What are T Groups?
The vision statement for the HTSC church community is: to share the good news about Jesus Christ and to transform society in NW London.
The Bible speaks of the dunamis (like dynamite) power at work in the lives of Christians through the Holy Spirit.
Christians gathering and moving together can release far more dunamis than is possible on our own; the impact can be more like a “big bang” rather than a small fire-cracker!
T Groups are designed for each member of HTSC to be able to use their gifts and energy together in the dunamis of the Holy Spirit.
An outline of all of the T Groups can be found by clicking on the document above. There are 7 groups to choose from at the moment, and we are hoping to develop new groups as the Spirit leads and as the HTSC community continues to grow.
Why “T” Groups?
The “T” stands for Trinity, not just because this is the name of our church, but because the Trinity of God points us to 3 dimensions for our groups.
Dimension 1: UP towards the Father, in worship, and in prayer; study of the scriptures; to get to know him better.
Dimension 2: IN friendship to the others in the group, reflecting the relationship within the Trinity, mutual care for each other and hanging out!
Dimension 3: OUT mission to the people of NW London, just as Jesus moved out “incarnate” into our world.
Every T-Group is led by two group pastors. There is also a chamption for each of the 3 dimensions. The aim is to make sure that, like the Trinity, the 3 dimensions – up, in and out- stay in harmony. We want to build groups which:
- provide space to pray and worship together,
- to grow in understanding what it means to follow Jesus,
- to touch those outside the church with His transforming love.
The New Testament churches grew and spread because they put these 3 dimensions into practice (see Acts 2.42-47)
How do T Groups work?
Each T Group has:
- a vision statement summary for what the group wants to achieve;
- activities in which the group is involved;
- key verses of scripture behind the vision.
T Groups have a fluid approach to how and when they meet and function depending on who is in the group, and what mission they are involved in.
For example, some T Groups with members who have children may mix meetings between weekends and on a weekday evening so that everyone has an opportunity to attend.
Another example might be for a T Group which is involved in running a course over a period of weeks, the course itself will provide the basis of the meetings for the duration of the course. At the end of the course, the group may then have a time to rest and re-group.
Who can be part of a T Groups?
The intention is that everyone can join a T Group, whatever their life circumstances. You don't need to be a 'super-Christian' to join one.
Jesus encourages (see Luke 19.11 ff) that each and every one of us have talents we have been given to help one another, and to bring to those outside the church.
What to do now?
First, please have a look at the HTSC T Group postcard and ask the Holy Spirit to stir your spirit. Which of the T Groups moves you? What are you passionate to see changed? Who do you want to help bring Jesus to?
Now go for it! Go is one of Jesus’ favourite words (see for example Luke 10.3, Matt 28.19).
Seize the moment and speak to one of leaders of the T Group directly or contact the HTSC Community Pastor, Chris Burrows at the church office on chris@htsc.org or 0207 435 0083.
