What is a Small Group?

Small Groups are one of the primary ways we seek to live out the gospel as a church family on mission. A small group consists of people who gather together regularly and are led by an identified leader(s). Small group members help one another grow in commitment to Jesus Christ, become more like Jesus, and join with Jesus in his gospel mission in the world.

Value 1: Gospel

The gospel is God’s announcement of “good news” revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God himself has provided a way for our sins to be forgiven and to be restored in relationship with him through faith in Jesus. Not only that, but God is working out the restoration of all things in Christ. Members of small groups encourage one another to grow in Christlike maturity through the transforming power of the gospel. The Bible is central to small group life as we hear from God’s word through his Spirit and respond to God through worship and prayer. (Psalm 1; Romans 1:16-17; 3:23-26; Ephesians 6:18-20; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:22-24)

Value 2: Community

The Father, Son and Holy Spirit exist eternally in relationship with one another as one God in three persons; unity within community. As human beings created in the image of God, we’ve been designed for a relationship with our Creator and with other humans. Through faith in Jesus Christ we are adopted into a new family – the family of God. Small groups are like smaller families within the larger church family. These groups seek to cultivate an environment of authentic Christ-centered relationships characterized by living the truth in love. We are called to encourage and care for one another as we grow up into the image of Christ. (John 13:34-35; 17:20-23; Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 4:1-16; Hebrews 10:24-25)

Value 3: Mission

As the gospel powerfully transforms our lives from within, it also propels us outward in loving service toward others. Jesus calls his followers to join him in his mission to make disciples and advance his kingdom. As the Father sent the Son, followers of Jesus have been sent into the world through the power of the Holy Spirit as witnesses of the gospel. Small groups function as mission outposts of the larger church family. There are various potential spheres of gospel mission in our lives. Small groups provide support, encouragement and prayer for each member’s relational sphere of influence. Small groups also look for opportunities to demonstrate and proclaim the love of Christ together. As disciple-making communities, small groups are committed to the multiplication of new groups. We long for more people to experience the transforming power of the gospel within the context of genuine community living on mission. (Jeremiah 29:7; Matthew 5:13-16; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)

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