1999
Bryce O. McProud
An Emerging Paradigm for the Twenty-First Century: Small Group Ministry in the Episcopal Church
This thesis first shows that as the second millennium dawns, significant changes are occurring in all of Christendom and specifically in the Episcopal Church. New paradigms are emerging and one of the more prominent of these paradigms is small group ministries. The thesis examines evidence for the importance of implementing small group ministries, some biblical bases for small groups, their role in evangelism, leadership development, bible study, prayer support, pastoral care and fellowship. Finally it examines the Grace Group program at St. Matthew’s church in Eugene, Oregon, the author’s home parish. The concluding chapter is a series of responses from Grace Group ministers as they answer questions from their own experiences leading small groups.