“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” Acts 2:46-47

A small group is a place of encouragement, spiritual growth and support. God designed us to live in community, and attending a church service is often not enough to make a strong spiritual connection with others. There are a number of ways you can develop relationships with people at Southridge, and one of the best is through small groups. Small groups meet at a variety of times and places. For more information, please contact Betsy Loeks, director of small group ministries, at (269) 372-2489.

FAQs about Small Groups

What is a small group?
A small group is a community of 6-12 people who meet on a regular basis in homes, at church, in coffee shops or wherever life happens. Groups come in all shapes and sizes, and there are no two exactly alike.

A small group is not a collection of perfect people who have life all figured out, but rather an environment where individuals can feel comfortable to ask questions, to learn and to be encouraged when they mess up. Having the ability to walk together in a small group to become more like Jesus is extremely refreshing, especially as our individual paths are not always quite as perfect.

What happens in a small group?
Small groups are a major way we can carry out Southridge’s vision statement, “… to love and serve God and others, and to help people come to spiritual maturity and experience the power of prayer.” Small groups consist of four basic elements:

• Prayer
  Discovering the revolutionizing power of prayer when we pray with and for each other is a divine experience. We draw closer to God and to others when we communicate through group prayer.
• Bible study
  Studying God’s word together can bring about incredible life transformations when we help each other understand and apply biblical truths to real-life situations.
• Fellowship
  Spending time socializing, having fun, and sharing family and life stories fosters an environment that encourages us in our relationships. Fellowship also stimulates a sense of openness, resulting in more intimate sharing during study time.
• Service
  Serving as a group helps awaken the realization of our spiritual and moral responsibility in our circle of influence in the home, neighborhood, school, work, community, church and world. We challenge ourselves to develop a lifestyle of sharing Christ through our examples.

Why are small groups important?
Authentic relationships occur best in the context of a small group. Small groups provide avenues for the intimate sharing, accountability and support that most of us need to grow deeper in our walk with Christ. At Southridge, it is our prayer that participation in small groups will move people toward a greater relationship with Christ and help transform them into His image.

Small groups should not be another obligation in our schedules that drain us, but rather a place to be re-energized and encouraged. Small groups produce disciples, leaders and contributors, and provide a place for one’s spiritual gifts to grow.

What time commitment is required to be in a small group?
Most groups meet regularly for one and a half hours every week or bi-weekly from September through April or May. A few continue to meet less frequently throughout the summer, although most take time off and stay connected with each other via e-mail, Sunday morning chats at church and an occasional social outing or cookout.

Groups meet whenever it is convenient for them—early mornings, days, nights, weekends or between Sunday services. We encourage members to commit to a small group for at least one year to fully realize a sense of community.

What kinds of groups are available?

• Couples
• Mixed—couples and single adult males and females combined
• Men
• Women
• Life stage—Groups based on common affinities: empty-nesters, married with small children, other special interests
• Form your own—We are always open to small groups that are identified and created by Southridge members to fill a need or to invite a group of people whom we have not yet reached.

How long does it take to get into a small group?
The time frame varies, although we aim to connect you with a group within a few days. Sometimes the process may take a few months, especially if you’re seeking a group near the end of the school calendar year. Most groups take a break for the summer and begin again in the fall.

How can I get involved in a small group?
Southridge has many groups meeting at various times and places. To get connected, call Betsy Loeks, director of small group ministries, at (269) 372-2489.

What if I would like to start a small group?
We are always looking for new group leaders! If you think God has called you to consider small group leadership, call Betsy Loeks to discuss the application process.