Summit Church • 2320 Maumee Avenue • Fort Wayne, IN • 46803 • (260) 424-5683 • info@summitmi.com • © Summit Church 2008
What are Winning Groups?
Summit’s Winning Groups are small groups that meet throughout the city and surrounding areas. Our purpose is to help people win in life as we connect to each other and to Jesus Christ--and as we target more people to start and finish the Winning Track.
Vision
"We fulfill our purpose by developing and building leaders. Our primary objective in small group ministry is not to build groups. Rather, we develop small groups so we can build leaders, because leaders build groups. A Winning Group is never an end in itself. Empowering and releasing people to lead is the goal. Non-Christians must be converted into members and then developed into leaders." (Leadership Explosion by Joel Comiskey; with adaptations)
Benefits of Belonging to a Winning Group
Safety, Support, and Strength
I have heard the comment more than once, “that Summit is a safe place.” I believe I know what people mean by that. We strive to be a place where people can be safe. A Winning Group is a safe and secure environment for people who have suffered abuse, rejection, failure, and low self‑esteem.
1Pet. 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (NIV)
In Africa, one of the ways a lion attacks is by looking for an animal separated from its herd that might be sick, weak, or just wondering around out of curiosity. The lone animal is the best prey for the predatory lion.
The trials of life come to all of us. When the enemy comes against or attacks you, and you are in a Winning Group, you will not be left alone. You will have others to gather around you, pray with you and
encourage you. You have the support of believers who will help you stand strong against the attacks of the enemy.
Even those who are strong need support. Have you ever seen workout partners in a fitness facility? I have seen strong men working out (with a partner) who look more than capable of lifting the weights all by themselves. But they had a partner assisting them who would push them, encourage and challenge them.
When the enemy comes against you, don't even think about losing. We want to be there to push you, encourage you, and cheer you on to victory! Because in Christ Jesus you win!
• Sense of Belonging
There's something about belonging to something that is bigger than yourself. Winning Groups are just that. The reason that many young people are drawn to gangs is because they are looking for love and a group to belong to; someone who will accept them. The trouble is they often look for love in all the wrong places. They receive acceptance from destructive places. Winning Groups provide a positive, loving, and godly place for people to belong to who will accept them with unconditional love.
• Stability
1Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (NIV)
Sometimes believers’ walk with the Lord is on a shaky foundation. New believers often need help to establish a solid foundation in the Word of God. Winning Groups provide a support team of believers who will help their fellow team members to stand firm.
• Power of Partnership
Ecclesiastes 4:8-10 (New International Version)
8 There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother.
There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with
is wealth. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" is too is meaningless— a miserable business! 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!