SMALL GROUP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How Important Are Small Groups?
We consider small groups to be the hub of our ministry. They are the place where real ministry takes place as we encourage, support, and challenge one another to grow in Christ.  God doesn’t want any of us to be left to walk alone – we need each other.  We want to be a church, not a crowd!

What Does a Small Group Do?
Each group is made up of 10 - 16 people or so who meet weekly to study, share, and support one another in their Christian lives.  Each group is led by a trained leader and a host. A typical meeting lasts an hour and a half, followed by light refreshments.  Some groups also spend time in singing and worship.

How Long Does A Small Group Last?
We are breaking the year into 3 sessions with each session lasting 10 weeks.  At the end of a session, you may choose to stay in the same group, try a new group, or even take a break. Most groups will stay together the entire year.  From mid-June to August, groups will not meet except on a social basis.

Which Group Should I Join?

[to browse our small group locator, click here.]
We suggest you join a group based on your “station in life” rather than geography or day of the week. Groups work best if you share common interests, backgrounds, marital status or similar aged children.  Sometimes it takes two or three sessions before you find the perfect fit. But don’t worry, you’ll find it!

What about Childcare?
Small Groups are for adults only.  We ask each family or group to arrange their own childcare.  One option is to share a sitter or swap childcare with another family whose group meets at a different time.

What Will We Study?
Each study is based on the previous weekend’s sermon in what is called a “lecture-lab” model.  If you imagine the weekend sermon being a lecture on Christian living, then the group meeting is a lab where you roll up your sleeves and discuss how it applies to real life.  Each week there will be questions to study and complete before your group meeting.  The homework can be found on the back of the sermon note sheet in your bulletin.  Each lesson will take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

How Do I Sign Up?
Church wide sign-ups take place at the start of each new session (in September, January, and March).  You can also sign up before or after any worship service or by calling the church office.  Our staff will be glad to help you find a group that is right for you. Those who start attending church in the middle of a session can sign up for any group that has openings without waiting for the next session to begin.

Please browse our small group locator here.

Please contact the church office for more information about joining a small group. 360.426.8461.