Grow small with us.
We all desire to be connected. Through intentional regular gatherings of small groups we are able to grow spiritually and experience authentic community. Getting to know a small group of people provides us with accountability, a sense of belonging, and care in times of need. Together we experience and express grace, studying the Bible and living life together.
To provide a safe and predictable environment where people experience Spiritual Growth lived out in Authentic Community.
Spiritual Growth is…Intimacy with God: Intimacy with God is not something we arrive at; it is something we continually pursue by letting the gospel of grace sink in and take hold in our hearts leading to an ongoing discovery and re-discovery that God is all we need.
Community with your group: We recognize the need for meaningful connections and the reality that growing in our understanding of the depth and beauty of grace thrives in the context of intentional relationships.
Influence with others: The greatest influence we have with others is when our words and lives demonstrate that we need Jesus as much or more than they do. Furthermore, people are not projects, they are fellow image bearers of God. Grace frees us to love and serve others well - with no strings attached - in every context of our lives.
Authentic Community is…Accountability: Accountability starts with ourselves. It is first seeing our sin, our humanity and our concurrent need of Jesus in both areas. It’s a mutual invitation for others to walk together, teasing out the Gospel and asking the deeper heart questions behind our behavior.
Belonging: This happens over time as one messy person intentionally connects in with a group of messy people. In other words, belonging is about beggars walking with other beggars. Furthermore, you know you belong when you are missed when you don’t show up.
Care: Seeing that we need Jesus as much or more than others opens the way to caring for others in humility. Intentionally connecting to a small group places you in an environment where giving and receiving care happens naturally. Practically speaking, people care for people they are connected to.
What types of small groups are there, and how long do they last?Mixed Gender: These groups are a mix of men and women, married and single that meet for eight weeks as a “starter group”. After the first eight weeks, the group members decide if they want to continue meeting together for an additional 16 - 22 months. After that, the group can continue, or branch out to form or join new groups.
Gender Based: Some of our gender-based groups meet on Southwood’s campus and begin each meeting with a large group gathering before meeting in a small group setting. Others meet in homes. Also, some groups are more heavily weighted on fellowship, while others on study. Some challenge you to commit to two years, and others 9-12 months. It all depends on what you’re looking for.
Let us know your preferences and we’ll help you find your group: www.southwood.org/growingsmall
Get Involved in a Small Group
Request information about joining a Southwood small group here.