Apprentice:  A "leader in training" through on-the-job experience and attending training classes.

Zion chose the small group model because it emphasizes the ongoing development of leaders in the body.  It is our duty and privilege to train up a new generation of leaders and pass the baton effectively so that more people may be brought into biblical community.

Biblical Community:  Believers in Christ are called to live in mutually supportive and accountable relationships (One Another Ministry) as they reflect the loving character of God, walk in step with the Spirit, and build up the church in order to proclaim the Good News to the world.

Coach:  This is a resource person and encourager that supports up to 5 small group leaders & their apprentices.  Typically, Coaches visit each of their groups twice a year and have monthly contact with their leaders.  The Coach functions as a "shepherd" for his or her leaders.

It is the Coach's goal to prviode leadership development, Christian care and ministry support and expansion.  It is important to ensure that the leader is cared for so that he/she can lead effectively.

Covenant:  A preferably written agreement of group values, expectations or behaviors that has been generated by the group.

The covenant allows group members to set ground rules and assume ownership of the group.  It enables members to to hold each other accountable to the group's expectations.

Curriculum:  Material chosen by the group used to focus on the Bible and biblical principles.

Host:  A group member that takes on the responsibility of the logistics of the meetings.  A host makes sure that all members know the time and place of meetings and ensures that surroundings are comfortable.

The Host's responsibilities allow the leader to totally focus on the meeting itself and the caring of its members.

Launching:  This is the term we use for the process of group multiplication.  Ideally, groups are ready to launch when the apprentice is ready to lead and new apprentices have been identified.  Multiplication is vital to allowing those who are unconnected to be able to join a biblical community.

Developing new leaders allows us to form new groups, giving the opportunity to those who have expressed interest and those waiting to be asked, to experience spiritual growth and life transformation within a biblical community.

Leader (sometimes called Facilitator):  A faithful, teachable follower of Jesus who is committed to guiding the small group of spiritual growth and relational intimacy.  A leader is NOT necessarily a biblical scholar or teacher.

Open (Empty) Chair:  A visual reminder that represents our desire in the church to include new people in the body of Christ.

Part of discipleship is opening the chair to those who are not involved in the biblical community.
     (Isaiah 55:1-3, Matthew 28: 18-20)

Span of Care:  Membership in Small Groups is limited to ten members.  When there are more than ten, the members would be better served by forming two groups.

This allows leaders the chance to provide the care necessary for life transformation.  It also allows every member to be a participant and a chance to be heard.

We Care Small Groups:  These are adult and family groups.  These groups put emphasis on intentional multiplication (launching) of the ministry so that a growing number of people may be involved in Biblical Community.