Q. What Are Small Groups?
Small Groups are places where adults--8-20 people--meet weekly for Bible study, prayer and developing friendships.

Q. What Is the Purpose of Small Groups?
We want to keep Small Groups simple. No big organizational structure, class secretaries, mandatory this or that. We desire to each each person in a Small Group engage in God's Word (Bible study) and to make a friend. That's it. Because if you we accomplish those two things, you'll enjoy and stay in that group, and experience life-change over time through God's Word.

Q. What Is the Difference Between Home Groups and Life Groups?
Home Groups meet off-campus, in an area home, or other meeting place like a restaurant. Home Groups are built around convenience and location. Life Groups meet at the church campus--many of these meet at the traditional "Sunday School" time on Sunday mornings. To avoid confusion, we refer to any small group off-campus as a "group", and gatherings on-campus as a "class".

Q. Why Do Groups Begin and End Instead of Go Continuously?
We always want to give guests and other not in a group an easy and timely way to join a group. Having set beginning and end points makes it easier for someone to join in. When everyone "signs up" for a group each semester, it's easier to try a new group, to form new groups, and to change groups. Some Groups and Classes may choose to meet continuously, even though they participate in these "starting points" each year--and that's okay. Our desire is to make groups as easy to join as possible, and yet be flexible to the needs of each group.

Q. What Bible Study Is Provided for Groups?
During each semester the church provides Small Group discussion guides built around Pastor Merritt's sermons. The discussion guides are downloadable by any group member from the church's website. Discussion guides help group members take the sermon they heard on Sunday morning and go deeper, talking through related scriptures, reviewing key message points, giving personal impressions and asking questions, and discovering how they can apply the teaching to everyday life.

Another advantage--the guides are easy to use and anyone can do it. You don't need a highly-trained or gifted teacher to lead a small group discussion--just individuals with a desire to share their thoughts and experiences from the sermon. And since everyone in the group participated in worship, the whole group is "on the same page" each week.

Can groups choose another type of study? Of course! The discussion guides are provided as an encouragement and convenience. If your group desires a different topical or book study, that's a choice that's up to your group.

Q. Why The Emphasis on Everyone Being in a Group?
God has blessed us with many adults who attend worship each week. We're all excited to learn from our Pastor as he teaches, and enjoy the musical portion of worship. But, adults who aren't engaged in a small group are missing the best connection they can make at Cross Pointe. Small Groups are where great relationships are formed, and you can ask questions as you learn from God's Word. When you're in a small group you'll join the real "community" of our church. That's why we believe Small Groups are so essential to the growth of every believer.

Q. What If I Start Out in a Group and It's Not for Me?
First, thanks for trying! Getting into a new group is always a challenge--are you going to like the folks in a group, identify with them, and make a friend? We'll do our best to help in that process, but we realize that sometimes a group is just not a good fit. We recommend you try a group for one semester. If it's not for you, as the semester concludes, prayerfully choose another. If you want suggestions for another group, just ask. A group should not seem forced or uncomfortable. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to find a good fit--even if it takes a few tries.

Q. Honestly, Why Is This Arrangement Different?
Cross Pointe is a young church--only 8 years old. During that brief time, we've had several different arrangements for small groups. Over the last two years, the Pastor and staff leaders, along with prayerful input and counsel of our lay leaders, have been developing what we believe to be God's desired direction for us in the area of adult discipleship. It has not been an easy process. And frankly, we've really struggled in this area with a few fits and starts. Our prior "Life Group" arrangement hasn't been growing--and many adults simply were frustrated with the class choices, or didn't feel they could fit in to a Life Group. Others are very happy with their current group, and we believe it is best to allow those group to continue and to grow.

We're seeking the best of what we currently have, and to add elements to Groups we believe are Christ-honoring, follow the model of the early church, and will encourage everyone to get involved. For those who have never tried a group--we're confident we've got it right, and want you to give it a try. For those who may have tried a group before unsuccessfully, we're putting our best foot forward--and asking you to give us another shot. We think you'll be glad you did.

Q. What If I Still Have Questions?
Just ask. Our Discipleship Team is eager to serve you and give you all the info you need to make a determination about your group.