Developing and Launching Strategic Off-campus Community Groups at Highland Park Baptist Church, Muscle Shoals, Alabama

Abstract

DEVELOPING AND LAUNCHING STRATEGIC OFF-CAMPUS

COMMUNITY GROUPS AT HIGHLAND PARK BAPTIST

CHURCH, MUSCLE SHOALS, ALABAMA

James Eugene Taylor III, D.Min.

Faculty Supervisor: Dr. William D. Henard

The purpose of this project was to develop and launch strategic off-campus community groups at Highland Park Baptist Church in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Chapter 1 presents the goals, ministry context, and rationale of the project.

Chapter 2 endeavors to establish a biblical and theological basis for off- campus community groups by examining the Bible's depiction of community. Scripture portrays the doctrine of community in several different ways. Community is seen in the unity found within the Godhead. Community is evident in the creation of humankind. Community is observed in the call and establishment of Abram and Israel, and it is witnessed in Christ's redemptive work upon the cross as he reconciles humankind back to God the Father and to one another. And finally, community is evident in the early church as they are of one mind, working together to spread the gospel message.

Chapter 3 provides a framework for properly discovering, developing, and deploying off-campus community group leaders. These leaders are an essential component in the discipleship process of the church. Consequently, the way community group leaders are discovered, developed, and deployed is central to the overall health and success of the small group.

Chapter 4 describes in detail the methodology of the project.

Chapter 5 provides an evaluation of the project as well as some suggestions of what should have been done differently.