We've learned that growth and discipleship happen in Biblical community.
"They spent their time learning the apostles' teaching, sharing, breaking bread, and praying together."
Acts 2:42
Fellowship is important. Many Christians today, however, feel fellowship or small group participation is optional—something they do only if they have free time after work, family errands, friends and leisure. But we believe fellowship is basic to what it means to be a Christian. The Bible teaches that once we accept Christ, we are not only united with God, but we are also relationally united with other believers in what’s called the body of Christ. “Just as each of us has one body with many members…so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:4,5).
There are countless verses telling us how to relate to each other, and the phrase “one another” appears over 60 times:
“…love one another…” (1 John 4:7)
“...honor one another…” (Romans 12:10)
“…agree with one another…” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
“...be patient, bearing with one another…” (Ephesians 4:2)
Face-to-Back-of-Head Syndrome
It seems obvious that the Christian life is meant to be lived in the context of fellowship. Unfortunately, it’s hard to experience real fellowship at our weekend worship gatherings. Meeting “face-to-back-of-head” once a week for an hour with hundreds of people is not what the writers of the New Testament had in mind when they wrote about fellowship. While our worship gatherings are a very important part of our church life, it’s at our Community Group meetings during the week that we can experience fellowship. Fellowship with other Christians is vital to your spiritual health and growth. If you are not yet involved in a small group, we would urge you to make time for this in your life.
How do I choose a group that’s right for me?
Consider what your greatest need is and then look for a group you think will best meet that need. Check the display of group cards on the information wall at the back of the sanctuary. Each card offers details on a different small group, such as when and where it meets, who the group leader is, and what the focus of the group is. Vineyard’s small groups meet throughout the week at various times.
What goes on at a small group meeting, and how long is it?
The average Community Group lasts about two hours. Though groups may look different, the core values are the same. Generally there will be worship, Bible-based discussion and a sharing time when group members encourage and pray for each other. The rest of the time is spent in “fellowship”—snacks and conversation and just getting to know each other better.
Do I have to be invited first before I can attend a small group meeting?
Absolutely not! All of our groups are open to anyone who is interested.
What will happen if I just “show up” at a small group meeting?
Our Community Groups love visitors! You will be warmly welcomed and invited to participate to the degree you feel comfortable. All of our groups are accustomed to visitors and new people. If possible, it's best to call the leader in advance to make sure the group is still meeting at the same time and place--but it's certainly not required. Leaders’ phone numbers are listed on the information cards on the Community Life Wall at the back of the sanctuary.
Do I have to make a long-term commitment to a particular Community Group?
Nope. You are free to visit as many groups as you like and attend a group for as short or long a period of time as you want. We do recommend, however, that you select a group and stick with it for one of our 3-month rotations. We use roughly 3-month periods (Jan.-April, May-July, Aug.-Nov.) to give folks the opportunity to join new groups if they want or continue with the ones they are already in. Continuing beyond a week or two will give you a chance to really get a feel for the group as well as begin forming meaningful relationships with other people.
Church and Christianity are both very new to me. Should I wait until I become more familiar with the Bible before going to a small group?
Absolutely not! Community Group involvement is the best way to grow in your knowledge and understanding of spiritual things. If you think you would feel out of place in a group with “old-timers” or “Bible experts,” consider that we all start our journey with Christ at the same place—and none of us are experts anyway. We hope the body as a whole will be an encouragement, no matter where you are in life.
Can I bring my kids with me to the small group meeting?
Some groups do provide supervision for children either at the place of meeting or nearby, but some do not. It is best to check in advance by calling the leader or host of the group you are interested in. Their phone numbers are listed on the group cards located on the Community Life Wall at the back of the sanctuary.
Additional Information
Please feel free to contact the church at (847) 697-8001 or
if you have any other questions or concerns about Community Groups.