Small Groups—Why You Want to Join One

In our vision process last year we wrestled with questions of purpose, asking what difference SBCRC should make in the lives of our members and in the surrounding community. What does it mean to follow Jesus? What does it mean to be formed spiritually? What difference do spiritual practices make? In our struggle we repeatedly bumped into two truths.

First, God calls his people to work out their salvation within the community of faith. This work cannot be accomplished in isolation, or over coffee during the fellowship hour once a week, or via casual friendship. We are transformed in the trenches of living life together. In sermons we hear about new life in Christ, but it is only when we actually live and practice it with one another that the message is incarnated. Significant Christian relationships transform us, as individuals and as a church. Pastor Mark may teach, guide, lead, support, inspire, and even entertain us. But in the end, our health as a church depends on how we relate to one another, to God and to our surrounding community.

Second, our mission as a church is to bring people into a loving, life-giving relationship with God and others. A healthy church helps others experience God and connect with the gospel message of life and hope. Our church’s greatest assets in that mission are the people of this congregation who know Christ. You are a gift to the world because you make Christ’s gifts tangible: gifts of hope, belonging, giving and receiving forgiveness, purpose, direction and gratitude.

Both of these truths relate to our renewed emphasis on small groups at SBCRC. Small groups provide a critical route for deepening spiritual growth and developing spiritual friendships. In Small Groups we minister to one another as we study to apply God's Word and support and share our lives with one another. Small Groups foster a church culture of vulnerability as grace and trust grow between participants who meet regularly. They provide a place to bring others who are interested in knowing more about the abundant life Christ offers.

Existing Small Groups at SBCRC have deeply impacted their participants and our church. Through Christ, group members have grown, studied, served and supported one another. It is our hope that many more people at SBCRC will enjoy these blessings and that God will powerfully use Small Groups to transform individuals, our church and our community in Christ.

A Small Group is a small fellowship made up of about 10-16 people who meet weekly to share, study and support one another. A leader and host lead each group. An average meeting lasts for an hour and a half to two hours, depending on whether there are light refreshments or a full meal on the agenda.

The Small Groups meet in 9 to 11 week blocks scheduled during the Fall, Winter & Spring. At the end of each 9 to 11 week block, participants have the choice of staying in the same group, trying a new group or even taking a break from Small Groups altogether. Most groups will stay together all three sessions. We will offer sign-ups for Small Groups during the weekend services and online before each of the three Small Group blocks begin.