Bible study Groups
In many ways "discipleship" and in particular the task of "making disciples" is the key to the NAVS identity and mission and we feel that the small group and one-to-one settings are the best places for this to occur. As a group we are committed to seeing students come to a deeper knowledge of Jesus and therefore emphasise studying the Bible both individually and a part of a small group. It is not just about Bible study though as we also place a high value on praying together and having time to encourage and fellowship with one another. This combination of aims has shaped the way that our Thursday evenings work.
The first part of the evening is devoted to eating together, spending time with each other and also sharing from our lives through testimony. This is a good opportunity to develop relationships with older Christians who are willing to invest time in helping you to become a wholehearted disciple of Jesus Christ and help others do likewise.
The second part of the evening takes the form of Bible study and prayer groups. Having met together as a larger group, we break down into smaller Bible study groups which vary each week to encourage fellowship amongst all. We try to make these small groups quite "open" and "discussion based" rather than being a forum for teaching. In our experience, lessons that are learned through participation often affect us more deeply!!
Prayer Groups
We also recognise though that there does need to be continuity in order to help create an environment where we hope that people are willing to share more personal things from their lives. To this end we have fixed prayer groups that meet for about 30 minutes each week after Bible study to chat and pray in a more personal way about the issues arising from the Studies and our daily lives.
Prayer groups are also encouraged to get together at other times, share prayer requests / encouragements. Prayer Groups also take responsibility for helping with food prep and clearing up each week. We see your involvement in this aspect of NAVS as a vital way for you to serve the group and develop friendships as you work together.
Food Preparation
Food Coordinator - Expected to plan the meal (main course and pudding), arrange for the food to be collected (receipts should be passed to Treasurer for reimbursement) and transport the food to the NAVS house (Menu suggestions). We have a number of cars available if the food-coordinator does not have a car.
Prayer group on Food Prep - Expected to help with food prep before people arrive and will be contacted by the Food Coordinator. This will include preparing the food, setting up the room & serving food at 6:45pm prompt. We realise that some people will have lectures on Thursday afternoons but we are hoping that enough people from your prayer group will be available each week to help with the preparation, and that those who have lectures can still arrive early to help with last minute preparation and the serving of the food. The NAVS house will be available during Thursday afternoon for food preparation.
Prayer group on clean up - Expected to take responsibility for the washing up and tidying up during and after the evening so that the house is left clean.
