|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Small Group?
A small group is a gathering
of three or more people who meet regularly for study, prayer, social
interaction, and encouragement. These groups provide an informal and safe
setting to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, fulfill the law of
Christ” (Gal. 6:2). In a large church such as ours, it is vital for people to
connect in genuine relationships. Small groups provide such a place.
What is a Grace Group?
Grace Groups are a way for
every individual in the church to get connected with other believers to
experience God’s plan for community and unity in the body (Eph. 4:1-6, 11-16).
Our groups promote care for everyone, and that no one cares for too many (Acts
6:1). This is supported through the infrastructure of our Small Group Ministry
team of leaders, coaches, and ministry staff (Exodus 18:9-22). Our mission as
leaders at Grace is to get people connected into small groups that produce
spiritual transformation, authentic community, and loving service to the church
and people in need. Our groups encourage a sense of belonging to one another to
ensure that no one stands alone, struggles alone, serves alone, develops alone,
seeks alone, or grows alone. Grace Groups are a place to be accepted,
encouraged, blessed, affirmed, and challenged to exercise the spiritual gifts
that God has designed for each one of us (I Cor. 12:12-27).
What is CommUNITY?
God desires people to seek a
relationship with Him (Act 17:24-27) and God desires us to be in community with
others. Small Groups at Grace help foster that community and those
relationships that God desires us to develop. Through this community of small
groups, God has planned a network of blessings that helps us face the storms of
life, gives us wisdom for making good decisions, and provides a safe place of
confidentiality and accountability for spiritual health. Jesus and the
disciples modeled community. Christ himself came to provide community and live
with us (Matt.1:23) and then he called a small group of disciples to live and
walk with him (Mark 3:7-10,13-14). Jesus knew masses had great needs, but chose
to minister to the twelve, by walking with and training a few, he ultimately
could touch many. Christ sees our unity and community as our message to the
world that He, Christ, did come and that he is love, and if we, the church, fail
at community, we fail at our mission (John 17:21, 23).
|
How do I sign up?
Discover what
Grace Groups have to offer during our Connection Event Weekends. Connection
Events are held in the fall and winter and gives you the chance to sign up for
groups that will be starting soon. During other times of the year, you can note
your interest in joining a group on the communication card in the Sunday
bulletin and one of our small group coaches will contact you. You can also call
the church office directly at 301-473-4337.
What Others Are Saying….
“a life boat, and people on
board are necessary for the journey.” (R. G.)
“...a safe place laughing.”
(Verlyn M.)
“...a place of healing by
learning to be open and honest with others... a place for me to see Jesus work
in my life through others.” (David A.)
“...to have closer
fellowship in dealing with day to day events of other people’s lives...I gain
strength and support and also a place I can be stretched and grow as a
believer.” (Angie R.)
“...the best place for
sustained life change to occur...people study God’s Word together and discuss
the issues and challenges of life. It’s also where they pray, care for one
another, and are missed if they don’t show up.” (David M.)
“a place to
belong” to share my story, life, struggles and joys…places for fellowship in the
Word and just having fun & hearty (Mike B.)
|
|
|
|
Who Leads These Groups?
Each group is lead by trained
facilitators who serve to keep the fellowship warm and the discussion edifying.
When Does My Group Start?
Many of our Grace Groups are
ongoing, however, some of our groups do take breaks during the summer and resume
again in the fall. New groups traditionally begin in the fall and spring to
help accommodate the ongoing need of getting more people connected. Many groups
have openings. If a group is not currently available to meet your needs and
interests, we will keep your name and contact you when a group starts. You can
also watch our Sunday bulletin and note your interest on your welcome card.
Where Do They Meet?
Grace groups meet in various
locations throughout Frederick County and the mid Maryland region. Most small
groups meet in homes although there are several that meet at area businesses or
at our church facility.
When Do They Meet?
Grace groups meet at various
times each week. There are groups meeting in the daytime as well as in the
evenings.
Who Will I Meet There?
You will meet other people who
are looking for a close-knit group of friends that can encourage and strengthen
one another in the midst of life and it’s challenges. |
