Growth Groups

 

...proclaiming, teaching, and living the Gospel. 


          Growth Groups exist in our church to enable us to enjoy the most of what God has to offer His children.  They are designed so that we can:

■ Experience greater intimacy with God;
■ Enjoy authentic Christian relationships and community;
■ Influence the world in Jesus’ name.

 

Some Common Questions:

How do Growth Groups work at FPC?
Why do we have this kind of schedule?
Do I have to go to a different group when I sign up next time?
Is it all right for me to join a different group next semester?
What happens in a Growth Group?
Will I see people in my group between semesters?
How do I sign up for Growth Group?
How do I become a group leader?

 How do Growth Groups work at FPC?

            We have adopted a semester-based schedule for groups.  This means that during a calendar year groups will meet for three seasons (semesters), usually lasting from 8 to 14 weeks.  Between these seasons are periods of rest.

            For example: 

   January:  Rest
   Winter:  Groups meet
   May:  Rest
   Summer:  Groups meet
   August:  Rest
   Fall:  Groups meet
   December:  Rest

 

Why do we have this kind of Schedule?

            It is very difficult for a group to meet every week of the year, and there are seasons in our personal and community calendars.  The semester schedule allows groups to acknowledge these facts, and it provides those who host and lead your group time to rest.

            Most of our studies offered in Growth Groups are written in 10-13 week segments which form natural breaks in a group’s life.  During the “Rest” period, planning for your group’s next semester is being done, and new people are invited to join your group through church wide sign ups.

 

Do I have to go to a different group when I sign up next time?

            No, you always have the option to remain in your group.  But we do ask that you sign up when that time comes.  This helps us to plan for your group and insure that you will have enough material when it begins meeting again.

 

Is it all right for me to join a different group next semester?

            Of course it is.  Our group leaders understand that people will sometimes migrate to another group because the topic of that group is of interest to them, because a schedule has changed, or because they just like meeting new people.

 

What happens in a Growth Group?

            On a weekly basis, your group will spend time chatting, praying, and studying  God’s Word or a subject from the perspective of the Bible.

            Every semester your group will meet several weeks for study, once for a group service project, and once for fun.  For example, a semester calendar may look like this:

   Weeks 1-12 ...Bible Study
   Week 13 ...Fun Activity or Dinner Together
   Week 14 ...Service Project at Church (or in the Community)

 

Will I see people in my group between semesters?

            Of course you’ll see each other weekly in worship.  Sometimes group participants will arrange to do things together between semesters.  We encourage this.  And, occasionally a group will meet weekly all year.

            All we expect with the semester schedule is that groups participate in the sign up periods to invite new people into them and to participate in one church wide study each year.  These will occur when all groups use the same study material which coincide with a sermon series planned during that semester.

 

How do I sign up for a Growth Group?

            To sign up for our current growth groups, please click here. You may also sign up in worship during the sign up periods (usually in September, January, and May), or you may contact Pastor Bill or the church office.   

How do I become a Group Leader?

            Contact Pastor Bill.