Who are the people who trek through the ups and downs of life with you…who encourage you to grow spiritually…who serve with you…who celebrate with you?
God never intended us to live the Christian life alone. We’re called to love one another and encourage one another, not abstractly or superficially, but in a personal, life-on-life way. The early church modeled this for us in Acts 2:42–47.
When we get together with people on a consistent basis to study the Bible together, pray together, and fellowship together, we grow in our relationship with Jesus, looking more like Him.
Connecting in a Small Group is…
- Understanding the Bible better through group discussion as you apply the Bible to your own personal situations
- Engaging in authentic community with other believers who will walk beside you in your journey as a Christ follower
- Finding support from people who genuinely know and care for you during challenging times.
- Praying for one another on a consistent basis
- Moving from a row into a circle where you are known and get to know others
- Demonstrating to the next generation the importance of living out the “one another” verses in Scripture
Top Questions about Small Groups
What is a Small Group
A Small Group is a group of people who…
- Meet weekly
- Study the Bible
- Participate in biblical discussion
- Pray for one another
- Care for one another
- Serve the community together
- Fellowship together
What does a typical Small Group term look like?
Each year, Northwest has three Small Group terms. Terms last 12–15 weeks with purposeful breaks in between. Groups take Term 2 “off” to rest and refresh.
- Term 1: January to April
- Term 2: May to August
- Term 3: September to December
During each term, a Small Group will meet for Bible study and group discussion a majority of the time; however, each term, every group participates in at least one hangout night (i.e., bowling, dinner, movie, game night, cookout, etc.) and at least one local community serving opportunity.
What do we do with our kids during Small Group?
Kids are always welcome in groups. However, we do understand it can be a challenge to have focused discussion time with the kiddos running around. Here are some creative ways our groups have cared for their children during group time:
- Rotate caregiving among group members
- Share childcare costs
- Have older kids care for younger kids
- Have the kids join in
- Any additional ideas a group may be comfortable with
What do Small Groups talk about and study?
Each group uses a different study determined by the Small Group Leader. Some studies are video-based, some are book-based, some focus on books of the Bible, and others use material based on Sunday morning messages.
Who else will be in a Small Group with me?
Our groups range from 6–14 adults, with some groups having children. We do our best to connect you with others in the same stage of life. We believe this helps us in walking through life with one another.
Will I always be in the same Small Group?
We want each person to consistently attend their group to form long-lasting friendships and experience spiritual growth. Over time, a group may grow and reach the point of multiplying into two separate groups. This creates opportunities for new people to join groups. We celebrate this process because we retain friendships from the multiplied group and have the opportunity to create brand-new friendships, too!
If I don’t connect, can I leave my Small Group?
Every group is a bit different, having their style and personality. Most find that their group becomes like family and looks forward to doing life with one another. However, there are times when it’s just not a fit, and that’s okay. If you need to leave a group, let your leader know and contact the Pastor of Groups and Discipleship for assistance connecting with a new group.
