Definition:

"A holistic small group is a group of 5-15 people who form the basic unit of Christian community. It functions to provide a place where members gather weekly around the presence of Christ, support one another as a family, reach out to our hurting world, and mentor and release new leaders in order to multiply ministry."

All of God s purposes for the church--worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and outreach--are accomplished primarily in and through the small groups. Our small groups are not merely one of the programs of the church: to us, they are the church.

Small Group Life Involves:

• Experiencing the life of Christ...
• In fellowship with one another...
• Extending his life and fellowship to more and more people.

To capture the essence of our small groups in one phrase, we exist to "do life" together.

We have come to believe that we cannot fully experience the breadth and depth of life in Christ outside of loving relationships in the family of God (Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:16; 1 Peter 2:5).

Doing life together was God s plan from the beginning of time. From the relationships of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the Trinity, to the twelve apostles, to the early house churches, and even Jesus' words in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)--all share the pattern of life together.

God longs to connect all of his children in loving relationships that cultivate the five biblical purposes of the church deep within their hearts:

Connecting with God s family (fellowship). The foundation for spiritual growth is an intimate connection with God and his family. Christian fellowship is not programmed into an evening; it is being there for each other whatever the need and whenever we are needed.

Growing to be like Christ (discipleship). Beyond merely cognitive knowledge of the Bible, we help each other become like Jesus in thought, word, and deed.

Developing your S.H.A.P.E. to serve others (ministry). God has given each of us a unique blend of Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. The small group is the perfect environment to discover, develop, and deploy your S.H.A.P.E.

Sharing your life mission every day (evangelism). Together we will pray for and reach out to our unbelieving friends and family members. As we cultivate those relationships together, we give the Lord an opportunity to touch others through us!

Surrendering your life for God's pleasure (worship). A surrendered heart is what pleases God most. A surrendered heart sings, and a surrendered heart prays, but a surrendered heart also offers itself as a living sacrifice to God in the every day circumstances of life. We depend on each other to live truly surrendered lives, the kind that bring pleasure to God's heart.