Mission and Purpose
1. Experience Christ together
To provide a place for people to grow spiritually and practice the disciplines of the Christian faith in a safe, non-threatening environment
2. Enjoy authentic community
To grow a supportive, life-changing community with a depth and richness not possible in larger group settings
3. Live Missionally
To encourage people to serve in their families, neighborhoods, and the world at large
Core Values
1. Biblical
To follow a biblical standard
2. Authentic
A safe place to be yourself
3. Supportive
Sharing each other’s burdens and praying for each other
4. Outward-Facing
Welcoming to all and serving others
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How often and for how long do the Small Groups meet?
The majority of our groups meet weekly, but quite a few of them meet bi-weekly. Groups usually meet for 1 ½ to 2 hours.
What do the groups do during their time together?
We believe that Small Groups should have at least three components of their meeting time: Bible study, fellowship, and prayer. Some groups may also build in a time of worship/music.
You say Bible study is a major component. What does that look like, and will I be expected to teach or lead?
The group leader(s) or a designated discussion leader will lead the Bible study time, but you will never be asked to lead if that’s just not your thing. Also, groups focus on discussion, not on lectures or teaching. The leader’s role is to ask good questions, and to create an environment that will encourage discussion without making anyone feel uncomfortable. If you want to be quiet and listen, you can do that, too!
Is there any sort of in-depth Bible knowledge or preparation required?
Any given Small Group will probably consist of those who are just beginning to investigate the scriptures, as well as those who have been doing it for a long time. You will never be embarrassed or put on the spot based on your Bible knowledge! Depending on the curriculum being used by a group, you may be asked to read and think through a passage of scripture before coming to a group meeting, but if you don’t have time to do that during a particular week, no condemnation!
What do I do with my kids when my group is meeting?
Some Small Group members leave their kids at Redeemer if their group meets on Sundays when extended childcare is available, while others arrange their own childcare/babysitting. This is a great topic to discuss with a group leader as you are considering whether or not to join a particular group.
Where do Redeemer Small Groups meet?
Some groups meet at the church on Sunday evenings when church-provided childcare is available. Others, perhaps the majority, meet in members’ homes. Whether or not you open your home to your group meetings is totally up to you!
Do groups ever get together outside the regularly scheduled meeting times?
Most groups have social functions at times during the year, such as Christmas, Easter, and during the summer. Many of our groups also choose to do an outreach project which may be scheduled on a weekend or another time. Such decisions are made by the group!
Do groups ever get together outside the regularly scheduled meeting times?
Most groups have social functions at times during the year, such as Christmas, Easter, and during the summer. Many of our groups also choose to do an outreach project which may be scheduled on a weekend or another time. Such decisions are made by the group!
If I decide to join a Small Group, am I committing for a certain length of time?
We believe that it takes time to feel comfortable with a group, especially if you don’t know many (or even any!) of the people in the group when you first come. For that reason, we think it is reasonable to ask you to attend regularly for 10-12 weeks before making the decision to leave. Our groups usually take breaks in December over the Christmas season, and again in the spring, so those are ideal times for you to decide. Of course, if you decide after a meeting or two that a
particular group is just not the right fit, you won’t be forced to stay, but a little time together as a group will make most people feel much more comfortable and connected.HOW DO I JOIN A SMALL GROUP?
JOIN A GROUP
Choose “Join a Group” below and one of our team will help connect you to an open group.
RESOURCES
Right Now Media
With over 15,000 Bible studies, RightNow Media is the ultimate tool for Small Groups, families, and singles to dig deeper in the Bible. This is a free resource when you connect through Redeemer. You’ll get access to content for every generation and relationship in your family. Sign up today and get started!