Why Small Groups?
We were made for community, but we live in a world of increasing isolation. God has given us a community—the church. One of the primary ways we experience that community is in small groups. In many ways, small groups are our “homes” within the church. They are a great way to experience God at work.
FOSTERING COMMUNITY
The reality that God left heaven and came to earth to live with us is staggering. The incarnation itself demands that we value community. From Acts 2:42 where “fellowship” seems to be its own category to all the “one another” passages, God is clear: he wants us to be in community with each other. We gather in small groups of around 10-15 people as a way of integrating community in our daily lives. Small groups should be a welcoming place to invite others to experience community and friendship.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
Fostering community requires that we place a high value on meaningful relationships. This means moving towards one another in love, recognizing that we all bear the image of God. The Bible gives us a glimpse of a Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that live in perfect relationship with each other. We were created for this kind of relationship and we hope that our small groups give people the freedom to experience genuine relationships, to share the struggles and joys of life, and to enjoy each other.
LOVING OTHERS
Part of building meaningful relationships is learning how to love people well. We want our small groups to give people the space and opportunity to interact with people from different life stages and with different life experiences. Small groups are also one of the ways in which we provide meals and hospital visits to those suffering illness or infirmity. We are striving for an intentionally relational community shaped by the cross.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during small group meetings?
Content varies among each of our small groups. Many of our groups choose to discuss a curriculum or Bible study but others may simply meet to hang out together. Either way, we want our small groups to be places where visitors and long-term members alike will experience Christ-centered community.
How often do small groups meet?
We leave it up to each group to decide when and how often to meet. Some of our groups are seasonal, while others meet throughout the year. Contact our pastors or small group leaders if you have any questions about the schedule.
Where do small groups meet?
Small groups generally meet in people’s homes or locations throughout the city.
Will there be childcare?
It depends on the group. Be sure to check the group details or contact one of our leaders to ask about childcare availability.
What happens if I want to join a new group?
Whether you’re looking to join a small group for the first time or you need to switch due to scheduling conflicts, we would encourage you to talk to our pastors and small group leaders directly.