With so much going on at home, at work, in school and at the church it is important for church leaders to maintain their perspective and balance. by design ministries sponsors a small group ministry for leaders called TOGETHER groups. These small groups are designed to encourage, nurture and support you as you seek to maintain a proper balance in life. One way this ministry works is by helping you to cultivate a network of godly friendships and mentoring relationships.

TOGETHER Groups Update

Last winter and spring we hosted nine informational meetings in various areas around New England explaining this new ministry. Eighty women, serving in a variety of ministry roles, attended these meetings, representing fifty-five churches. Over 100 additional women have indicated their interest in participating in the future. We were looking for a team leader to shepherd each of the TOGETHER groups and I am pleased to inform you that we have eleven facilitators who have undertaken this ministry. There will be a small group training session later this month in Chelmsford, MA. Assuming all goes as planned, there will be TOGETHER groups meeting in the following areas this fall.

Massachusetts
North Shore-Middleboro area
South Shore-Duxbury area
South of Boston-Holbrook area
South Coast area
Cape Cod
Greater Lowell area
Worcester MA area

Connecticut
Eastern CT-Pomfret area

New Hampshire
Greater Manchester Area (Weare, NH)
Salem, NH

New Hampshire/Southern Maine
North Hampton, NH area

Rhode Island
Greater Providence area

Pending Groups (no current facilitator)
Hartford, CT area
Salem, CT area
Boston, MA 

What do groups look like?

• Women who participate in a Together Group are actively involved in leading in any capacity within women’s ministry. 

• Participants will represent various denominations and church sizes.

• Each group meets regularly (monthly, bi-monthly, etc.) at an agreed upon time and location.

• Women may choose to meet at a home, local restaurant or church.

• Groups will meet during the school year, unless decided upon differently by the group. An hour and a half to two-hour meeting time is recommended.

• Women will be asked to commit to be a part of their group for a minimum of one ministry year. (September through May)

• Regular attendance is expected

• Women who are considering being a part of a group may visit for the first two meetings. After the third meeting, however, there should be no new members or guests taking part in the group.

• New groups will form as enough interested women indicate their desire to participate and as a Team Leader is available.

• Our groups need to be safe and holy places. Positive and healthy communication within each group meeting will be encouraged.

• Confidentiality will be of the utmost importance.

• Each group will have a facilitator(s) who will oversee and guide the meetings.

• The facilitator will be in regular communication with the by design ministries team

How do I get involved?

If you would like to participate in one of these groups, be considered as a facilitator, or if you would like to see a group formed in your area, please contact our office. Groups are limited to 6-10 women each. Although openings are still available in all groups, some will be closed soon. We would encourage you to send in your application to our office as soon as possible. Once groups are full, we will start waiting lists for new groups and will begin these as new facilitators are available.

Keep checking our calendar of events to see when and where the fall TOGETHER group meetings will be scheduled.