Bellwether Groups

Bellwether Groups are one of the best ways for you to find connection and community at Bellwether.  Feel free to try as many as you'd like until you find the best fit for you!

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)

 

For Men

Contact: Ted Duckworth; ; (601) 906-7783
Meets: Tuesday 6:30am @ Bellwether Fondren - 2679 Old Canton Road (right beside CUPS cafe)
Currently studying: "The Forgotten God", by Francis Chan

 

For Women

Contact:  Linda Tate;

Currently studying:  Good Morning Girls is an email accountability group for busy women.  If you need encouragement in your daily walk with God this is the group for you!  We currently have 70 women participating in 4 groups and they love it!  Please email Linda for details.

 

Couples & Singles

On Sunday's - 

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

Studying: Will re-start in August 2010

 

Leader/Contact: Marcus & Ashley Dukes -
Meets: Sunday's 5:30pm @ Marcus and Ashley Dukes' home

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

 

On Wednesday's - 

Leader/Contact: Ross Polancich, Boyd Kellum, Larry Nesbit - ;                        

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

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

 

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

Meets: Wednesday 7:00pm @ Cherry and Ted Duckworth's home 
Currently studying:  Will start "The Forgotten God" by Francis Chan in August 2010

 

Leader/Contact: Cathie Phillippi;

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

Studying: Will re-start in August 2010

 

Contact Info

For more information about Bellwether Groups, please contact our Lead Pastor - John Hugh Tate at