Small Groups Information

• What is a Small Group?

• When and where do groups meet?

• How often do small groups meet?

• How long does a small group last?

• How long does each group meeting last?

• What goes on at a group meeting?

• What does it mean when a group "ends" or "multiplies"?

• What do groups study?

• How do I join a small group?

What is a SMALL Group?

Small Groups are community groups of six to twelve individuals that meet weekly in someone’s home for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. They are for adults of all ages, stages of life, and spiritual maturity.

When and where do groups meet?

Our groups generally meet Monday through Thursday evenings, with some meeting on Sundays. While most groups meet in a consistent location (the home of a group member), some groups prefer to take turns meeting in different members’ homes.

How often do SMALL groups meet?

Most groups meet weekly. Due to vacation schedules, groups consisting of married couples with children often do not meet during the summer as well as our groups that consist mostly of “snow birds.”

How long does a Small group last?

Small Groups initially commit to meet for six to twelve weeks, depending on the study chosen and the desires of the group. In order to build trust and establish some camaraderie, it is desirable that individuals stay with the same Small Group cluster for a year but certainly not mandatory.

How long does each group meeting last?

Each Small Group picks the length of time they will meet. However, most groups meet for an hour and a half to two hours.

What goes on at a group meeting?

Though each group differs in how they do things, many groups have a social time in the beginning, then they transition to a time where they discuss the book they are studying and pray for each other. At the very beginning of the group, the whole group decides how much time they will spend on social, discussion, and prayer time (as well as the order in which they take place).

What does it mean when a group "ends" or "multiplies"?

During the term of the group, the group leader will train an apprentice to be the leader of the next group. At the end of the group, the leader will take half the current group, and the apprentice (after becoming an approved leader) will take the other half of the group. Then they will both add more members to their respective new groups, therefore allowing others to join groups with seasoned leaders.

What do groups study?

Each group picks their own curriculum to study with the help of their Groups’ Director and/or Pastor.

How do I join a Small group?

You can register in the bulletin when the Small Group campaign begins or call Diane Foxx at (386)478-6384.