Message

• Home
• Sunday
• Small Groups
• Serving
• About Us
• Connect
  • Kids
  • Youth
  • College
  • Women
  • Sunday School
• News
• Resources

Thoughts on small groups

"My small group has given me a place to belong, and people that care about me!"

"Sometimes I find it hard to keep in the Word. I know I need to rely on it everyday but life just gets in the way. My small group keeps me accountable and on track."

"I love doing things with [my small group]! They are the people I most trust and the ones I know that I can count on no matter what."

"My High-Life small group leaders are awesome! It's great to know that some adults really care about me and want me to succeed in everything I do."

"Our Wilberforce group gives me a safe place to talk about some stuff I normally wouldn't share. The surprising thing is that even when I think that I am so bad, I am supported by a bunch of guys that know exactly what I am going through and many that have been there too."

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. We study the Bible and live life together so that we can impact our own lives, those around us, and grow closer to God.

Our main purpose for small groups is…

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 Jesus is not something we arrive at; it is something we continually pursue. As we do, we enjoy the benefits of heart change, which leads to life change.

Community with insiders: We recognize the need for meaningful connections and the reality that sustained life change takes place best in the context of intentional relationships.

Influence with outsiders: The prioritization of relationships with unbelieving friends for the purpose of seeing these friends become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Changed lives changing lives. Invest and invite.

Authentic Community is…

Accountability: Invite other people into your life to change you, your priorities and relationship with Jesus, believers, and non-believers.

Belonging: This happens when you are accepted, connected and comfortable with a group of people. You know you belong when you are missed when you don’t show up. This is critical in an age and culture where people will belong before they believe.

Care: This evolves out of connecting (being accountable and belonging). People naturally care for people they are connected to. People care for people they know.

What types of small groups are there, and how long do they last?

1. Mixed Gender Small Groups 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.
2. Women’s Morning and Evening Edition Bible Studies provide Southwood women and their friends an opportunity for fellowship, worship, and Bible Study in a small group setting. They meet from August through April.
3. Gender Based Discipleship Groups help men and women develop the basics of the Christian walk so that their relationship with God is growing. They also equip men and women to be able to disciple others and intentionally share their faith in Christ on a consistent basis. These groups meet for approximately 2 years.