Growth Groups at Cross of Christ

What is a Growth Group?

A Growth Group is a small group of Cross of Christ members who meet weekly in a member's home, at one of the church campuses, or at another community location.

Growth Groups are designed to help us connect with each other in real ways and work together to apply God's Word to everyday life. Each week the group facilitator helps the group follow a discussion guide based on the previous Sunday's message. 

Growth groups pray together, serve together, and support each other. 

 

Who are Growth Groups for?

Anybody who's interested in Christian growth and community!

A typical group has 6-10 people, sometimes more, sometimes less. 

Some groups invite you to bring your kids; some groups are designed for adults. Some groups have similar demographics (age, life stage, gender, etc), and some are a total mix!

 

What's the time commitment?

Growth group sessions are anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks long. Sessions generally begin in September, January, and April or May (depending on the date of Easter).

Each session offers different days, times, and locations to consider.

Growth Group meetings last anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the group.

 

Why join a Growth Group?

Need a plan to be God's Word on a regular basis? Join a growth group. 

Need strength and encouragement to follow Jesus and live for his glory? Join a growth group.

Need accountability for prayer, time with God, Christian choices? Join a growth group. 

Need connection with fellow followers of Jesus? Join a growth group. 

Need Christ-centered support for tough times and someone to share the good times with? Join a growth group. 

 

What are people saying about Growth Groups?

"Growth Groups have been a great opportunity for me to get to know my church family better. By sitting down and disussing the sermon with others, I've been able to build relationship and grow in my understanding of God's Word and how I can live out his will in my daily life. It truly is one of my favorite things about Cross of Christ!" 

- Jack

"The group leaders are well-prepared by the pastors, so that the group's dynamic results in discussions and questions that are relevant to the participants. We enjoy how this reinforces and builds the Christian family. It's an enjoyable gathering around God's Word."

- Warren & Debbie

[more quotes coming]

 

To Think About

Frequently Voiced Concerns: 

 

"I don't know the Bible well enough to join a small group Bible study."

On the contrary: Openness to learning and growing is the only "requirement" of a Growth Group! Come for the discovery and leave with just a little bit more understanding, just a little bit stronger faith.

 

"I won't be able to make every meeting."

Sometimes the group facilitators can't even make every meeting! While we ask you to make a commitment to your group, there are legitimate reasons that people occasionally miss a week or more. Not a reason not to participate!

 

"My last experience with a growth group / small group was not a good one."

We're very sorry to hear that. While we'd hope that all interactions with Christians would be positive, Christians are still sinners.

No two growth groups are the same, though. And there's so much good in this time spent with God and his people that we encourage you to try again. Don't let Satan convince you to stay away!

 

"I just don't have time for a weekly group."

Let us push back on that just a little bit. Tally up the different things you do have time for weekly. Is your faith less valuable than any of those things? 

Our souls are like our bodies, in that they need regular feeding to thrive, even to stay alive! Try it out for one session and see how it goes. 

 

"I'd like a few more details before I try it out. I have some specific questions." 

Talk to Pastor Hein! He's very happy to help you better understand what a group is like.