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The second connection we encourage is for
everyone to be involved in a Small Group. We
believe sustained life change happens best in the Small
Group. A Small Group is made up of four to five
married couples or six to eight individuals who meet
together throughout the week in homes in our community.
It is in the Small Group where you study
God's Word together and are in a setting where you can
tackle the difficult questions of life. You will
find Small Groups to be a comfortable place where you
can connect with and share life with like-minded people.
Frequently Asked
Questions about Small Groups
How much of my time is this going to take?
Small Group meetings last
approximately 1.5 hours each—thirty minutes for
snacking, eating, and hanging out; one hour for Bible
Study. As Small Group members begin to develop
community, they most likely will want to spend even more
time together.
What are we going to do with our children during
Small Group?
During the first half hour of the
meeting they hang out with the entire group. During
Bible Study groups have various childcare solutions—hire
a sitter for the group, have another home near the host
home with a parent keeping them, adults rotate keeping
the kids in a bonus room, use childcare provided during
regular activities at the church, etc.
Will there be homework?
Most Small Group studies will not have
mandatory homework. Occasionally there will be optional
support resources such as devotions, podcasts, online
lessons, and so forth.
Am I going to have to talk or can I just sit and
listen during meetings?
Small Groups are like family -
sometimes you talk, sometimes you listen. No one is
forced to talk or to lead the group. As the group
develops, people become much more comfortable. We have
discovered that people who seldom speak up in large
groups will talk in Small Groups.
Will I have to pray out loud?
No. Again, you are allowed to move,
grow, at your own pace. When you want to share a prayer
concern or pray out loud, you will be encouraged to do
so.
Who else is going to be in the group?
Small Groups are formed by the leader
inviting friends, neighbors or acquaintances to be a
part of a Small Group for six weeks. At the end of the
six weeks each person can choose to continue with the
group or not. This allows you time to try a Small Group,
but you also have the assurance that there is a
comfortable way out.
How much do I have to know about the Bible?
None. Small Groups are all about
learning the Bible not debating it or being tested on
it. There will be seasons when all Small Groups will
study curriculum that coincides with the sermon series.
This is when the greatest personal spiritual growth
happens. This is reason enough to want to be in a Small
Group.
How many weeks or months is this group going to
last?
Initially, Small Groups agree to meet
for six weeks. Small Group is like family, some of them
last for years, others multiply and start new groups in
12 to 18 months. We expect all small groups to have a
leader and an apprentice leader. As the group grows, it
will be the apprentice leader who begins a new group.
If I don't like it, can I leave without people being
mad at me?
Yes, but most people build such
community that they do not want to stop being part of
the Small Group.
What are we going to be doing during the meetings?
Most meetings last about 1.5 hours.
There is 30 minutes for social, fellowship, eating,
snacking time; building community. Then there is an hour
of Bible Study where the group learns from the Bible and
discusses the lesson. There is always time for prayer
and sharing of life issues where others in your group
can help you walk through life and not be alone.
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