The first thing Jesus did when he began his ministry was to form a small group. He gathered a small group of followers around him for support, training and encouragement. He lived side by side with his small group for the remainder of his life and ministry. If this was Jesus' pattern, purpose and principle in life, how much more should it be for us?

What are small groups?

Small groups are just what they sound like; a small group of six, eight, or more people who meet regularly to share their lives, support one another, and study biblical truths. Small groups are more than Bible study groups; they are groups designed to meet the needs of people at different life stages — physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and so on. Small groups at Prince of Peace provide a setting where people can connect and establish relationships of accountability and openness with one another.

Why should I attend a Small Group?

Human life was not intended to be experienced alone. Everything in our world is connected by relationships, and small groups offer the opportunity to develop new relationships and strengthen old ones. Small groups allow you:

1. To really begin to feel like part of God's family.
   Sometimes people are looking for a deeper relationship with God and others than can be experience by attending church worship services. There may be times that worship just doesn't fit into the more complicated schedules of today's world. Perhaps you are trying to find your way back to God and the formality of worship brings back too many bad memories right now. For lots of good reasons, small groups present a casual, interactive setting to allow for maximum flexibility and personal relationships. In a group, you can gain a sense of belonging and the chance to connect with others on a more intimate basis.
2. An opportunity to study God's word in community and discuss how it practically/personally applies.
   If you've ever listened to someone talking about the Bible and wanted to stop that person and say, "But, what about...?" or "I don't understand!" then a small group is for you! Preaching and teaching are forms of communication... you listen while the speaker speaks. It's fine for communicating information, but is not as effective in helping make a personal application. In a small group setting, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion, and hear others share insights and illustrations of the truth you have been taught.
3. A safe haven to honestly share your life struggles and better deal with daily stress and pressure.
   Everyone needs a shoulder to lean on! We all need a place where we feel safe to share our feelings with others and allow others to authentically share their feelings with us. We need a family where we are cared for, nurtured, challenged, guided and prayed for; where we can ask straightforward questions and disclose our struggles. Small groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You'll have a sense of stability and security because you know there are people who genuinely care for you and are committed to supporting you.
4. An avenue for prayer to become more meaningful to you.
   Our communication with God through prayer acknowledges our deep need to commune and converse with the Divine. Small groups provide you the opportunity to develop your prayer walk by allowing you to observe how others communicate with God; no one is pressured to pray as it is a personal connection with God. Our belief is that the more comfortable one becomes with prayer, the more they can experience deeper connection in their personal relationship with Jesus.
5. You will develop skills you never knew you had.
   Every person in the world has been given special gifts and abilities for the benefit of others. Through participation in a small group you will have an opportunity to discover and use your gifts. You will discover your confidence and self-esteem rising. This will help you at work, at church and in every other relationship you have.

What do small groups do?

There is no formula for how a small group operates. By definition they exist to serve the needs of those in the group while serving God. Usually, small groups materialize themselves through common interests such as reading and discussing a book, watching and discussing a movie, gender issues, marital issues, hobbies, areas of service, major life events, etc.

Where and when do small groups meet?

Groups meet in a number of different locations around the greater Crofton area, including coffee shops, restaurants, the church, and in people's homes. Small group members usually mutually agree on a time to meet as flexibility is their cornerstone; with today's busy work/home schedules, it is important to try and accommodate as many people as possible! Usually, groups meet at night (after work), but some do meet during the day and on the weekend.

How do I find a small group?

New small groups are announced on the web site, in the church newsletter (The Mouse), in the Sunday bulletin, and on the bulletin boards of the church. If you are interested in joining an existing small group or forming a new one, please contact the church office!

You do not have to be a member of Prince of Peace to join a small group.