Debunking 7 Myths of Church Fellowship Groups
A fellowship group is a gathering of people who have a common interest or are like-minded. Stonnington Community Uniting Church serves as a central hub for adults to meet across various special interests, purposes, and passions while sharing a similar core. Our existing range of fellowship groups enriches the heart of our Church Family, making it a place of warmth, caring, and compassion. We embrace our future groups as we thrive, adapt, and grow together.
Myths about Fellowship Groups
There are some myths about church groups, so we thought we would address the most common of them
Myth #1 Church Groups are all the same
The formation of special interest groups is a dynamic, ever-changing landscape. As people come into our community with their differing life experiences, so do our niche groups change over time.
Myth #2 Church Group people are narrow-minded
Open to men and women of all ages and cultural backgrounds, the core of all of these groups within the Stonnington Community Uniting Church is essentially simple and constant. These groups foster God’s love within the church family and extend it to the broader community. They do this through friendship, service, faith development, and the real-world use of each member’s unique and sometimes idiosyncratic gifts.
Myth #3 Church groups only do God stuff
Additionally, these groups unite individuals to inspire, nurture, gather and share knowledge, while supporting spiritual, social, emotional, educational, recreational and mission-based activities.
Myth #4 Churches are stuck in the Past
It is often thought that a church community is an homogenous, all-on-the-same-page, cast in stone, group of people. When considering the core, or the heart of the community there is generally a singularity of thought around God’s love. However, the practical, day to day meetings and activities of the church community are generationally diverse and as varied as the participants wish to make them. Whether you are a busy university student, or a retired grandparent there is a group for you or an opportunity to create a group for yourself and others.
Myth #5 There is nothing here for me at a Church
What forum or setting enables the development of your unique gifts or the exploration of your spiritual self? Who would you like to meet and learn from? Where can you safely ask questions? Are you looking for a culture of caring and welcoming as well as opportunities to care and welcome others? Within our community what group already exists or even more excitingly what group would you like to nurture as an expression of your gifts and talents?
Myth #6 Church Groups are only for Hymns and Bible Study
A glance at Uniting Churches across Australia reveals many different types of special interest and fellowship groups. Some of these already exist at the Stonnington Community Uniting Church while others may spark your imagination for a new beginning within our community. Here are some examples:
- Women’s
- Men’s
- Singles
- Couples Clubs
- Family Fun
- Friendship
- Cooking and Hospitality
- Sport and Recreation
- Craft Groups
- Technology
- Missionary Support
- Theological
Myth #7 Church Groups only think Local, not Global
Another well-kept secret is the extensive network of the Uniting Church across Australia and the World. The organizations in the network vary in size and purpose but at their core share similar ideals. Here are some examples:
World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women
Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women’s Association
World Day of Prayer Committee.
How to get started
Now that we have debunked some myths, what comes next? Someone said, “A Journey starts with a first step”? What they didn’t mention was that sometimes the first step can be more of a scary giant leap!
Here at Stonnington Community Uniting Church when we say “ You are welcome” we are saying that it is ok to come along and have a little look, a listen, and a chat if you would like to. Maybe you would like to visit an existing Special Interest Group, come along to an Event, visit a Sunday Service, or drop an email to Jane in the office. However, you would like to connect “You are Welcome”
Stonnington Community Uniting Church serves as a central hub for adults to pursue, develop, and enjoy various interests, purposes and passions. Our existing fellowship groups enrich the heart of our Church Family, making it a place of warmth. Our future fellowship groups give us the opportunity to welcome you and expand our heart.