SJB GROUPS
From September 2025 we are starting the process of re-launching SJB Groups (aka ‘Intentional Discipleship Relationships’) across the whole church This is a vital part of deepening in discipleship and growing in community, alongside people naturally building relationships and doing life together. We know that many have waited a while for this, and we thank you for your patience and understanding. We recognise, though, that there is not a one-size-fits-all model; the aim will be a ‘mixed ecology’ approach with different types of groups to ensure that, as much as possible, there is something for everyone.
SMALL GROUPS
These are usually around 6-12 people meeting in homes on weekday evenings (though can be other times), often over a meal. Typically these groups meet once weekly for 1-2 hours. Often they include looking at scripture, praying for one another and sharing life together. Sometimes groups focus more on one or another of those three elements.
PRAYER
PARTNERS
2 people, often peers, usually same-gender, meeting in a similar way to accountability groups. This might include reading the Bible together. Sometimes people opt for this approach with a friend who is not yet a Christian, to help them explore faith & scripture.
ACCOUNTABILITY
GROUPS
These are usually smaller groups of 3-4 people, often of the same gender, meeting regularly to sustain their journey of following Jesus together. These groups might meet more regularly or less regularly than other types of groups, and typically would meet for a shorter amount of time. They can contain a Bible element, but more often focus on honestly answering a repeated set of simple discipleship questions, listening well to one another and praying together.'
MENTORING
This might be considered to be similar to a prayer partner, but split across either generations or experience e.g. meeting with an older/younger Christian to seek/offer wisdom and input for the discipleship journey, as well as prayerful & practical support
Whilst SJB are in the process of establishing groups, we are asking that everyone who considers themselves a member of St John's to fill out this form. Later in the Autumn term, sign up to each of the above ways to engage with intentional discipleship will be available.