Tender Loving Christians (TLC)

Small Groups and Bible Studies

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."  Acts 2:42. 

Tender Loving Christians is an in-home, lay-led bible study program by which Christians form groups of 8-16 people for the purpose of studying Christ's word.  TLC groups' goals include:

• Nurturing the Faith of Christians via regular bible study,

• Deepening Christian Love via fellowship,

• Ministering to other Christians via regular prayer, and

• Making Christ Known by emphasizing the outreach of Small Groups.

Christian Study

The first goal of TLC is to study God's word.  This can be accomplished in a number of ways, but the topic of study should be of interest to the group as a whole.  The topic may range from specific books or people of the Bible to writings by Christian authors to study guides on life issues.

Fellowship

Fellowship is the means to deepen Christian love for each other.  It allows the group to interact, share life experiences in an informal setting, and enjoy the presence of Christ through other Christians.  

Sharing and Prayer

The Sharing and Prayer time allows for each person or family unit to catch the group up on what has happened since the last meeting.  Special attention is given to those issues that the group should pray about.  The group generally uses a circle prayer; a method where all people are welcome to pray for those concerns identified by the group or by the church. 

The Empty Chair

The final goal is that TLC groups are to be used as a way to reach out to others, both Christians and non-Christians.  Each TLC meeting will have an empty chair.  This chair is to remind the members to pray for God to help fill the chair with another person, member or not, who needs Christian fellowship and education.  The chair is also to remind members that they are to be ever inviting those whom they know to the TLC groups. 

TLC FAQs

Starting TLC Groups

• Curriculum Overview

• Training Session 2 - TLC Concepts and Leadership

• Training Session 3 - Forming TLC Groups

• Training Session 4 – Leading TLC Groups

• Training Session 5 – Maintaining a Healthy TLC Group

• Training Session 6 – Birthing Daughter Groups

Acknowledgements

The TLC concept found it’s way to Advent via Bethany Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Advent has used materials provided by Bethany, and wishes to thank them accordingly.  The Curriculum was primarily constructed from Material provide by Trinity Lutheran Church, whereas the Job Descriptions and other information were obtained from Bethany Lutheran Church. 

Advent Lutheran Church wishes to thank them for the concepts and any study materials that were used to roll out the program at Advent.