Small Groups

What is a Small Group?

A small group is 8-12 people that are drawn together around a shared interest or activity.

The Small Group Dynamic

It has often been said that people tend to learn better in circles than in rows. Something special happens when there is eye contact. Walls come down, conversations take place, similarities are discovered and friendships emerge. As a result, small groups can establish a level of trust and intimacy that is more difficult to attain in more traditional, large-group settings. Small groups are also more flexible, taking on their own unique culture and creating an environment that allows participants to discover what it means to encourage one another, explore God's teachings together, share each other's joys and burdens, confess, forgive and pray, and all in a fun, welcoming and non-threatening way.

Why are Small Groups Important at New Life?

At the heart of New Life's ministry is a Christ-compelled mission (Mission Statement) to serve Jesus and serve others. We believe that the best way to carry out this mission is by relying on God's Word and relying on our fellow believers. Small groups, especially sermon-based Growth Groups, provide a strong tool for bringing people together around God's Word in a format that begins with mutual experiences and fosters faithful service collectively.

Growth Groups

Growth Groups are a type of small group that comes together around an interactive discussion of God's Word, making use of materials based on Sunday's sermon. Materials include sermon notes during worship and a discussion guide to take the discussion deeper in the groups. The 90-minute format includes time for fellowship, relationship building, digging into the Word and joining in prayer. Groups meet in host homes or other locations.