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 (5 minutes)
Begin by inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and open hearts to receive what God wants to reveal about each person's purpose and calling.

Ice Breaker (10 minutes)
Question: Share one thing you wanted to be when you were a child. How has that dream evolved or changed as you've grown?

Key Scripture
Jeremiah 1:4-8 "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I sanctified you. I ordained you a prophet to the nations."
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

Key Takeaways

1. God knew you before you knew yourself - Your identity and purpose were established before you were born
2. Your calling is not based on your qualifications - God's sovereignty supersedes your limitations
3. Purpose is discovered through relationship with God - You don't invent your destiny; you discover it
4. God sees the oak tree, not just the acorn - God sees your full potential, not just your current state
5. Your assignment affects others, not just yourself - Kingdom purpose is never self-centered

Discussion Questions
Section 1: God's Foreknowledge (15 minutes)
Q1: The sermon emphasized that "God knew you before you knew yourself." How does this truth change the way you view your identity and worth?
Q2: Like Jeremiah, we often focus on our limitations rather than God's ability. What limitations or excuses have you used to avoid what you sense God calling you to do?
Q3: Read Psalm 139:13-16. What does it mean to you personally that God "knit you together" and that "all your days were written in His book"?

Section 2: Responding to God's Call (15 minutes)
Q4: Jeremiah responded to God's call with fear and insecurity, saying "I am only a youth." What fears or insecurities have held you back from pursuing God's purpose for your life?
Q5: The pastor said, "God does not consult our weaknesses before releasing our assignment." How does this challenge the way you've thought about being "qualified" for God's work?
Q6: Discuss the statement: "Your calling is not based upon your adequacy, but upon God's sufficiency." What does this mean practically in your life?

Section 3: Discovering Your Purpose (15 minutes)
Q7: The sermon stated that "your purpose is not something you invent; it's something you find out through your relationship with God." What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God to discover His purpose for you?
Q8: The pastor mentioned that God uses dreams, desires, talents, and gifts as clues to our divine assignment. What recurring themes, passions, or abilities keep showing up in your life that might be indicators of your calling?
Q9: How have past mistakes, failures, or disappointments caused you to doubt whether God can still use you? How does today's message speak to that?

Section 4: The Oak Tree Perspective (15 minutes)
Q10: The acorn illustration showed that God sees the 100-foot oak tree while we only see the seed. Where in your life do you need to shift from seeing yourself as a "seed" to seeing yourself as God sees you—as the "tree"?
Q11: The oak tree provides shade, oxygen, and food—it serves a purpose beyond itself. How does understanding that your purpose is meant to serve others change your perspective on your calling?
Q12: The pastor said, "Stop believing the lies of Satan" about your identity and calling. What specific lies do you need to reject, and what truths from God's Word will you replace them with?

Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge:
Choose ONE of the following action steps to complete before your next meeting:
Option 1: Identity Declaration

• Write out Jeremiah 1:5 and Ephesians 2:10 on a card
• Place it where you'll see it daily (mirror, car dashboard, phone wallpaper)
• Read it aloud each morning, declaring: "God knew me, chose me, and has a purpose for me"

Option 2: Purpose Conversation

• Schedule 30 minutes of uninterrupted time with God
• Ask Him specifically: "God, why did You make me? What is my purpose?"
• Journal what comes to mind—scriptures, impressions, memories, desires
• Share your insights with a trusted friend or mentor

Option 3: Step Out in Faith

• Identify one thing you sense God calling you to do but have been avoiding
• Take one concrete step toward that calling this week (no matter how small)
• Document what happens and how you feel

Option 4: Serve Beyond Yourself

• Volunteer for one ministry or service opportunity at church or in your community
• Reflect on how using your gifts to serve others connects to your kingdom purpose

Option 5: Reject the Lies

• Make two lists: "Lies I've Believed About Myself" and "What God Says About Me"
• Find scripture to counter each lie
• Pray through the list, asking God to renew your mind

Group Activity (10 minutes)
"Seeing the Oak Tree"

• Pair up with someone in the group
• Take turns sharing one limitation or weakness you see in yourself
• Have your partner speak truth over you about the potential and purpose God sees in you
• Pray for each other, asking God to reveal His perspective

Prayer Focus (10 minutes)
Pray together for:

1. Revelation - That each person would clearly hear from God about their purpose and calling
2. Courage - To step out in faith despite fears, insecurities, and past failures
3. Renewed Vision - To see ourselves as God sees us, not as the world or our mistakes define us
4. Obedience - To yield to God's plan rather than fight, resist, or delay
5. Salvation - For anyone in the group or in your circle who needs to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior—the first step to unlocking purpose

Closing Reflection
Read together:
"God's calling over your life cannot be counseled by your mistakes, not by your failures, not by your disappointment, not by your delays. It cannot be stopped. Wherever God wants you to be, you can be it."
Final Question: What is one thing God spoke to your heart today that you will carry with you this week?

Before Next Week

• Complete your chosen practical application
• Continue praying about your kingdom assignment
• Be prepared to share what God revealed to you

Additional Resources

• Recommended Reading: "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren
• Scripture Memory: Jeremiah 1:5 or Ephesians 2:10
• Worship Song: "Who You Say I Am" by Hillsong Worship

Remember: It's not about you—it's about the Kingdom. But God has specifically designed YOU to play a unique role in His Kingdom purpose.

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!