GRACE GROUPS

Staying connected between Sundays

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near”.

— Hebrews 10:24-25

Important note - Grace Groups are forming as people express interest to both lead and participate. Information about current groups is listed below.

In the mean time, you can fill out a request to be notified when additional groups are posted and we'll let you know!

PURPOSE

The Bible persistently points to the priority of relationships. We're encouraged to grow in our relationship with God, with one another, with our community and with the lost. Grace Groups (what we call our small groups) provides a context beyond the Sunday morning meeting to live out this biblical fellowship so that we can experience the grace of God at work through fellowship with one another.

Grace Groups: a group of people that meet together regularly for the purpose of building relationships that will spur each other on toward love and good deeds.

"We should not think of our fellowship as a spiritual luxury, an optional addition to the exercises of private devotions. Fellowship is one of the great words of the New Testament: it denotes something that is vital to a Christian's spiritual health, and central to the Church's true life…The Church will flourish and Christians will be strong only when there is fellowship."

— J.I. Packer, God's Words

We hope participation in Grace Groups grows as a priority for every member. We want every member to flourish! Growth in the Christian life and our ongoing progressive sanctification can be experienced in the context of a loving, caring fellowship. Whereas isolation can hinder spiritual growth, Grace Groups provide the encouragement, care, and meaningful accountability that helps us grow and keeps us from drifting (Heb 3:12-13). In all of this we want to continue applying the gospel because active involvement will enable you to see the power of the Gospel transform your life as you share your life with others.

PRACTICE

Grace Groups will usually consist of 6-12 adults who meet regularly in someone's home. The focus and schedule is based on a number of factors so you're invited to check out the various groups to see what will work for you. The details of how each Grace Group walks out fellowship are unique, but the principles of each group are the same.

Here are some of the things you can expect in a particular Grace Group:

  1. Can be geographically located
  2. Can be topically organized – bible study, book study, DVD series, etc
  3. Discuss Sunday's sermon and encourage application
  4. Can be short or long term
  5. Typically meet regularly throughout the month
  6. Fellowship together (hangout, meal together, fun night, etc )
  7. Celebrate life's events – birthdays, anniversaries, life accomplishments, etc
  8. Disciple one another side by side
  9. Study the Bible together
  10. Pray together
  11. Pursue meaningful accountability
  12. Bear one another's burdens
  13. Provide support and help
  14. Serve together and use your gifts
  15. Do outreach, evangelism and mission work together.

Here are some things a Grace Group is not:

  1. It is NOT a sermon
  2. It is NOT merely a Bible Study
  3. It is NOT merely a prayer meeting
  4. It is NOT merely a social gathering
  5. It is NOT just about the individual
  6. It is NOT going to meet all your needs

Once again, Grace Groups are groups of people who meet regularly to build relationships that spur each other on toward love and good deeds. We want to embrace this wholeheartedly!

(Re: child care -each group determines if and how they will provide child care. Be sure to talk with the group leaders).