Small Group F.A.Qs

Small Group F.A.Qs
(frequently asked questions)

How Important are Small Groups?
What is a Small Group?
How Long Does a Group Last?
Which Group Should I Join?
What is the Required Commitment?
What About Childcare?
What Will We Study?
When and Where Do These Groups Meet?
What if I want to get involved before September sign-up?
How Do I Sign Up?

How Important are Small Groups?
We consider Small Groups the hub of our ministry. They are the place where we can encourage, support, and challenge one another. God doesn't want any of us to walk alone - we need each other. We want to be a church community, not a crowd!

What is a Small Group?
A Small Group is made up of 10 - 16 people who meet weekly to study, share, and support one another in their Christian lives. Each group is led by a trained leader. A typical meeting lasts for an hour and a half, followed by light refreshments. Some groups also spend some time in singing and worship.

How Long Does a Group Last?
Each Small Group session lasts 9 - 10 weeks. There are three sessions in a year: Fall, Winter, and Spring. At the end of each session, you have the choice of staying in the same group, trying a new group, or even taking a break. Most groups stay together for the whole year. However, groups do not meet regularly June through August, though some continue to meet socially and informally a few times throughout the summer.

Which Group Should I Join?
We have many groups to choose from. Some are based on "seasons in life" while others are "mixed adult groups" and have people in all stages of life. You are welcome to sign up for whatever group best suits you but then we'd encourage you to commit to attend it for the whole quarter to see how it fits for you. It takes time to develop relationships in a group and that can rarely be done in just 2-3 weeks. At the end of the quarter, if it doesn't fit for you, you can choose another group.

What is the Required Commitment?
Joining a Small Group requires a 9 - 10 week commitment to attend the weekly meetings. Obviously, allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts, and other special events... but not much else! We have found that the commitment of attending every week is key to building and maintaining strong relationships and healthy groups.

What About Childcare?
Some Small Groups offer childcare as part of their group. However, we encourage parents to consider arranging for childcare at home. Sometimes it works best for families to share a sitter or to swap childcare with another family whose group meets on a different evening or time.

What Will We Study?
Most of the studies are based on the previous weekend's sermon. These Small Groups are built upon what we call a "Lecture-Lab" model. If you imagine the weekend sermon as a lecture on Christian living, then the group meeting is a lab where you get to roll up your sleeves and discuss how the sermon works out in real life. The Bible Study is printed in the bulletin and you are encouraged to review it and think about the answers before you come to the meeting. The remainder of the Small Groups study a variety of other topics related to living the Christian life.

When and Where Do These Groups Meet?
Small Groups meet on various days and nights of the week in homes throughout Burnaby and Greater Vancouver. A number of them also meet at the church and a few meet during the daytime.