Our Mission: 

The Beloved Movement is a prayer for every woman to know how precious they are to God and that they have been created to live loved by God every day of their life no matter who they are, where they came from or what is happening in their life right now. We say we are ”becoming” beloved because it is a journey of transformation, healing, and restoration. It is in the becoming that we discover our purpose and are set free to be who He created us to be.

The Team: 

The Beloved Movement is led by Cindy Grasso, The Women’s and Connection Pastor at Cape Christian in Cape Coral, FL who believes that God wants to do something powerful in the hearts and lives of women everywhere.

Administrative and event planning responsibilities belong to Shawn Johnson, Executive Assistant to Pastor Cindy Grasso. Shawn believes that when the Holy Spirit is given room, the Beloved Women will connect, grow and serve.

The Beloved Board Leadership is directed by Cindy Grasso, who will be your main point of contact as you host tables.

“Where two or three gather in My name and pray, My Father in Heaven goes in to action” – Matthew 18:20

Hospitality:

The noun hospitality is defined as the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guest, visitor or strangers. However, hospitality is also an attribute of God and a spiritual gift. The Biblical definition of Hospitality is both action and affection of receiving and loving a stranger.

Table Hosts:

That same Biblical definition applies to our Women’s Ministry here at Cape Christian. Each season we host a Women’s Bible study that includes a message from The Word and connection and discussion among sisters in Christ (new and old). Hosting a table is the action and affection of receiving the Bible study participants with love.

The Role of the Host: 

That same Biblical definition applies to our Women’s Ministry here at Cape Christian. Each season we host a Women’s Bible study that includes a message from The Word and connection and discussion among sisters in Christ (new and old). Hosting a table is the action and affection of receiving the Bible study participants with love.

The Role of the Co-Host:

A table Co-Host helps facilitate the table discussions. They assist, learn and grow in their leadership so that when the table becomes too large they celebrate by being a part of birthing a new table and begin to serve as a table Host. The Co-Host can assist with attendance and mid week connections to strengthen accountability for the relationships at the table.

Both Hosts and Co-Hosts have a role in inviting, investing and helping people at the table take one more step in their relationship with Jesus.

The Role of the Pastor: 

The Pastor is uniquely equipped to provide spiritual guidance and anointed messages about Scripture. The Pastor is the literal Greek translation of the word “shepherd” who leads others on their spiritual journey to Jesus Christ. This will be achieved through the Biblically based  message and lesson that will come from the main stage each week and will be followed with questions for the tables to discuss together. It is not the responsibility of the Host or Co-Host to come prepared with scriptures or lessons for the women.

The Role of the Holy Spirit & Jesus: 

There are certain responsibilities that reside with neither the Host or Co-Host. Such as saving, fixing, judging and convicting. These are only done by Jesus through the Holy Spirit and He is very good at his job. It is not the responsibility of the Host or Co-Host to do any of these things.

Good Table Dynamics:

A table host leads with good table dynamics. This includes the following:

• Setting Expectations: Using the Table Talk Guidelines, take time at the beginning of each study to share how the table discussion will flow from week to week. This will help the women at the table feel comfortable sharing with each other. This includes everyone answering the prompt questions provided each week and praying for each other either live or on the index cards provided.
• Following the 70/30 Rule: Give the members of your group room to speak up instead of doing all the talking as the Host. About 70% of the talking should come from the participants and 30% from the Host and Co-Host. Be prepared to go first if the women are shy to answer the prompt questions but quickly open the floor to others after sharing your thoughts.
• Keeping the Discussion Positive: If the discussion takes a negative turn, guide it back to a healthy place. If someone needs to talk about sensitive or complex issues that are dominating conversation, follow up with them privately and reach out to the Leadership Director, Prayer Director or church staff for assistance.

Table Talk Guidelines:

Table Talk Guidelines will give boundaries for people to operate within. Next, they will help with the flow and pace of the discussions. They will also help us value one another. Lastly, they help people to be more comfortable sharing deep and meaningful things.

• Safe Group: we will strive to create an environment where everyone can be real, open, and honest with their struggles and victories.
• Confidentiality: what is said at the tables stays between the table group.
• Active Listen: value one another during the discussion by really listening to what is being shared. Try to avoid thinking about how you will respond, or what you are going to say next. Allow a pause in conversation after someone shares. Give the person sharing an opportunity to finish out their thoughts and the other participants time to process the thought, topic or questions before moving on. It is important to allow silence in the group as it provides opportunity and contemplation.
• No Cross Talk: be considerate of others as they share. Do not cut people off mid thought or engage in side conversation.
• No Fixing or Rescuing: we are not here to fix each other. Jesus does that part. Give encouragement, speak with grace and point people to Jesus. Do not try to solve or fix each situation as it is shared. When people are sharing something deeply personal, there can be a tendency to try to make them feel better about themselves or the situation by providing immediate condolences. This will often cause them to stop sharing. Respect the temptation to rescue people. Once again, that is Jesus’ job not ours.
• Sharing: be sensitive to the amount of time you are sharing. Invite others to contribute to the conversation.
• Be Self-Aware: consider how you are personally affecting the environment through your words, actions and non-verbal cues.
• Use “I” Statements: It is easy to talk about the issues of others, but for our purposes we want you to put yourself on the table. Try to use the “I” statements rather than “them”, “they”, “the church”, “us”, we”, etc.
• Conflict: we will commit to resolve conflict Biblically. When conflict or sin issues between group members arise, we want to make sure that we are honoring God and each other in the way we deal with the issue. The following are just few key Scriptures to guide you and when in doubt seek help from the Leadership Director, Pastors or church staff.

– If someone sins against you – Matthew 18:15-20
– Restoring someone in sin – Galatians 6:1-5
– Forgiving a sinner – Colossians 3:12-13
– Reconciling differences – Matthew 5:23-24 and Matthew 7:1-5

Other Best Practices:

• Review the Beloved Chat-In before each week for just in time information.
• Arrive early for leadership development. As you pour out your energy to the women at your table, you will want to be filled up first.
• Be available at your table 5 minutes prior to the doors opening. Smile and create a warm and welcoming environment by greeting each woman as she arrives.
• Seat yourself at the head of the table closest to the stage. This will help the women see you as they arrive and this is the least advantageous spot to watch the message. Sacrificial leadership means giving the participants the most comfortable view.
• Take attendance at the beginning of each week and ensure that all connected information is collected for each woman.
• Fully engage in worship and the message to lead by example.
• Facilitate the table discussion as mentioned above.
• Conclude each week with prayer requests both live or on index cards and encourage the women to exchange prayers and pray for each other throughout the week.
• Collaborate with your Co-Host to connect with the women midweek for relationship building and accountability. This could be on a group text message string, Facebook group or individual phone calls or emails. Ask the group what mode of communication they prefer at the beginning of each season.
• Pray for all the women at your table throughout the week.
• Ask the Leadership Director, Prayer Director, Pastor or church staff for help as needed.

Bible Studying Tools

• SOAP – Bible Study Method
• RightNow Media – Bible Study Material
• YouVersion Bible App – Digital Bible With All Translations
• The Bible Recap – Full Chronological Bible Reading
• Got Questions – Christian Q&A Site
• ESV Study Bible – Studying the Bible in Context
• The Chosen TV – Gospel Videos
• PureFlix – Bible Based Media
• Pastor Cindy’s Bookcase

Conflict Resolution

• <10 min resource: Matthew 18:15-20 // Daily Devotions YouTube Video
• ~60 min resource: Staff Chapel Matthew 18
• Long term development resource: Everybody Wins by Dr. Gary Chapman

Prayer 101

• <10 min resource: PRAYING FOR OTHERS YouTube Video
• ~60 min resource: The Lord’s Prayer Cindy Grosso Youtube and The Power of Prayer Podcast by the Bible Project
• Long term development resource: How to Pray by C.S. Lewis

Power of Listening

• <10 min resource: Shema/ Listen Bible Project Video
• ~60 min resource: What does it mean to listen? The Bible Project Podcast
• Long term development resource: The Listening Life by Adam McHugh

Follow Up and Follow Through

• <10 min resource: Fellowship Article by the Bible Project
• ~60 min resource: Why Friendships Matter Podcast by Christien Caine
• Long term development resource: Find Your People by Jennie Allen

Empathy vs Sympathy

• <10 min resource: Empathy vs Sympathy video by Brene Brown
• ~60 min resource: Biblical Empathy Article by Got Questions
• Long term development resource: Zeal without Burnout by Christopher Ash

Perseverance and Zeal

• <10 min resource: What is spiritual perseverance? YouTube Video
• 60 min resource: Longevity in Leadership Article
• Long term development resource: Zeal without Burnout by Christopher Ash

Relationship Building

• <10 min resource: Love and Faithfulness Short by Cindy Grasso
• <60 min resource: Lisa Harper Gods Plan for Friendship
• Long term development resource: Keep Your Love On!