Small Groups
Small Groups at Calvary
What are Small Groups?
At Calvary, small groups are intended to be the backbone of our shepherding strategy. By participating in a small group, people are intentionally putting themselves under the care and support of our Shepherd Elders, and putting themselves in the best opportunity to grow in friendship and fellowship.
Small groups are the places we can be known and deeply know others. They are also a place where we can grow, together.
What do Small Groups do?
Small groups take on all kinds of different forms at Calvary, and we find that both exciting and helpful! Some groups meet in homes, while others meet in the church building. Some groups include children in discussions, while others are adults-only. Some groups have been together for many years (even decades!) while others are welcoming new members or have just started meeting. Some share a meal together. Some serve together. There are many iterations of small groups.
However, one primary focus of every small group is to regularly and faithfully study and savor the Word together. As they study, they also consider the real-life applications within scripture. Further, group members should consistently be pointing one another to sound doctrine and sound practice of the Christian life.
Practically speaking, groups do a variety of things to pursue the above goal. They may use a book as a launching point to discuss the truths of scripture. They may use the sermon (and accompanying sermon guide) as a means of discussion and scripture study. Or, they may simply choose a book of the Bible and work through it together. Whichever form or vehicle, the goal is to point to scripture in all things.
Why join a Small Group?
Small groups are the place to make a bigger church feel small. It is also a place to practically work at pursing the unity of the Church, and practicing the “one another” commands of scripture. Further, groups provide a place to belong, a form of healthy accountability, and ideally, a depth of a relationship that comes with pursuing Jesus together actively.
Who should join a Small Group?
There is hopefully a place for anyone in a small group! Members of Calvary are requested to join a group; non-member attendees are very encouraged to join in as well. Further, group leaders are highly encouraged to invite friends, neighbors, and co-workers to join their groups, too (if the purpose and structure of the group allow for this; most do!).
How do I join a Small Group at Calvary?
There are two primary ways for someone to join a Small Group at Calvary. The first and best way is to be invited into the group by the Small Group Leader. The second way is to fill out the form below to express interest in joining a group, and our team will work with you to connect you with some options of groups. By completing the form, we will be able to better match you with a group that fits for you and/or your family.
A No-Strings-Attached Visit
That said, we certainly understand that sometimes that elusive idea of “chemistry” is a determining factor in landing in the right group. Therefore, we invite prospective group members to try out a group once or twice with a “no strings attached” visit to see if a group and its dynamic may be right for you. If not, we certainly can work with you to find something else.
However, please note that we aren’t able to offer a custom situation for all individuals, couples, or families. We will do our best to work with your preferences; we would invite you to consider what accommodations you can make to adjust to the groups that are available.
Are You Currently a Small Group Leader?
If you are a Small Group Leader at Calvary, this form will help us know exactly who is in your group, what your group is presently doing, and how to best support you for the coming year.