Encounter Groups

Encounter Group Information
If you would like more information on how to lead your off-campus Encounter Group, we have a special booklet for you.

This will provide guidance through conflict, growth as a group, and encouraging tips for you in your faith as you walk together on the journey of life.

Why Join an Encounter Group
Ways to Join
Resources
Discussion Guides
Serving Opportunities

"It's a community of contagious love." (Acts 2:42-47)
We were not created to lead lives of isolation and desperation. We were created in the image of God. God is love and demonstrates his love through relationships. We were created to love and be loved. When we gather in small groups, we reflect the love of God for our neighbors by sharing the load, praying for each other, serving alongside each other, encouraging each other, as well as love God through studying Scripture, giving praise, and following Godly teaching – ALL wonderful aspects of being a part of an Encounter Group.

We are Better Together (Luke 10, Mark 6:7)
Jesus sent his disciples out two by two so that no one would have to walk alone. Simply put, we are better together. We need each other to survive and thrive. Members of Encounter Groups support each other during the ups and downs of life. Members are willing to walk with you in the dark valleys of life and celebrate with you during your mountain top experiences. Being in an Encounter Group means that no one will have to walk through life alone.

When We Gather, We Encounter Jesus (Matthew 18:20)
Jesus promised to show up where two or three are gathered in his name. Encounter Groups put Jesus at the center of all that we do. The purpose of the groups is to become more like Jesus, to love like Jesus, walk like Jesus, talk like Jesus. To do so, we should gather together in a small group like Jesus did with his disciples. So when we gather, we encounter the living Christ.

Identify seven other people who would like to be in a group, download our kick off curriculum, and contact Rev. Ramon F. Smith.

Contact Ramon

Join us for an Encounter Group Kick-Off Session
Encounter Groups meet with the goal to become more like Jesus through serving, praying, encouraging, loving, and studying in a small group beyond the walls of the church - the way Jesus did. At our fall kick-off event, there will be an opportunity to connect with other women, men, couples, and co-eds in your stage of life. A meal and childcare will be provided and one of our volunteers will help you connect with a group. After this initial afternoon, you and your group will start the Encounter Group Kick-off Curriculum and will spend the next eight-weeks meeting at WC before moving off-campus.

Encounter Group Huddle
Sunday, March 22 | 12:15 p.m. | Evans Hall
The Encounter Group Huddle is a bi-annual meeting for all the Encounter Groups to celebrate, share what is working in their groups, encourage one another, and discuss the upcoming kick-off event in January. Every Encounter Group member is encouraged to attend.

Encounter Group Resources

Encounter Group Formation Path

Encounter Group Kick-Off Curriculum

Serving Opportunities for WC Encounter Groups

Grow as a group, Serve as a group

Angel’s Attic Upscale Thrift Store
We’d love to have you join our family of volunteers! Men and women are needed as volunteers to sort donations and ready them for display, test electronics, pick up and deliver furniture, research prices, repair furniture, display and stage merchandise, and greet and wait on customers. Volunteers may work weekly two-hour or longer shifts, or substitute as needed to fit your schedule. Store is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Agape Meal
Join us the fourth Thursday of the month as we help serve the homeless through the Agape Meal program at Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Volunteers meet at White’s Chapel at 4:30 p.m. for a group prayer and to ride on the bus together. We return no later than 8 p.m. If you prefer to meet the group there, please plan to arrive no later than 5:30 p.m. for a brief training and an overview of the Agape Meal program. The address for Broadway Baptist Church is 315 W. Broadway Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76104. Parking is available on the east side of the church in the designated church parking lot. Children are welcome with a parent, but we ask that they be five or older to serve. Dress is casual.

To serve, contact Rev. Dara Austin, Pastor for FaithWorks Mission and Outreach.

Cooking with Care at Ronald McDonald House
Every second and third Monday of the month, we need volunteers to prepare lunch for the families with children who are critically ill at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. The Cooking with Care team shops for the food and prepares the meals on-site for the families. The team cooks for approximately 50 people and people are invited to carpool to the site each time. You may go every month or every other month, depending upon your schedule.

To serve, contact Rev. Dara Austin, Pastor for FaithWorks Mission and Outreach.

Super Saturday
Super Saturdays are typically scheduled once a month or every other month to provide opportunities for individuals and families to serve our community together. From packing food for third-world countries, delivering food to seniors in the community, to packing school supplies for those in need, there are countless opportunities to serve either on-site or in the community. Check the website for information for each month’s Super Saturday.

To serve, contact Rev. Dara Austin, Pastor for FaithWorks Mission and Outreach.

Serving With Love
On the second Saturday of the month, volunteers travel to the First Presbyterian Night Shelter to serve an early dinner, host games for the moms and children, and provide a reading time for the children. People that register are asked also to sign up to bring cookies or a dessert for the group. We serve 40 to 50 mothers, and up to 100-120 children each time. A brief orientation for those that have not served before is scheduled at the church at 4:15 p.m. Children eight years of age are welcome to serve with their parents. Because of limited space at the shelter, we ask that groups register through FaithWorks.

To serve, contact Lori Silvestri.

FaithWorks Mission Experience
Throughout the year, domestic and international mission trips are scheduled as the church leaves the building and works to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others. Whether it is a weekend, weeklong, or extended trip, opportunities to build houses, churches, schools, or feed the hungry, we encourage everyone to take a mission experience.

To serve, contact Rev. Dara Austin, Pastor for FaithWorks Mission and Outreach.

Seasonal and Relational Ministries
During the year, many opportunities are provided to participate in special ministries in the church, as well as a part of our community. Whether it is a food drive, staging a home or apartment for a family that has transitioned from homelessness to permanent housing, mentoring, tutoring, or participating in the Christmas Angel Forest, there are many ministries that Encounter Groups may participate in. If your group has a special interest, a special ministry opportunity can be designed specifically for your group.

To find out more information on these special ministries, or to serve, contact Rev. Dara Austin, Pastor for FaithWorks Mission and Outreach.

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Meet the Director

Rev. Ramon Smith
Pastor for Faith Development

Reverend Ramon Smith has served at White’s Chapel since July 2015. He is originally from Raymond, Mississippi. He earned two undergraduate degrees from Mississippi State University in December 2002. He received his Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology (SMU) in May 2009. He was ordained an elder in the Central Texas Conference in June 2011.

Contact Ramon

Encounter Group Podcast
Audio and Video podcasts used for Encounter Group gatherings.

Audio podcast

Video Podcast

Encounter Groups

- Hebrews 10:24-25