In our effort to help develop opportunities for churches to do ministry outside of their four walls, Operation Transformation is promoting "Connect Groups".  We have been in conversation with the YMCA, the Housing Commission, senior and retirement homes and local businesses to launch Connect Groups. A Connect Group is an opportunity for followers of Christ to share their faith with unchurched community members in non-confrontational, fun and relational way.

We estimate that only about 10% of the people in our County go to church anywhere. We would wager that the percentage is considerably less in the last year. What if we could saturate our County with many opportunities for those who can’t or won’t step into a church to be exposed to the Christian faith?

Connect Groups will utilize the Alpha Course. Alpha is used worldwide and has been translated into 112 different languages. It is an evangelistic course which seeks to introduce the basics of the Christian faith through a series of talks and discussions. It is often promoted to potential participants as "an opportunity to explore the meaning of life.” It has been used in churches, homes, workplaces, prisons, universities and a wide variety of other locations. There are 15 sessions in the course and has both adult and youth versions available.

Since launching 9 groups in the fall of 2021, many of them have continued to meet, or are using other varied materials to meet the ongoing need.  Alpha continues to be used, but several of our groups are now using the "Life Recovery Bible" as a helpful resource.  Initially launched at BWROC(Blue Water Recovery Center), LRB is now used in 4 Bible Studies in our county jail, and 2 more community based Bible Study Groups are being launched, one at an area restaurant, and the other downriver where the need is just as prevalent.  

The Reality in early 2022 is well over 15 groups multiplying quicker than we can keep up with them.  And the best part?  All these teams are coming from local churches.   God is moving strong in this area of ministry.   Contact Randy Bennett, our Outreach Coordinator if you are interested in helping us continue this countywide evangelistic effort or would just like to learn more.