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Community Groups … “Because life is about relationships, and everything else is details.”
At Family Church, the small group is the best place for sustained life change to occur. In a small group, people study God's Word together and discuss the issues and challenges of life. It's also where they pray together, care for one another, and are missed if they don't show up. Practically speaking, there is not a way for the staff or elders to personally minister to everyone who attends Family Church. That's why we place such a high premium on group life. It's how we minister effectively at Family Church.
Community Groups are small groups of up to twelve people who meet in someone's home for fellowship, Bible study, prayer,
and accountability.
- Community Groups
- Community Group FAQ
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FAQs
Question: Why does Family Church do community groups?
Answer: We believe that it is in the context of intentional relationships where significant life change takes place best. Community Groups are the place where real life and real issues are discussed. This is the environment to celebrate the successes and good times of life and comfort one another in the tough and disappointing times. It is a place to be encouraged, equipped and challenged to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Question: When do Community Groups meet?
Answer: Each Community Group decides when and where it wants to meet. Most groups meet at least 2 times a month. As individuals seek to join a Community Group, we help them find people that are meeting on a particular night and in a certain area of the city. All of our Community Groups meet in group members homes
or arranged location.
Question: How long does a Community Group last?
Answer: Community Groups run three different times a
year (3 semesters). Each semester typically will run 14-16 weeks.
Question: What is your process for connecting people into Community Groups?
Answer: The primary way we connect people into Community Groups is through Group Link. We hold three Group Link events per year. We publicize Group Link during our Sunday services. Throughout the year, cards are available at the information table for people to fill out when they inquire about joining a group. Those who complete a card are contacted by a staff member or volunteer to answer any questions they may have about the Group Link process.
• Day/Night of the week
• Study topic
• Group's start and end date
Question: What criteria do you use to place people in Community Groups?
Answer: Typically people looking to connect to a new Community Group for the first time use the following criteria:
• Stage of life (i.e., married with kids, married with no kids, married empty nesters, single males or single females)
• Area of town
• Day/Night of the week
• Study topic
• Group's start and end date
Question: How do you advertise Group Link?
Answer: Group Link is advertised through bulletin inserts and Sunday morning stage announcements.
Question: What's the next step for people who get connected into a Community Group at Group Link?
Answer: The group typically defines at Group Link the time and location for their first meeting. Group leaders leave the Group Link that night with contact information for everyone joining the group.
Question: What about those who don't get connected into a Community Group at Group Link?
Answer: A volunteer or staff member contacts those who don't get connected to help them determine their "next steps".
Question: How do groups choose curriculum?
Answer: One of the first sources of tension for new groups can often be around curriculum. We have chosen to remove that potential obstacle by giving the groups a list of curriculum that our staff has preapproved. They also have the option to contact a staff pastor to assist them in the selection process. Our goal is that groups choose studies that promote growth around the 4 vital relationships (Connect with God, Community, Serving and the Searching).
Question: How do groups add additional group members?
Answer: We encourage group members to look at their existing relationships first. (friends, neighbors, etc.) After that we encourage them to go to a Group Link or contact a staff pastor.
Question: What makes your groups model unique from others?
Answer: At Family Church, we have four types of
Community Groups in order to help you grow in your relationship with God
and with others. This is where relationships grow and you are
discipled to become a fully devoted follower of Christ
Group Types:
Action Teams - provide
an opportunity for you to use your God-given gifts to serve our church
and reach out to our community and beyond.
Connect Groups - for people who want to
gather with like passions. Biking, golfing, etc. Building
relationships is the event but growing in Christ is the aim.
Topical Groups - explores what the Bible says about specific life issues such as Marriage, Parenting, Bible Books, etc.
Support Groups - offers Biblical solutions for those facing some of life's challenges in a setting that provides the support and encouragement that is often needed to overcome them.
Question: How is childcare provided for community groups?
Answer: Parents arrange for childcare during their Community Group.