General

We often refer to community grow groups as small groups.  Small groups are generally based on relationships and stage of life.  A community grow group is a small group of 10-12 people that meets in any relational environment.  Groups generally meet for about 90 minutes which includes time for fellowship/hang-out time, Bible discussion and prayer.

Purpose

Crossroads is what we call a church "OF" small groups, not a church "WITH" small groups.  The difference between the two is found in our approach and purpose.  We believe everybody should be in a small group.  When you are not in a small group you are very likely to be out on the fringe and feel disconnected.  You also will not likely develop meaningful relationships because there is only limited time in the large group environment to get past the surface.  You also will not have anyone to "do life with" nor with others have you to "do life with".  Small groups are vital to developing a sense of belonging and a sense of community. 

"Connecting" to a community grow group gives people a sense of belonging and an opportunity to serve others.  Therefore we invite people to come - "do life with us" - like Jesus did.    Out of this context of community, relationships develop and life transformation happens. "C" groups are great places to establish and build solid friendships and lasting, supporting, and encouraging relationships. 

Philosophy

Small groups are based on the example of Jesus and the early church.   When Jesus told his disciples to "follow me", He was telling them to increase their level of commitment and come "do life with Him".  The early church also met in a large group and a small group.  Acts 2:46 - Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere heart.  The first church that ever existed was a church of small groups and large groups. 

Acts 2:42 provides the basic grid from which small groups operate.  This verse says,  They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  These 4 elements, teaching, fellowship, worship and prayer, should be a part of small group context.

Small Group Values

Love-choosing to unconditionally accept each other thru selfless acts of giving.

Support-Blessing one another from our time, treasure, and talents by serving, caring, and helping each other.

Confidentiality-What is shared in group, stays in group

Accountability-going deeper with each other in order to go higher w/ God

Welcoming- always having an open chair to remind us to search for people with intensity b/c people matter to God.

Honesty-trusting each other enough to take off our masks and share from our hearts.

Committed- making connecting to each other a priority b/c we want to not have to

Prayer- praying with and for each other continuously, not just at group

Membership Responsibilities

One of our membership requirements is to "identify" with a small group.  What does this mean?  Identifying with a small group is synonymous with belonging to a small group.  When you belong you are missed and it is not the same when you are not there.  Visiting a group once or twice would most likely not achieve a sense of identification or a sense of belonging.  So then, we desire for you to identify with a group enough that you and the group would say the same thing, "you belong to each other."

We also ask that over the duration of your membership that you 'maintain' your membership by continually belonging/identifying to a small group, or you would place your membership in jeopardy.

How do I join a Small group

It's easy!  You can stop by our resource table at the weekend service and get a community grow group card of your choice and visit that group.  You can send an email to office@crossroadswalton.org requesting information and it will be sent to you.  You can also check the box on the back of a Sunday Morning connection card requesting information. 

See you at Group!!