Bellwether Groups

Bellwether Groups are the lifeline of our church. In these groups people learn, grow, share, serve and simply "do life" together.

Some stuff to know about groups:

Open:  They're all open to anyone at anytime.

Comfortable:  Visit each group to find the one that suits you best.  

Convenient:  Each group meets once a week at different days and times.

They serve:  We challenge each group to support and serve either a local and global mission.

Most important: Our goal at Bellwether is to raise leaders. A large part of how we do this is through our B groups. As in - we want to raise leaders in these groups who will go and start another group.  In this way we can raise leaders, connect more people, build community, and serve the Kingdom.  

To be more specific, here are some Frequently Asked Questions about our Groups:

I have never been part of a small group.  They seem for people who already know the Bible.  Is there a place for me?

     Yes!  Small groups are for REAL people:  people who are struggling, hurting, hiding, weary, new or re-new to Jesus, new to the Bible, or simply looking for relationships & life change. The first priority of every group is the same:  share the joys & sorrows of life & pray together. We prefer not to call them bible studies.                                     

I like meeting new people, but I don’t like big groups.  How “small” are your small groups?

     Relationships take time to nurture.  We prioritize authentic experiences.  Thus, we like our groups to average 12-16 people. 

I’ve attended church before, but I’ve never really “studied” the Bible.  I don’t think I have much to share.

      At Bellwether, we want real people to find the real Jesus.  The real Jesus is not memorized scripture.  We see the Bible as a tool for life change.  The Holy Spirit can turn even the smallest amount of knowledge into great life change.  We’d prefer a room full of people fresh to the Bible! You will fit right in.                 

The time commitment seems demanding.  How can I squeeze this in with all my other commitments?

      We realize life is hectic.  Our main goal is for you to be plugged into some life-giving Christian group.  At Bellwether, we ask for a weekly commitment (B groups meet on different weeknights in homes).  When tragedy or sorrow strikes, we never want you to be alone.  Genuine relationships take time.

I don’t know if I am biblically literate or spiritually mature enough to lead a small group. How are leaders selected?   It seems like a lot of responsibility.

      You just met the first criteria to be a leader at Bellwether.  Humility!  Coachability or the willingness to say you don’t know it all is the primary quality we look for.  Pray about your role in the group.  Great leaders in the Bible are always reluctant.  Our most successful groups have many leaders – not just one.  Hosting, taking prayer requests, being invitational, helping with missions, researching topics, or planning social events are some ways you can contribute.  We encourage a team approach.

I was told missions are done through B groups.  What does that exactly mean?

      Most people think of small group as a sedentary activity.  At Bellwether, we take seriously Jesus’ model.  He was never exclusive.  He never stopped serving others.  He stated in the Greatest Commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.  We want to reach our neighbors both locally & globally.

Most of your B groups are a mix of couples & singles.  Do you have a specific men’s ministry or women’s ministry at Bellwether?  Do you separate B groups according to season of life?

     Our most successful groups are diverse.  They reflect the reality of everyday life.  Since thriving women’s ministries exist in Jackson, our priority is to build a men’s ministry. In the interim, we would like to provide social opportunities for women at Bellwether.

I love my B group & the people in it.  How long can I stay with the same group?

      We are glad you love your B group!  We want B groups to never stop reaching the last, the least, and the lost.  Although a core group of 6-8 people may stay the same, we never want B groups to remain stagnant.  Jesus has called us to “GO!” (Matt 28:18-20)

 

Singles (primarily but open to married too!)

Contact: Polly and Chris Kellum; (601) 750-7906
Meets: Sunday evenings, 6pm, Polly and Chris Kellum's home
Currently discussing:  Different Scripture passages

For Men

Contact: Ted Duckworth; ; (601) 906-7783
Meets: Tuesday 6:30am @ Bellwether office; 2001 Building, Airport Road, Flowood
Currently studying: "The Divine Mentor", by Wayne Cordeiro

Couples & Singles

Contact: Dobby and Jill Bowdon; ; (601) 259-9219

Meets: Wednesday 7:00pm @ Cherry and Ted Duckworth's home
Currently studying: The Gospel of John

 

Contact: Laura Rounsaville; ; (601) 502-7890
Meets: Wednesday 6:15pm@ Marcus and Ashley Dukes' home

Currently studying: Starting new lesson in Feb 2010

 

Contact: John Hugh and Linda Tate; ; (601) 366-9574                            

Meets: Wednesday 6:30pm @ Boyd and Gwenda Kellum's home

Currently studying: What the Bible says about......(different question/topic each week)

 

Contact: Robbie and Beth Aldridge; ; (601)607-7928
Meets: Sunday 5:30pm @ Robbie and Beth Aldridge's home

Studying: Nooma Videos by Rob Bell

 

Contact: Cathie Phillippi;

Meets: Wednesday 7pm @ Derek and Laura Dyess' home

Studying: David Jeremiah

 

Contact Info

For more information about Bellwether groups, please contact John Hugh Tate at