Small Groups

Our church’s small group ministry began in February of 2010.  We now have about 160 people in about 16 small groups and we are continually developing more groups and more leaders.

What is a Small Group?

A  small group would ideally consist of six to twelve people who meet at least two times per month and perhaps weekly for an hour or two for anywhere from maybe six months to two years, as agreed by the group. The focus of any group would be on carrying out one of the ministry elements of our church’s mission. The stated mission of our church is to demonstrate:

  • Radical Hospitality
  • Passionate Worship
  • Intentional Faith Development
  • Risk-taking Mission and Service
  • Extravagant Generosity

With a spirit of Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors!

So, any group would decide to focus on one or more of these elements. One of the strengths of the small groups would be that the format of the group meetings would include time for personal caring, sharing and praying, a devotional or reflection time, getting to know people, and having fun while carrying out the mission of our church. The group could agree to meet at the church, in homes, or at other agreed locations.

The idea is that each small group would be driven by a leader who, along with a group he or she brings together, decides what the group wants to do. It is expected that this will help focus on the needs of the church, community or world as seen from the eyes of those in the group. A support team of lay members and the pastors would be available to help in all aspects of the group from suggesting an area of focus, recruiting leaders and group members, obtaining needed materials, and training leaders and apprentice leaders. In order to help locate potential leaders, to develop ideas for small groups, and to begin forming small groups, a congregational survey is now being conducted.

What Small Groups Are There Now?

Here is a simple list of the current small groups and contact names.  To learn more, or for a contact number, call the church office or see the small groups bulletin board in the church breezeway.

    • Apoyo Group – Kay Elliot
    • Autobiographers - Sally Mills or Doris Forney
    • Capital City Circles - Steve and Sable Shaw
    • Contemporary Theological Book Club – Kathy Garcia
    • Disciple Bible – Rev. Rob Jennings-Teats
    • FinancialPeaceUniversity – Sheila Schwartz
    • God & Sports – Brian Hutchins, Shane Quilling, Dave Troescher, Roy Houghton
    • Holistic Health & Spiritual Practice – Karol Sohn Miller, Rev. Dixie Jennings-Teats
    • Joyful Noise Praise Band – Tara Franke
    • New Beginnings – Kay Thornberg
    • Prayer Shawl Ministry – Barbara Moss
    • Radical Hospitality – Anne Keast, Wendell Newman
    • Readers’ Theater – Ursula Carlson, Rev. Dixie Jennings-Teats
    • Serendipity Bible Study – Teri Gagnier
    • Stephen Ministers – Linda Getschman
    • Tuesday Morning Mens Group - Bill McCord, Paul Payne
    • Youth Confirmation Group – Evan Beavers & Rev. Rob Jennings-Teats

How is the Small Group Ministry Managed?

Our small group ministry is facilitated by a small group task force.  If you would like to join a group or start a group, or if you need some help with your group, contact someone in the task force.