WHAT IS A SMALL GROUP?



A small group is a gathering of eight to twelve people who meet regularly for mutual friendship, growth, outreach and/or service, and prayer.

Fellowship
This is an especially important blessing through a small group.  It’s impossible to meet everyone on Sunday, much less know them.  Group fellowship time allows participants to get to know people by first name, develop friendships, build community, and support one another in times of joy and need.

Bible Study or Devotion
Connection to God’s Word is vital for personal and group spiritual health.  Small group study or devotion gives us the opportunity to grow in Christ and apply His Word to particular life-situations.  Groups which emphasize fellowship, service, or care may use devotions rather than Bible Studies.

Outreach and Service to others
Fellowship, Bible Study, and Groups are comfortable places to bring friends and associates together who have a larger purpose than focusing on themselves.  Our small groups seek to establish an area of service outside of their group to serve others in need.

Support, Care and Prayer
Everyone has joys and frustrations, reasons to give thanks, and ask for God’s help.  Over 59 verses in Scripture call Christians to “one another” ministry.  The Holy Spirit commissions every believer into a priesthood of all believers which includes caring for and helping one another.  Studies have shown that a single pastor can provide effective pastoral for 150-200 people.  However, supplemented with the care that happens in small groups, that number more than doubles.

Types of Groups
  • Fellowship Groups emphasize friendship through sports, common interests, hobbies, and other activities.
  • Bible Studies emphasize group discussion and application of Scripture.
  • Ministry Teams emphasize service on behalf of the people of St. Paul Lutheran and/or the community.
  • Care Groups emphasize support, care, and prayer for those in certain life situations.

St. Paul offers a wide range of small group ministry opportunities.

Call the church office for more information or check out the weekly announcements for groups, times, and locations