| Small Groups FAQ |
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What is a small group? A small group is a community of four to sixteen believers that meets on a regular basis, usually in someone’s home but occasionally on the church campus, in a coffee shop, at the mall…wherever life happens! The most important thing is that a small group is committed to Loving, Learning and Living Life together. Small Groups will experience friendship, Biblical teaching and learning experiences, encouragement, truth-telling and accountability to serve the Kingdom of God using individual gifts and talents. What is the purpose of a small group? The purpose of the small group ministry is to invite people into a loving fellowship, where each person is encouraged to grow in the knowledge and service of Jesus Christ, through heartfelt worship and the study of God's Word, the Bible. What kinds of groups are available? * Neighborhood Small Groups Join a group of people who live close to you, and build relationships while encouraging one another on your spiritual journeys. Groups of men, women, couples and mixed adults meet every other week throughout the area. * Life-stage Small Groups If geography isn’t important to you but having the right chemistry is, consider a small group based on common affinities. Empty-nesters, married with small children, parents of teens or single adults can all find connections in life-stage groups. * Ministry Team Groups These groups represent task groups (Worship Team, Technical Ministries Group, Ushers and Greeters, etc.) that meet to accomplish their ministry role, but also for at least an hour on a weekly or bi-weekly basis in the small group experience. * Make Your Own We also want to make sure that we are always open to small groups that are identified and created by members of the Body for filling a need or reaching a group of people that we have not yet reached. Got an idea for a small group? Let us know how we can help! Why have small groups? So the church can once again become an irresistible Christian community where a person can: love and be loved, know and be known, serve and be served and celebrate and be celebrated. Community groups are a great way to meet people and have great teaching and learning experiences in a smaller setting than big church, but they cannot provide the intimate sharing, accountability and care-giving most of us need in order to grow deeper in our walk with Christ. Why bother with small groups in a time-pressured culture? Busy people can become isolated and disconnected, and sometimes they become pretty empty inside. They’re surprised at the joy of authentic community when they find a place to belong in a small group, a group that fits their individual passions and needs. They make that group a priority. Small groups shouldn't be one more thing on our agenda that drains us, but rather a place to be refreshed and replenished. Groups will differ as people’s needs and interests differ. Whether curious and cautious or wholly committed, people connect with God and one another when a safe group accepts them for who they are. At Central, we seek to be a healthy, growing community of God's people who are prayerfully and personally connected to one another in relationship and ministry. Small groups are an essential element for us to mature and expand as that kind of community. How can I get involved in a small group? Central has many groups meeting all over the area. Call 616.395.3705 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to get involved with one. What if I would like to start a small group? We are always looking for new group leaders and host homes! If you think God has called you to consider small group ministry, call 616.395.3705 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Why are Small Groups Important? Belonging to a small group makes it easier to build relationships with each other and with God. Many things in our lives are too difficult for us to understand by ourselves. With a connection to a small group, we are able to help each other apply the truth about the Gospel to our daily lives. Scripture tells us to encourage one another and serve one another, to rejoice and weep with one another, and to build up and accept one another. Small groups offer the opportunity to fulfill these commands in an intimate and nurturing environment. Small groups are a place for spiritual gifts to grow. Small groups produce disciples, leaders and contributors. Small groups can reach the lost. Small groups can be lots of fun. |