Small Groups: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a small group?

We define a "small group" as a group of 8-12 adults meeting in a home for the purpose of fellowship, prayer, and study.

Can anyone join a small group?

Yes!  Small groups are open to any adult--single or married, young or old--and you can join a group at any time (i.e., you do not have to "get in" at the beginning of a study).

How often do small groups meet?

Small groups meet once a week, for an hour-and-a-half each night.  A common objection to this format is, "I'm just too busy to make that sort of weekly commitment!"  We certainly understand that life can be hectic, but this is actually one of the reasons why it is valuable for you to be a part of a small group... it provides a place to unwind and find prayer, support, and guidance in the midst of all of the busyness.  Furthermore, we have taken deliberate steps to help avoid the "burnout" that can come from a weekly commitment:

• Groups meet for a set amount of time: 90 minutes, beginning and ending right on time so that you can get home in time to pick up the kids or get to bed for an early work day.

• Groups meet for a set number of weeks: 6-8 weeks in the fall and 8-14 weeks in the spring... not 52 weeks per year!

While meeting weekly certainly can have its downsides, we believe that the benefits greatly outweigh them. For example, meeting every week helps members develop deeper relationships because they can keep up on what what is going on in one another's lives.  Similarly, meeting weekly also contributes to spiritual growth because it is easier to stay on top of prayer requests and study material.

We appreciate that a weekly commitment may seem a little daunting at first--and not everyone is at a place to be able to make that sort of commitment--but being a part of a small group may not be as difficult as you think.  In general, people will make time for what is important to them, whether that be work, sports, or their favorite television program... aren't developing solid friendships with others and growing in your spiritual life worth the 90 minutes?

What happens at a typical small group meeting?

The format varies a little depending on the group and its study material, but a typical small group meeting is broken up into three segments, including time for fellowship & refreshments, time for prayer, and time for an interactive study.  Also, during the summer and winter months (when the groups are not meeting regularly), members often get together for picnics, game nights, "field trips," service projects, and holiday parties.

Is childcare provided?

This also varies from group to group--to find out more, feel free to email us at info@cfcfchurch.org.

Does it cost anything?

While it does not cost anything to join a group, material for a particular study does sometimes need to be purchased.  In this case, every effort is made to keep costs at a minimum (average material cost is around $7), and assistance is available for those who may need it.  Also, the host couple often gives group members an opportunity to sign up to bring refreshments on one or two nights of the study if they are able.

How do I find out more?

As mentioned above, please feel free to email us at info@cfcfchurch.org if you have any questions about the small group ministry here at CFCF.

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