove, editor
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