What are Community Groups all about?
The primary purpose of our community groups is to initiate and sustain life change through community. We believe that the application of God's word to our daily lives as we meet together and challenge each other is what produces that change. It's also where we pray, look for opportunities to serve together, care for one another, and are missed if we don't show up. Practically speaking, there will never be a way for the staff or elders to personally minister to everyone who attends our church. That's why we place such a high premium on group life. It's how we minister effectively at MHBC. They are for adults of all ages, stages of life, and spiritual maturity.
What kind of groups are available?
Married Couples Community groups comprised of married couples in the same stage of life (couples without children, with children, and empty nesters) and area of town.
Men’s and Women’s Men and women can join same-gender, or various stages of life groups (married, single, divorced, widowed).
Young Adult Community groups comprised mainly of students from the local area and college campuses . Each group is either all men or all women.
Starting Point Starting Point is a 10-week conversational small group where people can explore faith and experience community. These groups are comprised of men and women of all ages and stages of life (single, married, divorced, and widowed).
What goes on at a group meeting?
Though each group differs in how they do things, many groups have a social time in the beginning then transition to a time where they discuss a particular topic, sermon or book study. A typical group meeting concludes with a time of prayer for each other. When a new group first meets, the can decide how much time they will spend on social, discussion, and prayer time (as well as the order in which they take place). Some start in a large group setting (eg., Women’s Bible Study) and then move to smaller groups for discussion and prayer.
What does each group study?
Each group picks their own curriculum to study with the help of the Community Groups Director or staff pastor. Some groups are topic based, sermon based, use videos, book-studies or study through a book of the Bible.
How often do groups meet?
Most groups meet weekly, others bi-weekly. We encourage groups to meet no less than bi-weekly to maintain a healthy sense of community. Groups normally run on a semester basis—September-December and January-May, consistent with kids' school schedules. Meeting in the Summer is optional for studies but we encourage ongoing group social gatherings.
What if I don't find a group that fits me perfectly?
As we grow and offer more groups, there will be more options and opportunities for you to join a group that matches your needs. Being in a group is essential to being connected to our church. If you start in a group and find it's not a good fit, you are welcome to try another group that's more suitable to you. To find out more about community groups, view the groups on our website and contact the leader or feel free to contact Tere Johnson, the Director of Community Groups, for any assistance..
How long does a group stay together?
Most groups meet for approximately 8-10 weeks. After a study concludes, group members decide if they want to continue meeting together for the next session. There will be new groups forming each semester, which you are welcome to join.
What does it mean when a group “multiplies”?
During the term of some groups, the group leader will train an apprentice to be the leader of a new group. At the end of the group, the apprentice (upon becoming an approved leader) will often plant a new group. Both leaders will be able to add more members to their respective groups, thereby increasing the number of overall community groups with trained leaders.
What if I want to lead a group?
Community Group leaders at MHBC are typically recommended by other group leaders. Therefore, the first step is to get plugged plugged into a group. You will need to attend all appropriate leader orientation and training sessions. For more information, contact Tere Johnson, the Director of Community Groups.
How do we handle childcare?
Every group handles that differently. Some groups provide childcare and others take turns watching each other’s children, and in others, each individual family supplies their own. We don’t want the cost of childcare to detract from anyone being a part of a community group, so we do reimburse (at a predetermined rate) for babysitters needed for each group meeting. Click here for a childcare reimbursement form.
How do I get connected to a community group?
To get connected to a group you can click here to see our current groups and also contact Tere Johnson, the Director of Community Groups. On Sundays, you can stop by the Community Groups Table located on the Courtyard to get additional information about our Community Groups.
