CLUSTERS
For times, locations, and a description of what clusters
are currently meeting click HERE.
Clusters are composed of Discipleship Groups that share the same or very similar vision. Often, they have resulted from the multiplication of a single original Discipleship Groups. Two or three Discipleship Groups together would usually be considered an 'emerging' cluster, and by the time Discipleship Groups were multiplying from four to six or eight, the cluster itself would usually multiply into two new clusters.
Clusters allow us to do certain things that are not possible in either the Discipleship Groups or the Celebration. Clusters provide a greater context for encouraging every-member ministry than Discipleship Groups alone. In particular, they provide the bridge between these two other groups that allows members to grow in their giftings and ministry - it's a big gap between leading worship for or teaching ten people to doing that for three hundred! Clusters also provide the structure for church growth through mission across the whole city, not only by raising up leaders but also by increasing the 'surface area' - through which people can enter - of the church.
How a cluster expresses church is broadly defined by our common values of Up, In, and Out. Successful clusters do not try to replicate the celebration experience on the smaller scale (e.g. by having a large worship team) -- inappropriate scale really doesn't work, and has been one significant factor in the decline of church membership nationally over the last decades. What they do instead, whether in their formal meetings or in choosing outreach strategies, is largely determined by what is appropriate for their particular mission focus. While we share common values, these are not expressed in a one-size-(or, one style)-fits-all manner. Diversity in unity is key.
Clusters are generally led by lay members of the church (though sometimes started by a member of church staff who then trains up leaders to hand it on to). Many of these leaders have full-time jobs, and are supported in their role by their celebration leader. Most have experienced leadership as Discipleship Groups leaders first, and grown into Cluster leadership as they have multiplied Discipleship Groups out. Several lead as part of a team.
(The explanation of Clusters is mostly lifted from the St. Thomas Church website http://www.stthomascrookes.org/. We have had personal interaction with leaders from St. Thomas and have been influenced by their wise and encouraging insight into the function of the church.)
To view our church calendar click HERE.