Getting Started

How to get
started in
The Groups
Ablaze!
Process

Many districts host Groups Ablaze! exposure events from time to time. At these events, pastors and members of regionally grouped congregations learn in detail how the Groups Ablaze! process works, as well as participate in actual sample modules of Groups Ablaze! material. In this type of “taste and see” event, the simplicity and engaging nature of the process becomes evident, and many people return to their congregations determined to launch Groups Ablaze! as soon as possible. Where no exposure events are scheduled, congregations can arrange with representatives from their districts or from National Missions to consider the process within their church.

Most congregations will launch the Groups Ablaze! process with Motivation to Mission. Many helps are available to a congregation alongside the material for the six-weeks of meetings. A series of sermon helps, suggestions for forming groups and an introductory module, A Vision for the Harvest, are among the resources that accompany the Motivation for Mission Workbook. Similar helps accompany subsequent modules of Prayer, Natural Evangelism and Ablaze! Living. It may not be necessary for a congregation to progress through all the modules in order. A more mission-minded congregation, for instance, will not need as much motivational attention to make the case for outreach. The materials are flexible enough for anyone or any church to customize their entry level.

What support is available for the process?

Groups Ablaze! works through the mission leadership teams of the LCMS Districts. These leaders are trained and linked to the national network, and in turn provide the infrastructure for coaching and the formation of learning communities among the participating congregations in their districts. Ideally, support and coaching is available at every level of the process. Consult the list of participating districts to find your GA representative. If your district is not yet a participant, contact David Born, the national staff suppport for Mission Revitalization: David.Born@LCMS.org

A Great Example from a Great District

The Northern Illinois District has promoted the Groups Ablaze! process in a big way. A kick-off rally in 2006 drew over a thousand people and resulted in 68 churches committing to launching Groups Ablaze! Jack Giles developed a step-by-step manual for the district to organize this movement. We make this Groups Ablaze Implementation Guide of the NID available on this web site with thanks to Jack.


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This initiative is designed to augment Ablaze!, the outreach movement of Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod World Missions.