SMALL GROUP FAQ

What is the goal of a Small Group?

At Grace we have three longings, for more grace, more depth, and more community. You will find all three in your Small Group, but the focus is on community. The goal is to connect with other people in the Grace community, get to know one another better, and find encouragement in our efforts to follow Christ. 

HOW IS EACH SMALL GROUP ORGANIZED? 

Each group has a Host and a Guide. The group will meet in the host’s home, and the Guide will facilitate the activity. 

WHAT DO WE DO AT OUR SMALL GROUP MEET-UP? 

Your group will follow a loose structure that includes plenty of social time, some prayer, and a conversation facilitated by the Guide. 

HOW CAN I MAKE THE MOST OF MY SMALL GROUP COMMITMENT? 

Three things: show up on time, participate, and focus on others. In an age where most of us find ourselves spread too thin and getting more of our social interaction online, we can’t overemphasize the importance of physical presence. Being present is half the battle these days. Participation doesn’t mean you have to talk a lot or open up about your deepest secrets. We all have different comfort levels when it comes to building relationships. Participation means being there not just physically but also mentally and (most important) spiritually. And you always benefit most when your focus is not on having your say, but on listening to and understanding others. 

ARE MY CHILDREN WELCOME TO ATTEND MY SMALL GROUP? 

Definitely. We encourage young people to participate as they are able. Your group may organize special activities for children, too. Within our loose structure there is a lot of freedom for each group to experiment with the best way to welcome children. 

WILL WE ALWAYS MEET AT THE HOST’S HOME?

Usually, but not always. Pastor Mark and his wife Laurie will host each group at their home from time to time, and groups may move around as schedules demand. 

WHAT IF I CAN’T MAKE IT TO EVERY SMALL GROUP MEET-UP? 

We encourage you to attend every time your Small Group meets, even if it means rearranging your schedule. Having said that, we know it’s not always possible. Do your best to be present. When you cannot make it, try to let your group host know in advance. 

IF I’M ALREADY PART OF A SMALL GROUP, CAN I SWITCH TO A DIFFERENT ONE? 

Of course. If a different group fits your schedule better or meets in a location that is easier for you to reach, you are free to switch. We encourage you, however, not to float around, but to sink roots in a particular group. The goal of deeper community takes commitment and time. 

IF I’M NOT PART OF A SMALL GROUP, HOW DO I JOIN ONE? 

You can check the list of groups on the Grace website and simply show up at the one that fits your schedule best. If you want a recommendation, ask Pastor Mark. Once you’ve decided to commit to a group, let your guide know. That way you can be sure to stay in the loop on group communication. 

WHAT HAPPENS IF A SMALL GROUP GETS TOO BIG? 

There is no set size for Small Groups, but as the name implies, they will ideally be on the small side. As your group grows, your host and guide will keep an eye out for potential hosts and guides for the future. When a group gets too large, we will encourage them to help get a new Small Group going. This would be something your group itself would organize, rather than a top-down decree, and the timing will depend on what feels too large to the group.