Large Group

From University of Toronto Chinese Christian Fellowship

Large Group is a time when all UTCCF members meet together for a time of fellowship in a large group setting. Programs may vary week-by-week, however the focus of each will remain in line with the vision for this year that will be introduced by the committee in the first few weeks of September. Large Group usually starts with musical worship followed by a time to study the Bible, testimony sharing and discussion groups. Other past programs include: sport events, volunteering, games, guest speakers and prayer walks. Whether or not you are a new-comer, involved in a ministry or Small Group during the week, Large Group allows all of us as a united body of Christ to take what we have experienced in our personal walk with God and edify one another. As a new-comer, it can be daunting walking into a room full of strangers. But remember, we were once Frosh too and know how it feels to be new. We all start somewhere and we would love to start in getting to know you. Afterwards, we head out for meal together for good food and fellowship. We hope to see you at 5:30pm! Details will be posted prior to each gathering on the Main Page.

Investment Groups

Why Have Investment Groups?
Throughout the Bible, we are called to connect with each other and build community. The church, in essence, is a community of believers, and we are called to strive for unity in faith and to build each other up as the body of Christ (Eph 4:13). However, UTCCF is a large community and it may prove difficult to build up deep personal relationships with every member. By implementing investment groups, we hope to encourage the development of more intimate friendships even within the large group setting. Investment groups will also serve an additional purpose, in that everyone who comes to CCF will have a group of friends that they can go to and talk to, so no one will be left out, even those who are too shy or intimidated to actively get involved otherwise.

What Are Investment Groups?
Investment groups are small groups within large group. During regular Friday large group meetings, time will be slotted out for the groups to meet up and specifically invest in each other's lives, teaching, admonishing, challenging, encouraging and praying for one another. These groups will also play an active role in serving one another in fellowship, while also just having a whole lot of fun together.

How Will It Work?
Currently, with a membership of approximately 90-100 people, we will split into 9-10 groups. Each of the 9 committee members will be split into these groups. Groups will be strategically organized so that each group has a committee member, has a number of newcomers, and also a number of both more talkative as well as less talkative members. The committee members, if needed, will be the leaders and/or facilitators during the investment group sharing/discussion times. Investment groups will share together, do Bible studies together (the Bible study leader for each group will be chosen by the committee member in each group approaching them), and also serve together (i.e. outreach team, serving team for social events…etc.)

Implementation
At the end of the Message or Bible study of the week, a broad/general challenge will be issued. At this point, people will gather into their investment groups and they will share about how specifically, in their own lives, they will strive to grow in Christlikeness with regards to the challenge. The group should then pray with each other and hold each other accountable, ideally during the week (meeting up, phone, email, or msn/gmail chat) or more realistically, by checking up on each other the week after at large group.

Role of the Leader
It is imperative that group leaders are passionate and willing to be an example by being willing to be open and share and lead. Also, as the leader, they must be living lives that are passionately striving after Christlikeness and living for God’s Glory to be manifest. The onus is on the leader to encourage an open and safe atmosphere and to continually encourage and push the other members of the investment group towards Christ. The leader should also write down prayer requests and the goals that each member is striving for and either email it out to the group or post it up on an investment group blog so all members can be held accountable to each other.