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, singles-only groups 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)
Celebrate Recovery Finding freedom from life’s hurts, hang-ups, and habits—breaking through barriers to on-going growth.
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 they transition to a time where they discuss the topic, sermon or book they are studying and pray for each other. At the very beginning of the group, the whole group decides 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 the book of the Bible.
How often do groups meet?
Most groups meet weekly, others bi-weekly. Groups normally run in a trimester basis—September-December, January-May, June-August.
What if I don't find a group that fits me perfectly?
As we grow and offer more groups in more areas there will be a greater opportunity for you to get into a group that matches your needs. Being in a group is essential to feeling connected to our church. Therefore, you should be as flexible as you can when picking a group. If you start in a group and find it's not a good fit, you are welcome to try out other groups till you find your fit. To find out more about community groups, we encourage you to contact Roy Stamps, our Small Groups Coordinator, or one of these groups directly.
How long does a group stay together?
Because we run on a trimester basis, most groups will last for at least 8-10 weeks. After those first eight weeks, the group members decide if they want to continue meeting together for an additional 16 - 22 months. Therefore, the total duration of a typical Community Group is between one and a half to two years. There will new groups forming each semester, which you are welcome to join.
What does it mean when a group “ends” or “multiplies”?
During the term of the group, the group leader will train an apprentice to be the leader of the next group. At the end of the group, the leader and the apprentice (after becoming an approved leader) will often plant two new groups from their current group. They will both add more members to their respective new groups, therefore allowing others to join groups with seasoned leaders.
What if I want to lead a group?
Community Group leaders at MHBC have been recommended by other leaders in the church so the first step to leading a group is getting plugged into a group. You will need to attend all appropriate leader orientation and training sessions. For more information, or if you are interested in leading contact Roy Stamps, our Small Groups Coordinator.
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 Roy Stamps, our Small Groups Coordinator. On Sundays, you may find new opportunities being announced on our courtyard.
Discover A Group 