About Small Groups
Do you ever think, "Why is it so hard to get to know people? Why is it so hard to make good friends?"
At Neighborhood, you can join a small group that's right for you: women, men, singles, couples, teens, special interests, and more!
Second, a small group is a place to get your questions answered. The group will help you unpack and understand the Bible. You will help each other apply God's Word to your lives and make it real.
Third, a small group is a place to serve and be served. Jesus came to be a servant of all, and the group will encourage one another to follow Jesus' example and serve not only each other, but also the church and the community.
Finally, a small group is not only a place to grow deeply in your faith, but also a place to learn how to share it. The mission of Neighborhood is to "develop fully-devoted, reproducing followers of Jesus Christ." Most of the people who are new to Neighborhood will tell you that they came here because someone actually made the effort to invite them. A small group is the place to become better equipped to begin those conversations with people who don't know Jesus.
Susan Okamura
God never meant for us to live life alone!
God is all about relationships and community. He uses other people to help us grow, and that's why Neighborhood has developed a flourishing network of small group communities throughout every area of the church. Small groups are meeting all over the East Bay, and there is always an open group that fits your interests. They are places where you can be real with people, dive into the Bible, and discuss issues that are relevant to your life. When you get involved in a small group, you will be on the road to experiencing spiritual growth like you've never known before!What is a small group?
We realize that Neighborhood Church is a big place, and we want to help make it feel smaller. Woven into the fabric of ministry at Neighborhood, small groups of 4-12 people (of all ages and interests) meet in homes and coffee shops in and around the area for Bible study, community and special interests. Some groups even meet at the church. Whenever and wherever they meet, they are full of people who long to "do life" with people who care about God and each other.At Neighborhood, you can join a small group that's right for you: women, men, singles, couples, teens, special interests, and more!
Why should you join a small group?
First, a small group gives you an opportunity to develop deep, caring relationships. Through life's highs and lows, your group will be there to celebrate with you and support you through the tough times.Second, a small group is a place to get your questions answered. The group will help you unpack and understand the Bible. You will help each other apply God's Word to your lives and make it real.
Third, a small group is a place to serve and be served. Jesus came to be a servant of all, and the group will encourage one another to follow Jesus' example and serve not only each other, but also the church and the community.
Finally, a small group is not only a place to grow deeply in your faith, but also a place to learn how to share it. The mission of Neighborhood is to "develop fully-devoted, reproducing followers of Jesus Christ." Most of the people who are new to Neighborhood will tell you that they came here because someone actually made the effort to invite them. A small group is the place to become better equipped to begin those conversations with people who don't know Jesus.
How can you get connected to a small group?
- Regularly attend a Sunday Morning Community.
The Sunday Morning Communities, as well as our Youth
Ministries (College, High School, and Jr. High),
all foster environments from which small groups can
spring. When people have things in common,
relationships often come together naturally. These
mid-sized groups are natural
"entry points" to move people into deeper
small group community.
- Be vocal and active about your desire to get into a group.
By simply expressing your interest to people you talk to at church, you will increase
your likelihood of finding an existing group that's a great fit for you, or discovering
others who are looking to start one. Existing small groups are always encouraged to be
on the lookout for potential members. In addition, by serving in an area that you are
passionate about, you will automatically get to know people with common interests. For
example, if you serve in your child's room in LEGACY (the children's ministry), you will
get to know parents who have children of the same age.
- Look at the Small Group list.
Small groups are listed according to
type (such as singles, couples, men, women, parents with teens, etc.), location, and time.
You can make an initial contact by submitting a form from the Small Group list that will go directly to
the small group host/leader.
Click here to view the Small Groups list. - Inquire about Small Groups at the Information Center in the Lobby.
The Information Center in the lower alcove of the church
lobby has information about Small Groups. Pick up a
list of current groups there. The list contains
information about group type, meeting day, time and
location, as well as contact information for group
leaders.
How can you start a small group?
If you feel like God wants you to host, lead, or be a leader's "apprentice" in a small group, Neighborhood offers the training and tools necessary to begin and to lead an effective, life-transforming small group. To get involved, attend an IMPACT Small Group Training Seminar (intensive discussion-leader training) or a Host Home Orientation meeting. IMPACT is offered a total of 3 times per year, and they will help infuse you with the "DNA" of a spiritually focused, purposeful, and personally enriching small group. If you have any questions, you can also contact Randy Odom.Ministry Contacts:
Randy OdomSusan Okamura
More from Small Groups
- About Small Groups
- Church Resource Library for Small Groups
- Tools for Small Group Leaders