Grace Church at Willow Valley

Jesus calls us to community, not isolation. We want everyone to experience authentic Christian community in some type of small group. Small groups are an ideal place to become more fully devoted followers of Christ, transformed into his likeness, in a supportive environment, develop significant friendships, and serve the church and the community.

We believe this because doing life together is biblical. Throughout scripture, God is continually inviting us into relationship with Himself and with one another. Consider the following:

* Jesus called his "small group" of disciples to follow him and experience life together. (Luke 6:12-13).                                  

* The early church began in small house churches, growing and multiplying their small group communities (Acts 2:42-47).

Sunday services are a good building block for growth, but most of us need more if we’re serious about growing in our faith.  Small groups are the next step.  Groups of all types and purposes meet throughout the week.  There are home-based Sunday night groups, men’s and women’s groups, discipleship groups, and Bible study groups.  Getting connected to a group is a team effort between your willingness to get involved and available opportunities.

What do small groups look like?

A Small Group at Grace is an intentional gathering of 4-10 people who come together on a regular basis to experience life together and grow spiritually.

Every word is important to the definition:

• Keeping 4-10 participants in encouraged; everyone can participate and be involved.  Meeting on a regular basis establishes continuity and promotes commitment, both of which lead to real bonding and genuine community.  We encourage a minimum of 2 gatherings each month.
• Having a clearly defined purpose will keep the group from floundering as we work within community.
• Spiritual growth is necessary for everyone.

What are the benefits of a Small Group?

• Growing intimacy with God and others
• Significant conversations about real life
• People who care about you
• Opportunities to contribu te to the life of others
• Laughter, fun and food
• Opportunities to serve God 

Doing life together with a small group of people is the perfect place to let your guard down and open your life to others to join you on your spiritual journey.  If you are serious about growing deeper in your walk with Christ and maturing in your faith, we believe it is vital to plug into some type of small group.

We believe involvement in a Small Group is a key to fulfilling our mission at Grace:

LOVE GOD: transformational spiritual growth;

LOVE OTHERS: connecting relationally to others;

IMPACT OUR WORLD: sharing the love of Christ by serving others.