316 Small Groups

The purpose of small groups is help people love God and love others by creating a predictable and conversational environment that pursues authentic community through mutual learning, care and accountability. A small group consists of six to twelve people that meet weekly in someone's home for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. They are for adults of all ages, stages of life, and spiritual maturity.

How do I get connected into a small group?
You can sign up for a small group at the small groups table before or after each worship service on Sunday. We ask that each person sign up so that our small group hosts and facilitators know to be expecting you. Our small group hosts will want to introduce themselves to you and usually will do so with an email or phone call after receiving your sign up. They will also be able to answer any additional questions you may have about small group.

When and where do groups meet?
Groups meet Monday through Sunday and meet in one of the group member's homes. Usually the location is consistent, but sometimes other group members take turns hosting the group meeting at their house.

How often do the groups meet?
Most groups meet weekly. Some groups may have a different meeting schedule to accommodate the schedules of a majority. For example, some groups meet "3 weeks on, 1 week off, "in other words; they meet three weeks out of the month and either take off the fourth week off or do a social activity together. Many groups do not meet during the summer.

How long does a small group last?
Our small groups are designed to last from sixteen to twenty two months. During that time it is the goal of each group to multiply itself through the training of an apprentice leader who will begin another small group when the time is right as agreed upon by the existing group.

How long does each group meeting last?
Each group picks the group meeting time length. Most groups meet for 1.5 to 2 hours.

What goes on at a group meeting?
Though each group differs in how they do things, we usually follow a simple outline that consists of Welcome/Worship/Word/Witness. The 'welcome' time is a time for breaking the ice and getting caught up with one another. The 'worship' time is designated for prayer. The 'word' is the specific study of the Bible, and the time of 'witness' is when the group brainstorms, plans, and strategizes opportunities of outreach and service projects to others outside the group.

What do groups study?
There will be times during the course of the year when each of our small groups study the same thing as directed by the small group leadership team. However, most of the time each group picks their own curriculum to study with any needed guidance given by the leadership team.

Is there childcare provided at the small groups?

Yes, childcare is provided at each of our small groups. Our childcare providers are a minimum of 12 years old and are approved by the small group members. The childcare provider does not have to be a part of 316 Church but must be known by at least one of the group members before being allowed to provide care.

How do groups add additional group members?
We encourage group members to look at their existing relationships first (friends, neighbors, etc.). We will also have events geared to introduce new people to our small group ministry during the course of the year.

What does it mean when a group "multiplies?"
During the term of the group, the group leader will train an apprentice to be the leader of the next group. At the end of the group, the leader will take half the current group, and the apprentice (after becoming an approved leader) will take the other half of the group. Then they will both add more members to their respective new groups, therefore allowing others to join groups with seasoned leaders.

Lead a group...
If you enjoy having people in your home and/or think that leading a group is a good fit for you fill out the application form or feel free to contact Pastor Jim at jwolfcale@316church.org