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What Is A Grow Group?
A Grow Group is a home fellowship, made up of 10-16 people who meet weekly to share, study, and support one another. A trained leader and host lead each group. An average meeting lasts for an hour and a half, including time of light refreshments.
How Important Are Grow Groups?
Because Jesus commands us to make disciples, we feel it is one of the most important ways that the Great Commission can be accomplished. They're the place where the real ministry of the church takes place, as we study God's Word, while supporting and sharing our lives with one another. We believe that meeting together on a regular basis is time well spent. Our goal is to have at least 60% of our adults involved on a weekly basis.
When And Where Do They Meet?
Grow Groups primarily meet on Sunday and Wednesday evenings, although we may offer various nights of the week as leaders become available. We will have several groups meeting on the church campus, especially those needing childcare. We encourage as many groups as possible to meet in homes, creating a warmer atmosphere.
How Long Do They Last?
Each Grow Group Session lasts 9 to 11 weeks. Basically, we've broken the year into 4 quarters or sessions. At the end of each quarter, you have the choice of staying in the same group, trying a new group, or even taking a break. Most groups stay together throughout the entire year. However, groups do not meet mid-June through August, though some continue to meet informally or socially through the summer.
What Happens At A Grow Group?
Grow Groups will meet for approximately 1 1/2 hours. During that time, a simple Bible study or discussion of the week's topic will take up half of that time. The group will take additional time to pray for each other and a small snack or dessert will be shared to promote friendship & fellowship. Grow Groups are as much about sharing life as it is about getting in the Word. It is a safe place to share as much, or as little, as you are comfortable with.
Which Grow Group Should I Join?
We suggest you join a group based on your "station in life," rather than on geography or the most convenient night of the week. We've found that a group works best when you share common interests, background, marital status, or similar aged children. Sometimes it might take two or three groups before you find the perfect fit. But don't worry, you'll find it!
What Is The Required Commitment?
Joining a Grow Group requires a 9 to 11-week commitment to attend the weekly meetings. Obviously, allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts, and other special events... but not much more! We have found that this commitment is the key to strong relationships and healthy groups.
What About Childcare?
Grow Groups are a Kid-Free zone (exceptions are made for nursing newborns - up to six months). Our Sunday evening & Wednesday evening sessions have the option of childcare at the church, we'll just need to know how many children to prepare for by sign up. If you choose to meet in homes, we leave it up to each family to work out their own childcare. Sometimes it works best for families to share a sitter, or to swap childcare with another family whose group meets on a different evening or time.
What Will We Study?
The studies are based on the previous weekend's sermon. Most of our Grow Groups are built upon what we call a "Lecture-Lab" model. If you imagine the weekend sermon as a lecture on Christian living, then the group meeting is a lab where you get to roll up your sleeves and discuss how to the sermon works out in real life.
How Do I Sign Up?
Chuch wide sign-ups begin at the start of each new session (in September, January, and March). You can also sign up before or after any weekend worship service or by calling the church office. Pastor Shelly will be happy to help you find just the right group for you. Those who are new to the chuch (start attending in the middle of the session) can sign up and join any group that has openings without waiting for the start of a new session.
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