FAQs About Small Groups
What is a small group?
The purpose of our small groups is to connect, care for and gently challenge each other to grow authentic relationships with God, other Christians, and our neighbors. In groups, people talk through life issues, eat together, pray together, laugh together, serve others together, etc.
Is a small group like a Bible study?
Small groups are an environment for building relationships with one another to encourage the living out our personal walk with Jesus. Some groups follow the weekend talk series. Some choose to work through another book of the Bible. Some choose to study a topic. In all cases, Bible reading and discussion is geared toward personal next steps and life transformation rather than intensive Bible teaching.
What does a typical small group meeting involve?
Every small group has its own personality but some common elements happen in most group meetings. Over a period of time a typical meeting may involve time for food, conversation as well as periodic special events such as barbeques, meals or parties.
Groups also study and discuss the Bible together applying it to everyday life. Some groups focus strictly on the Bible while others rotate through Biblical and topical studies. Studies are chosen by the group with guidance by the Small Group ministry leadership and staff.
Prayer is also a vital element to typical group meetings. Many people find that praying in groups is their favorite part of group life. A typical group meeting lasts 1.5 to 2 hours.
How big is each group?
Groups are designed to be small enough for members to get to know each other well. When a small group grows to a size of approximately 12 people, they are strongly encouraged to focus on multiplying and planting a new small group out of the original group.
I'm not/don't know if I'm a Christian. Can I attend a small group?
Definitely! Joining a small group is a great way to find out more about Jesus and see what followers of Jesus are like. If you have questions, we can help you process through them.
Are my children welcome to attend the group?
Plans for accommodating children vary from group to group. Feel free to either inquire with the group leader directly for more information. We also run youth groups for teens. You can find out more information about these by clicking HERE.
What if I cannot attend a group regularly?
Consistent participation is very important for the stability of each small group. Due to the effect on the small group as a whole, we ask that you make attending yours a priority.
Why isn't there a small group located near me?
Groups expand into new areas when and where we have a host and leader who are a committed part of The River. Our ability to start new groups in other areas is influenced by the number of people in a given area who attend The River.
Do I have to attend the group closest to where I live?
Not necessarily, but location is a consideration if some of the activities of a small group take place informally in the neighborhood of the group.
What if there isn’t a small group that works with my schedule?
Each small group meets at the time and location that works for the majority of people in the group. In time, it is possible that a group could form that would be a better match for those with less common schedules. Please check our small group page for current times and locations.
What if I've tried a group and it wasn't a good fit?
We understand that you may need to visit a few groups before you find the right fit. Our goal is to help you minimize the number of groups you might visit, and help you settle into a small group you can call home as quickly as possible.
Check out how to get connected on our H2O Small Group page.
