Community Groups
Whether you have been a church-goer all your life or have never been to a church, community groups are a great place to start. They are our way of taking the “churchiness” out of church. Typically, a community group has 6-12 people in it. Groups meet weekly, usually in someone’s home, but from time to time they may meet in a pub or a park or a cafe. Weekly group time includes a meal (or tapas), creative worship, as well as open discussion around varied faith-topics. Community groups are a great place to meet new people and make lasting friendships.
To find out the “who, what, where, when” on our current groups, go here.
To read about some group topics we offer from time to time, read more.
Following are some groups that we offer from time to time, depending on interest/demand. If you are interested in one of these topics send us an email at info@oasismadrid.org and we’ll see what we can do.
The Alpha Course
Over 5 million people around the world have completed this practical introduction to the Christian faith. The comfortable format of a meal together, video presentation (on a wide range of Christian topics), and open discussion where every opinion counts, makes this an ideal setting for exploring and growing in faith. The course is typically offered in English but we do have Spanish Alpha available as well. For more info, visit the Alpha website at alphacourse.org.
The Question of God
The series by the Public Broadcasting System (PBS in the United States) poses this topic: “How each of us understands the meaning of life comes down to how we answer one ultimate question: Does God really exist?”
The content for the series is based on a course offered by Dr. Armand Nicholi at Harvard University in which he compared the viewpoints of Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis. The course was so popular that he published it in book form and then PBS produced it in video form.
Oasis Madrid’s presentation of the course includes a weekly video viewing of the PBS series in which participants hear Freud’s perspective and Lewis’ perspective. The video also includes excerpts of discussion by a panel of diverse people selected by PBS. Then, after viewing the video, a live moderator poses questions suggested by a discussion guide put together by PBS. Since the group is composed of a wide variety of people with different beliefs, discussion is open and guaranteed to be fascinating!
If you’re curious to know more, visit the PBS website to read more about the content of the course or view video excerpts. You can also click here to download a PDF of the discussion guide we use that PBS compiled.
The Creative Call
The course uses a workbook designed by Janice Elsheimer for both “artists” and “non-artists”. Each week you have “homework” that helps foster creativity. Then, as the group meets weekly, members share with each other how they’ve grown. The course lasts just 10 weeks and includes such topics as:
–Listening
–Awakening
–Breathing In
–Simplifying
Christian History for Dummies
We are products of the past. This course helps participants understand contemporary thought in light of historical thought. It includes an overview of the major phases (and sub-phases) of development in Christianity, sweeping through the ancient church, the medieval church, the Reformation and the development of modern (and postmodern) theology. The course is presented with the viewpoint that understanding the incredible diversity of thought within the Christian tradition proves profitable for Christians today.
This course will be on offer starting in September 2007. Email Troy for more details at troy@oasismadrid.org
The Alpha Marriage Course
The Alpha Marriage Course is a small group of 3-6 couples designed to strengthen good marriages (and help mend broken ones), by developing healthy relational habits. The course includes such topics as effective communication and resolving conflict. Each session includes a meal together and a viewing of the Alpha Marriage Course on video, with further time allotted for couples to do exercises (with just you and your partner) pertaining to the topic. For more info, visit the Alpha Marriage Course website at themarriagecourse.org. To inquire about joining the next Alpha Marriage Course, email us at info@oasismadrid.org
Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts
This is a “one on one” counseling course based on the book of the same name by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott. The Parrotts have been selected by the governer of Tennessee to head up a initiative designed to strengthen marriages.
Originally created for those planning on marriage, it is also good for those who are already married.
In seven sessions you and your partner will explore questions like:
–Misbeliefs of marriage
–Reducing and Resolving conflict
–Sex
–Becoming soul mates
Course materials include a copy of the book and a workbook for each person that includes self-tests and exercises designed to help you understand yourself and your partner more. In addition to regular “homework assignments”, you will meet as a couple weekly or bi-weekly with your “counselor couple”.
