a Fellowship of Small Groups.....

Restoration Fellowship is organized for ministry through Small Groups.

Small group ministry at Restoration Fellowship is known as R.E.S.T. Groups (Relationships Encouraging Spiritual Transformation). R.E.S.T. Groups are a viable part of the body life of the church and are under the oversight of the Elders.

Purpose:

The members of a R.E.S.T. group…..

…..get to know one another.

…..care for and accept responsibility for each other.

…..see scripture fulfilled in one another.

…..see God’s ministry and power released in each other.

Scriptures relating to these purposes are:

1 Corinthians 12, particularly verse 27

Galatians 6:2

Ephesians 4:4-16

James 5:16

Romans 15:1-7

Matthew 18:15-20.

We also refer to "The Precepts of Restoration," Precept Fourteen, as follows:

"The assembled church will provide the primary source and method of equipping and counseling. We meet to interrelate, i.e., to get to know one another. Through this meshing of lives, we find the ministry of Jesus flowing from one part of the body to the other. This purpose of gathering is best accomplished in groups of fifty or less.

Then we meet to care and accept responsibility for each other. It is here that we really bear one another’s burdens. We pray for the sick, bind up the bruised, etc. Here we weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. All masks are taken off, and we treat each other with love. Accountability is found in a loving atmosphere. This purpose of gathering is best accomplished in even smaller groups.

It is our desire and intention to have these types of gathering times. We believe God will energize the body to minister and be ministered to in this way. Therefore, each person is primarily responsible to partake of the ministry. To refuse the church assembly in its various forms and then to expect personal attention is to disregard the priorities of this particular body.

This is not a calloused concept but an attempt to release the body for ministry. The shepherd’s attitude will always permeate all true ministry. He will love the ninety-nine and look for the one that is lost."

We Meet:  The R.E.S.T. groups meet throughout the week and in different homes. Each group is independent in the sense that the particular leader chooses, with prayer and counsel, the particular direction and curriculum of the small group.

You Are Invited:  R.E.S.T. Groups have an open invitation for new members to join. Check the R.E.S.T. Group Listing section of this site or the Sunday bulletin for information about the groups and their focus. Contact the leader of a R.E.S.T. Group and attend a meeting to see whether you are interested. All newcomers are welcome to visit any R.E.S.T. Group of Restoration Fellowship.

Contact A Leader:  We encourage you to contact a leader and become a part of the family!  R.E.S.T. Group Information.