There are two distinct aspects of local gathering for church leaders:
LOCAL NETWORK GROUPS:
Local Network Groups normally meet termly, gathering together leaders across an area. Meetings are open to all, and members of the Church Leaders Network are encouraged to bring their leadership teams, and other church leaders. Key components of each meeting include inspiring worship, high quality teaching which is relevant and applicable and transformational and empowering ministry
There are around 60 Local Network Groups in England, and each group may organise training days, evening celebrations and social events, as desired by members of the group.
DEVELOPING ACCOUNTABLE RELATIONSHIPS:
Core Groups are one way in which church leaders in the New Wine Church Leaders Network are encouraged to enter into intentional and accountable relationships with other like-minded leaders. They are an invaluable way of living out New Wine's vision and values with peer-to-peer accountable support.
Although each group will usually have a leader to facilitate the group, they are intended to function through mutual mentoring, with time devoted to personal input for each individual. Our Core Group question leaflet has been developed as a resource to support the Core Groups, containing a number of questions to encourage openness and discussion, such as:
- Walking with God: When did I last study the Scriptures for personal use, and what did God reveal?
- Developing Character: How am I still experiencing pleasure and fun?
- Growing in Leadership: What am I doing to identify and develop other leaders?
- Living out Kingdom values: Would I want to join my church if I were not the leader? If not, what do I need to bring about that change?
The Local Network Group Leader is the first point of contact for anyone wanting to join a Core Group, as they are aware of the groups running in a particular area, taking an active role in managing local Core Groups and ensuring that any who what to join are included.