Small Groups


New Series: Make Every Effort



Download this week Small Groups questions:
2012-04-15 - For The Person Who Has Everything
2012-04-22- How To Keep Growing
2012-04-29- Get Ready
2012-05-06 Growing Together
2012-05-13 An Extravagant Gift 
2012-05-20 Don't Miss This 



Some Say ... - by Dennis Malcolm








Welcome to Trinity’s Small Groups



I’m Tim Osborne, Pastor of Small Groups. Here at Trinity, we love our Small Groups. I hope you will soon join one of our groups and begin to enjoy the benefits of living the Christian life with good friends. If you have any questions beyond what is covered here, please contact me at Tim@TrinityBible.org.



As we say at Trinity—Real. Life. Together.



Here are some frequently asked questions.



Why should you be in a Small Group?

Small Groups are central focus of our ministry here at Trinity. They are where the ministry of the church takes place as we encourage, support and challenge one another. God doesn’t want any of us to walk alone—we need each other.



What is a Small Group?

A Small Group is made up of 10-12 people who meet weekly to study, to share and to support one another in their Christian lives. Each group has a leader and many have a host. The typical meeting lasts two hours and includes a time of visiting over snacks, sharing, discussion of the lesson, and prayer.



What will we study?
Most of our Small Groups are built upon a “Lecture-Lab” model. If you imagine the Sunday sermon as the lecture on Christian living, your small group is the lab where these same topics are discussed, processed further, and applied in real life. Each week, homework will be included on the back of the sermon note sheet found in your bulletin. It will usually take 20 to 30 minutes to complete the homework.

How long does a group last?
Each Small Group session lasts 6-10 weeks. Basically, we have broken the year into three sessions that meet during the school year. 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 throughout the entire year. However, groups do not meet from June through August, though some continue to meet informally or socially through the summer.

Which group should I join?
We suggest you join a group based on your “personal fit” rather than on geography or the most convenient night of the week. We’ve found that a group works best when you share common interests, backgrounds, marital status, or children of similar ages. Frankly, sometimes it may take two or three groups before you find the perfect fit. But don’t worry, you’ll find it!

What is the required commitment?
Joining a Small Group requires an 8-10 week commitment to attend the weekly meetings and to do the homework ahead of time. Obviously, allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts, and other special events . . . but not much more! We have found that a strong commitment is the key to strong relationships and healthy groups.

What about child care?
Small groups are for adults only (we make exceptions for nursing moms). We leave it up to each family to work out their own childcare. 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.

When and where do Small Groups meet?
Small Groups meet on various days and nights of the week, primarily in homes throughout the community.

How do I join a group?  
Twice each year we hold "Small Group Sign-Up", a casual open-house event designed to connect people with a small group that meets their needs.  Small Group Sign-Up is held immediately following worship services during two Sundays in August and January.


What Makes a Great Small Group?

Although each Small Group will have its own unique personality, all of our groups share these four experiences:

• Friendship:
 God never intended for us to live the Christian life alone; we were designed to live as friends.  We believe that it is essential to have a healthy network of good friends, who can support, pray for, challenge, and encourage us as we follow Christ.  (I Thessalonians 5:11)



• Spiritual Transformation
: True spiritual growth is not measured by what we know, but by who we are becoming.  As we grow in our relationship with Christ, His love, His attitudes, and His life will be reflected in our own lives.   (Colossians 3:5-10) 



• Empowering Prayer: 
Praying together is powerful because it partners us with God and connects us with each other.  When we pray, God restores our hearts and stirs change in the world around us.  (Matthew 18:20)  



• Serving One Another:
 One distinguishing mark of the Christian life is to serve others as Christ did.  By serving others together we grow spiritually and our bonds with each other are strengthened. (Matthew 5:13-13)

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