Small Groups

Small Groups are the heart of our church community. They are intentionally centered around connection—bringing people together through shared hobbies, common life experiences, and similar seasons of life to foster meaningful relationships and a strong sense of belonging within the greater church body.

In a large church setting, it can be easy to feel anonymous. Small Groups create a space where everyone is known, valued, and encouraged. Whether it’s a group for young families, retirees, college students, men, women, or those who share interests like outdoor activities, book discussions, or service projects, each group is designed to build authentic community. These connections strengthen not only individual relationships but also deepen our unity as one church family.

Small Groups typically meet weekly or biweekly in homes, at the church, or in community spaces. Gatherings may include Bible study, prayer, discussion, shared meals, or activities connected to the group’s focus. Each group is led by dedicated leaders who are committed to cultivating a welcoming, Christ-centered environment where everyone feels seen and supported.

As members grow in relationship with one another, they also grow in faith. Together, they explore Scripture, share life’s joys and challenges, pray for one another, and encourage practical application of biblical truth. Through shared experiences and genuine connection, faith becomes lived out in everyday life.

We believe spiritual growth and life change happen best in community. Small Groups are where friendships are formed, belonging is strengthened, and individuals become more deeply connected to the larger church family. No matter your background or interests, there is a place for you to connect, grow, and belong.

Opening Prayer & Icebreaker

Icebreaker Question: Share about a relationship in your life that changed when you moved from knowing about someone to truly knowing them personally.

Key Scripture
James 4:8 - "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."
Psalm 42:1 - "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God."

Main Teaching Points
1. Distance Distorts Perception
* The farther you are from something, the harder it is to see clearly
* Many people have opinions about God without truly knowing Him
* Proximity brings clarity and understanding
2. Intimacy Requires Pursuit
* God responds to those who actively seek Him
* Love naturally desires closeness, not distance
* Relationship requires more than convenience—it requires commitment
3. Covenant vs. Convenience
* God wants a covenant relationship, not casual convenience
* True love involves both sacrifice and commitment
* We can't expect intimacy without investment
4. The Thirsty Soul
* Like a deer desperate for water, our souls were created to crave God's presence
* Worldly substitutes leave us spiritually dehydrated
* Only Jesus provides living water that truly satisfies

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Message
1. The pastor said, "Distance distorts perception." How have you experienced this in your relationship with God? What happens when we try to love God from a distance?
2. What's the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing God? Where would you place yourself on that spectrum right now?
3. The sermon contrasted "convenience" with "covenant." How might you be treating your relationship with God as convenient rather than covenant?

Personal Reflection
4. The pastor asked, "How many of you don't want to be with God right now?" If we're honest, our actions often reveal our true desires. What do your daily habits reveal about your desire for God's presence?
5. When was the last time you truly "panted" for God—desperately thirsted for His presence? What circumstances led to that hunger?
6. The sermon mentioned that "intimacy gives rise to knowledge." What have you learned about God's character through spending time in His presence that you couldn't learn any other way?

Examining Our Hearts
7. What "broken cisterns" (substitutes for God) are you tempted to drink from when you're spiritually thirsty? (Examples: relationships, success, entertainment, social media validation, etc.)
8. The pastor said, "God will only accept 100% of you." What areas of your life are you still holding back from surrendering to God?
9. How does fear, busyness, or past disappointment keep you from drawing closer to God?

Moving Forward
10. What would it look like practically for you to "draw near to God" this week? What specific steps could you take?
11. How can we tell the difference between an emotional moment with God and true intimacy that transforms us?

Key Takeaways
✓ Relationship requires proximity - You can't know God deeply while only visiting Him occasionally
✓ God responds to pursuit - When we take one step toward Him, He takes two steps toward us
✓ Intimacy produces revelation - The closer you get to God, the more He reveals about Himself and about you
✓ Your soul was created for God's presence - Nothing else will truly satisfy the deepest thirst of your soul
✓ It's all or nothing - God doesn't want your church attendance; He wants your whole heart
✓ Covenant, not convenience - God is looking for committed relationship, not casual encounters

Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge: Choose ONE to focus on
BEGINNER:
* Start each morning with 10 minutes of prayer before checking your phone
* Read one Psalm each day, asking God to reveal Himself to you personally
INTERMEDIATE:
* Create a "sacred space" in your home dedicated to meeting with God
* Journal your prayers and God's responses throughout the week
* Fast from one distraction (social media, TV, etc.) to create space for God
ADVANCED:
* Commit to a daily hour of prayer and Bible reading for the next 30 days
* Ask God to reveal areas where you're seeking convenience instead of covenant
* Memorize Psalm 42:1-2 and meditate on it throughout each day

Group Accountability
* Share with one person in the group which challenge you're committing to
* Exchange contact information to check in mid-week on your progress

Reflection Exercise (10-15 minutes)
Personal Inventory:
On a scale of 1-10, rate your current relationship with God in these areas:
* Consistency (daily time with Him): ____
* Honesty (vulnerability in prayer): ____
* Hunger (desire for His presence): ____
* Intimacy (depth of knowing Him): ____
* Obedience (following what He reveals): ____
Now answer:
* Which area needs the most attention?
* What is one barrier keeping you from a "10" in that area?
* What would it take to move up just one number this week?

Prayer Focus

Pray together as a group:
1. Confession - Acknowledge areas where we've loved God from a distance or sought convenience over covenant
2. Hunger - Ask God to increase our spiritual thirst and desperation for His presence
3. Commitment - Surrender 100% of our lives to Him, holding nothing back
4. Intimacy - Pray for deeper revelation and experiential knowledge of who God is
Closing Declaration: "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. Draw me closer, Lord. I don't just want to know about You—I want to know You for myself."

For Next Week
* Come prepared to share one way you drew near to God this week and how He met you
* Bring your journal or notes from your quiet times to share insights
* Be ready to discuss: "What did intimacy with God reveal to you this week?"

Additional Resources
* Book Recommendation: "The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer
* Worship Playlist: Create a personal playlist of worship songs to use during your quiet time
* Scripture Memory: Write Psalm 42:1-2 on a card and place it where you'll see it daily

Remember: God is not looking for perfection—He's looking for your pursuit. When you draw near to Him, He promises to draw near to you.

Small groups help people grow in their faith and build community. Our groups take place throughout the week in different neighborhoods, so use this form to find a group that's right for you. We'd love to have you join us!