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 relationships 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

 

"I volunteered to help a fellow church member, whom I had met at worship and men's Bible study, paint the gable above his garage. That project led to an invitation to join the Growth Group that he and his wife were hosting. At the group, I found a wider set of people from Cross of Christ, who were welcoming and wanted to become church family, and have done so.

The life experiences of others help interpret more broadly the weekly sermon. The weekly recounting of life events and prayers for each other are encouraging and make it possible to help bear each others’ burdens, extending all the way to the recent passing of my mother. Having that group every week was a special comfort during my family's last time with her."

- Mike

 

"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

 

"Growth Groups was a step outside our comfort zone. Each session has taught us that fellowship with other members goes beyond Sunday services. Diving deeper into weekly sermons, sharing stories and gaining new friendships. What a blessing!"

 

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."

Life is certainly busy. We get it! Yet, prioritizing community and time in God’s Word will yield an enriched sense of connection to both other Christians and to your God. Like any healthy habit, it’s always worth it. 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.