What is a small group?

A small group is made up of persons who commit to gather together on a regular basis to "love God and love others."

What happens in a healthy small group?

With Acts 2:42 - 47 as our guide:

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching... BIBLE STUDY

And to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...  COMMUNITY

They gave to anyone as he had need...  OUTREACH

AND the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved... LEADING OTHERS TO FULL LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST

Why should I join a group?

To learn about the Bible.  Have you ever tried to just "read the Bible," but had trouble figuring out where to begin?  We study the Bible to know God, to know ourselves and to find out what life on this planet together should be all about.  Group study helps one figure out what was written "then" and how to apply the message "now." 

To learn about community.  What does it mean to love God and love others?  It's easier to figure this out when we gather with a few others asking the same question.  We seek to know and be known in a seemingly anonymous world.  Yes, life is hard, but a life lived in community with eyes set toward eternity can be a life full of meaning.  It can be a life that points toward God.

To learn about prayer.  Prayer is our direct form of communication with God.  We come together to pray for one another and the world.  We learn about God's will through our study and we align our desires with His through prayer.

To learn about leadership.  Who am I? Where do I fit in this story?  What is my destiny?  We all ask questions of personal discovery.  That's where leadership comes in.  In our groups, we'll have the opportunity to identify skills and gifts that we use for the common good of our group and in our neighborhoods.  

To learn to obey.  We are called to be and make disciples.  The promise is that we gather to study, to pursue community, to share meals together, to pray for one another  and to care for those who have need. We should expect and fully embrace the fact that others will want to join us in the journey.

What happens in a meeting?

During group meetings, many will gather to share a meal or a snack.  This is a time to catch up on what has been happening in your lives and get to know each other better.

Then members gather to open their Bibles and study together. Study of the Bible is meant to inform our daily living, so good conversation will center around, what did this text mean "then" and how do we apply it "now?" 

Next, the group will focus on praying for one another and for our neighborhoods.  This is where group life gets "real," it's time to share your story and your life's concerns. 

Groups will ask themselves, what is our purpose together?  How do we share with those we know have need?  Each group will devote themselves to seeking God's purpose for their group.  Intentional serving together may take many forms, but should be a direct result of gathering together. 

Lastly, groups will look around and see who they may invite to join them on this journey.

How long does a meeting last?

Each group will decide how long they will meet.  Most group meetings usually last about 2 hours.

Where do groups meet?

Each group will decide on where they will meet.  Many groups will meet in a designated home, but some meet on the Ridge Point campus, in a coffee shop, etc.

How often do groups meet?

Each group will define how often they meet.  There are several options.

4 | 2 | 4 semester groups.  These are groups that follow what we call the 4 | 2 | 4 model for group life.  Groups meet weekly for 4 weeks of focused study time on an agreed upon day.  Then they have 2 weeks of fellowship.  During this time they may schedule a potluck with other friends and family members, work on a service project, etc.  Then they pick up with 4 more weeks to continue their study and relationship building.

Complete all 10 weeks and one semester of group life is complete.  Then groups will take a 4 week break and the cycle will begin again at the next semester.

Every other week.  Groups meet every other week on an agreed upon day.  This may be something like the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month or the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month.

Weekly.  Groups meet weekly on an agreed upon day.  Many groups will meet for 3 weeks and have a casual get together on the 4th week.

What day should we meet?

Ridge Point has set aside Sunday evening as our designated group meeting day.  Though groups can meet on any day of the week, we will keep our Sunday night calendar focused on activities that will enhance group life.  

Don't see an answer to your question,

call 616.395.4126 x440 or via e-mail groups@ridgepoint.org.