Small Group Ministry

Small groups have been an important part of Christian life from the beginning of the church. "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:46-47

Small groups provide an opportunity for people to be known, loved and accepted. In larger groups it is easy to get lost

in the crowd. However, the small group offers a sense of community and the likelihood of establishing lifelong friendships.

What Are The Benefits Of Small Groups?

1. Becoming a close, caring family.

2. Learning to apply the Bible to daily life.

3. Sharing life with others, not feeling alone.

4. Experiencing effective personal care.

5. Giving and receiving encouragement and edification.

6. Providing opportunities for meaningful service.

7. Having a non-threatening way to share Christ's message of love and forgiveness with unchurched friends.

8. Supplying a supportive environment for discipling new Christians.

9. Finding the support and accountability needed for personal spiritual growth.

10. Developing the leadership potential of group members.

What Are The Components Of A Small Group?

1. Participation

2. Immediate response to needs

3. Worship and prayer

4. Spiritual growth through Bible application

5. Mutual edification and encouragement

6. Outreach and service

7. Love and unity

8. Friendship

9. Loving spiritual leadership

10. Relaxed atmosphere

View Our E-Books and Small Group Leader Resources

Types Of Small Groups

At New Hope Community Church there are two types of small groups: need meeting small groups and Acts 2 Groups.

1. Support Groups: Need Meeting Small Groups

Support groups address specific areas of need. Examples of these need meeting ministries include groups for marriage communication, anger management, grief recovery, weight loss, divorce recovery, separation survival, successfully single and life recovery groups for drug or alcohol abuse.

2. Sequential Discipleship Small Groups

Open Groups: First, there needs to be open, outreach oriented groups that allow people to jump in and try a small group or just to check out basic Bible study lessons about life issues or the claims of Jesus Christ. These groups should be available for adult singles, married couples, men, women, youth, young adults whether at a church building or in a neighborhood group.

Accountability Groups: Second, there needs to be an opportunity for members to commit to one another so that they can be accountable for deeper growth and application of the bible study lessons. At this level members are developing spiritual habits and skills in addition to Bible knowledge. One uniquely identifying characteristic of all these groups is that they seek to emphasize each of the four areas in the "values circle:" Sharing Life, Seeking God, Growing Spiritually and Serving Others. Small Groups are the best single ministry activity for helping each member participate in fulfilling the mission, vision and values of a church.