Frequently asked questions about small groups:

What is a small group at Grace Church? A small group is an opportunity to meet with others to form relationships in which a person can grow in their love for Christ and others through biblical reflection, mutual care and support, and service.

Why join a small group? Small groups provide the ideal context for you to come to know and love God while meeting with others with similar interests and concerns.

Are all small groups the same? All small groups share some similarities, but each group takes on its own personality over time based on interests, the material studied, the different stages a group goes through, and how God works in a group.

Where do small groups meet? The majority of our groups meet in homes. Sometimes the group facilitator also hosts the meetings, while other groups rotate their meetings to different homes. A few groups meet at the church office or a business.

What about childcare? Each group decides how to handle this important issue. Some use a person or couple at the host home to watch the children while the group is meeting, while others may have the men meet one week (while the women watch the children) and women meet the next (while the men watch the children). Some groups decide to pay someone to watch the children in the home where they are meeting.

How often do small groups meet? This is decided by each individual group. Most groups meet each week, though some meet every other week.

What happens in a small group meeting? Most groups meet for 90 minutes, which includes an application of biblical truth, sharing and prayer times, refreshments, encouragement, and "just hanging out together." Between group meetings, an important part of group life includes social times and serving the church or community.

Who leads a small group at Grace Church? Each group has a trained facilitator who is responsible for keeping the group on track. Some groups have apprentice leaders who share the leadership, and others have members who lead occasionally or in a rotation.

When do the small groups begin? Even though a small group may decide to meet throughout the year, the church launches an opportunity to join a group for 6-8 weeks three times a year: October to middle November (prior to thanksgiving), middle January to March (prior to Easter), and April to June.

How will I know which type of group is best for me? This is a process. We will provide you with a list of small group profiles from which you can choose. We will also help you assess which group best fits in with your ‘season of life’ and personal interest.

What kind of commitment are we talking about? We encourage you to visit a group several times before committing. The bottom line is a commitment to what the group is currently studying, but many people find the small group experience to be very rewarding and decide to continue with their group after the initial study has concluded.

How do I join a group? After reviewing the list of groups that currently have openings, choose several that fit your schedule and then call the contact number listed to arrange for a visit. Take time to visit several groups before making a decision on which one is the best fit. If you’d like more help or information, you’re always welcome to contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   We're here to help!

What types of small group are available? We have small groups for different seasons of life: students, collegians, young married/engaged, married and single adults, men, and women.

Can I be part of the small group ministry? We would like to expand our small groups into other areas such as recovery groups (people recovering from alcohol, injury, death of a loved one, unemployment, divorce, etc.), family groups (the entire family is part of the same group), outreach groups with a focus on the unbeliever (such as neighbors), and affinity groups (groups for educators, single parents, medical professionals, mothers of preschoolers, golfers, etc.). If you have a passion to help facilitate any of these groups, please let Pastor Jerry know @ 909.542.0505 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Can I be a host? If you would like to minister by providing your home to host a small group, please let us know! Others would actually lead the small group.

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