Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups
What Are Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups?
Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups are...
- A network of small groups meeting in homes throughout the northwest Chicago area.
- Much more than simply small group Bible studies.
- For both members and friends of Prince of Peace.
- An ideal place to bring your unchurched friends.
- A key place for growth in discipleship to occur.
- Led by highly trained lay leaders.
P.E.A.C.E. is an acronym that stands for the five essential elements of every group...
- Prayer
- Evangelism
- Apprenticing
- Christ-study
- Encouragement
What happens in a P.E.A.C.E. Group meeting?
It's all in the name!. . .
P—Prayer Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups are saturated with prayer. In every meeting, P.E.A.C.E. group members bring their personal thanksgivings and concerns and have others join in praying with and for them.
E—Evangelism Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups are designed to be outreach-oriented groups, not merely closed cliques. P.E.A.C.E. Groups have an empty chair as a focal point. P.E.A.C.E. Groups continually pray for new members to fill their empty chair and each member is active in recruiting new members. It is a natural and planned event for P.E.A.C.E. Groups to grow and birth new groups.
A—Apprenticing Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups are centers of leadership development. As a result of their outreach orientation, as groups grow and new groups are formed, the need for more trained leaders increases.
C—Christ-study Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups are centered on the Word of God and are places where individual Christians can grow in knowledge of the Scriptures and in their application to everyday life. We prefer the term "Christ-study" to "Bible study" because it reminds us that the goal is not just to grow in knowledge. Our real goal is to grow in knowing Jesus Christ and becoming more like Him.
E—Encouragement Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups are positive, uplifting environments where believers encourage one another in their walk of faith and in their personal life struggles. In other words, they're fun!
What does Christ-study mean?
Bible Study vs. Christ-study
In Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups, we prefer the term "Christ-study" to "Bible Study". Here are the differences:
| Bible Study | Christ-Study |
Our Model
Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups are modeled after the incredible fellowship of the early Christian church, as recorded in Acts 2:42-47:
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Adult Ministries' Core Values
Biblically-Based, Christ-Centered, Gospel-Focused Ministry
Everything we do is based on Biblical truth, not simply our own thoughts; centered on knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, not simply knowing the Bible; and focused on the Gospel, not the Law.
Relevant
We believe that God's Word is "living and active" (Hebrews 4:12) and applicable to daily life.
Excellence
We strive to do our best in everything we do.
Intentional Programming
Every aspect of our ministry has a spiritual purpose.
Leadership Development
No one leads without regular training, support, and encouragement.
Intentional Discipleship
We believe that spiritual growth should be deliberate, not haphazard.
Relational Evangelism
We believe evangelism is most effective and best received when it happens in the context of friendship.
P.E.A.C.E. Group Based
We believe that every adult needs a safe place where they can be loved, encouraged, and challenged in their walk with Christ and that this happens best in a small group community.
Engaging
We believe in creating an environment where adults can't wait to return for more.
Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups Mission Statement
"The mission of Prince of Peace's Adult Ministries is
To REACH adults with the Good News of Jesus Christ,
To GROW them as His disciples, and to equip them
To SERVEGod and one another."
Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups Vision Statement
"To create an ever-expanding community of adults who are continually growing in the nine key areas of the Master Plan of Discipleship."
Our Structure
Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups are organized around the principle we call "span of care." Span of care reminds us that one person cannot adequately meet the spiritual needs of more than a very small group of people. In Exodus 18, we read that Moses nearly died trying to do everything himself! Ephesians 4:12 reminds us that God never intended for pastors to do all the work of ministry themselves! Rather a pastor's job is "to equip the saints for the work of ministry so that the body of Christ may be built up."
The span of care principle is modeled at every level of our small group ministry. Every small group has a leader. Every small group leader is, in turn, part of a small group of 3-5 other leaders (called a leader "huddle"). Every huddle is led by a coach-an experienced Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group leader with a demonstrated passion for equipping other leaders. Every coach is, in turn, part of a division of 5-6 other coaches. Every division is led by a division leader-an experienced coach with a demonstrated passion for shepherding other coaches. And each division leader is overseen by the Director of Outreach and Small Group Ministry.
And of course, span of care is the driving force behind Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups operation at the very grassroots level. Once an Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group grows beyond 10-12 members, they are strongly encouraged to "birth" a second group, so that each group member can continue to receive the care and support they need.
Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups Directory
Prince of Peace has groups that meet every day of the week. Brochures are available at the literature rack in the lobby or you can contact the church office at or 847-359-3451 for more information.
How to Get Connected with a group
Would you like to get involved in a P.E.A.C.E. Group? If you are interested in a particular group in the "Our Groups" listing, please contact the leader directly for more information. Or, fill out the "Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Interest Form" on this web site and mail to to Prince of Peace. An Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group leader will contact you.
If you still have questions, or would like more direction on finding a group that would best fit you, contact Diana Vander Pas at .
How to become a P.E.A.C.E. Group leader
You can become an Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group leader yourself by following these ten steps...
- Attend an Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group
- Get identified by your group leader as an apprentice leader
- Go through the Apprentice Training Manual with your leader
- Attend an Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Leader Basic Training seminar
- Interview with the Director of Outreach and Small Group Ministry
- Recruit your own apprentice leader
- Be commissioned for leadership in worship
- Form your own Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group
- Attend Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Leader orientations and tune-ups
- Pray for God's direction and blessing
The best way to understand what small group ministry is all about is to experience an Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group first hand. All potential leaders should be involved in an Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group of their own.
Group members who are interested in pursuing future group leadership are designated as apprentice leaders by their group leader. All Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups have at least one apprentice in training. Having more than one apprentice is always encouraged!
The Apprentice Training Manual contains six lesson plans for you and your leader to go through together. Going through the manual provides you with opportunities to begin sharing leadership tasks in your group in an atmosphere of encouragement and support.
Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Leader Basic Training seminars are offered several times throughout the year. The seminar is designed to give you an overview of the Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups ministry and to address the various challenges of leading a small group. To learn when the next seminar will be offered, you may contact the Director of Outreach and Small Group Ministry.
Interviewing with the Director of Outreach and Small Group Ministry allows you to develop a plan for your new Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group. If you and a current leader are "birthing" an existing group, the Director of Outreach and Small Group Ministry will guide you through all the necessary steps to a successful end result.
Since all Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups are committed to growing and birthing new groups, additional leaders must continue to be developed. As an Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group leader, your first priority is recruiting and developing an apprentice of your own.
Because Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups play such a critical role in Prince of Peace's mission to "Reach, Grow, and Serve", new leaders and groups are officially commissioned before the whole congregation assembled in worship. This is the formal recognition of your appointment as an Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Leader.
After your commissioning, it's time to form a new group and begin meeting. All groups meet at least twice per month. Others meet three or four times per month. That decision is up to you!
Prince of Peace is committed to regular support and encouragement for all its small group leaders. Therefore, all leaders gather for one end-of-August Saturday morning orientation, one Saturday morning tune-up in the fall and one Saturday morning tune-up in the spring for vision casting, skill training, and sharing of ideas.
Pray for God to bless you and your new group. He will!
Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Leader Job Description
Personal Qualifications:
- A committed and mature Christian
- Communicant member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Specific Responsibilities:
- Recruit group members - Leaders are expected to initially recruit their own group members. Previously recruited group members should be involved in this task as well. As their group continues, the leader should model filling the empty chair. The Director of Outreach and Small Group Ministry may provide other prospects as they become available from time to time. Leaders should follow up on these prospects as soon as possible (within one week).
- Pray regularly - Leaders must bear in mind the words of St. James, "You do not have, because you do not ask God" (James 5:4) and the words of our Lord Jesus, "Ask and it will be given to you" (Matthew 7:7) Leaders should pray often for the successful growth of the group-both spiritually and in numbers - and for the needs of each participant.
- Facilitate regular meetings - Leaders are expected to schedule dates and hosts for group meetings; to lead group discussion, icebreakers, and prayer; and to care for other administrative details as needed. Leaders are not expected to be "Bible experts."
- Monitor group development - Leaders are expected to monitor the spiritual needs and spiritual growth of each participant. Any serious problems are to be reported to the Director of Outreach and Small Group Ministry immediately.
- Choose curriculum - Each new Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group will cover the "Introduction to Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups" study in their six initial meetings. Following this study it is the leader's responsibility to choose and obtain new Christ-studies for the group.
- Cast vision - Leaders are to be enthusiastically committed to the fulfillment of the Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups mission and vision statements. They are to model and communicate this vision to their individual groups through the use of the "empty chair" and in all group communications.
- Maintain records - Leaders are expected to complete an "Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Leader Monthly Report" each month for their coach.
- Attend Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Leader Orientations and Tune-Ups - Leaders are expected to attend all Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group leader orientations and tune-ups. All leaders gather for one end-of-August Saturday morning orientation, one Saturday morning tune-up in the fall and one Saturday morning tune-up in the spring for vision casting, skill training, and sharing of ideas.
- Identify and Develop apprentice leaders - Leaders are expected to identify at least one apprentice leader from among their group participants who will become a new leader when their current group births. Leaders are expected to lead their apprentices through the Apprentice Training Manual and encourage them to attend an Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Leader Basic Training seminar.
Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Apprentice Leader Job Description
Personal Qualifications:
- A committed and mature Christian
- Communicant member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
- A committed participant of an Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group
Specific Responsibilities:
- Observe leadership - An apprentice is expected to do more than merely participate in their Adult P.E.A.C.E. group. He/she will constantly be observing the leadership skills and techniques of the group leader. After group meetings, an apprentice should discuss with his/her leader current observations and ask questions.
- Go through the Apprentice Training Manual - The Apprentice Training Manual is a six lesson curriculum designed to teach you about small group leadership and give you actual experience leading your group.
- Share leadership tasks - After going through the Apprentice Training Manual, an apprentice is expected to assist the group leader in leadership tasks as delegated by the leader. This will involve tasks such as facilitating discussion in a small group within the group itself, leading prayer, scheduling meetings and hosts, and eventually, leading group meetings when the leader cannot be present.
- Receive evaluation - An apprentice is expected to be open to constructive criticism from the Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group leader and committed to growing as a leader.
- Attend Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Leader Basic Training - Attendance at this seminar is required for becoming an Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group leader. Basic Training seminars are held 1-2 times per year on a Saturday from 8:30 to 4:00 p.m. and are taught by the Director of Outreach and Small Group Ministry. The seminar covers all the essentials of small group leadership.
- Attend leader orientations and tune-ups - An apprentice is encouraged, though not required, to attend the orientations and tune-ups. All leaders gather for one end-of-August Saturday morning orientation, one Saturday morning tune-up in the fall and one Saturday morning tune-up in the spring for vision casting, skill training, and sharing of ideas. An apprentice is expected to attend the orientations and tune-ups when his/her leader cannot be present.
- Pray about future leadership - An apprentice is expected to prayerfully consider becoming an Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group leader when his/her current group births. Before birthing a new group, an apprentice must schedule a meeting with the Director of Outreach and Small Group Ministry and his/her leader to discuss the birthing process.
Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Coach Job Description
Personal Qualifications:
- A committed and mature Christian
- Communicant member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
- An experienced Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Leader with a demonstrated passion for the Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups mission/vision who has led at least one group through all the stages of small group development
Purpose of a Coach:
- The Coaching position has been created so that we can continue to provide personal care for Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Leaders as our small group ministry grows in numbers.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Lead Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Leader "Huddles" - Each coach will be assigned a "huddle" (a small group of Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Leaders). Huddles will take place monthly at a time convenient for all parties. Huddles will be an opportunity for leaders to share how things are going in their group and receive encouragement, prayer and help with problem-solving. Coaches are expected to help monitor the needs of the groups and their leaders and report these needs to the Director of Outreach and Small Group Ministry.
- Group Visits - A coach will personally visit each Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group represented in their huddle at least once per year. The purpose of the visit is to observe the Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group leader "in action" and provide direct feedback.
- One-On-Ones - Though not a regular assignment, Coaches should be available to meet one-on-one with the members of their huddle as needed.
- Attend Coach's Meetings - Coaches will gather with other coaches and the Director of Outreach and Small Group Ministry four times per year as scheduled.
- Coaching reports - Coaches are expected to collect the monthly reports of their huddle members. After receiving and reviewing all the reports, the coach shall submit an "Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Coach Monthly Report"-giving "hit counter" numbers and an overall summary to the Director of Outreach and Small Group Ministry. (NOTE: The actual reports do NOT need to be forwarded to the Director of Outreach and Small Group Ministry)
- Pray Regularly - Coaches especially must bear in mind the words of St. James, "You do not have, because you do not ask God" (James 5:4) and the words of our Lord Jesus, "Ask and it will be given to you" (Matthew 7:7) Coaches should pray regularly for the successful growth of their groups-both spiritually and in numbers - and for the needs of each leader in their huddle.
- Cast vision - Coaches must be enthusiastically committed to the fulfillment of the Adult P.E.A.C.E. Groups mission, vision and core value statements. They should regularly communicate this vision to the members of their huddle.
- Identify and Develop apprentice coaches - As the ministry continues to grow, more coaches will be needed. Coaches will assist the Director of Outreach and Small Group Ministry in identifying and training potential new coaches from among their huddle.
- Teach Basic Training (Optional) - If desired, Coaches may assist the Director of Outreach and Small Group Ministry in teaching portions of the Adult P.E.A.C.E. Group Leader Basic Training Seminars.