Small Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

Small groups give our church family the opportunity to study the Bible and connect with one another in a smaller setting than the Sunday assembly. This smaller setting allows for more interaction with other believers and a chance for deeper study. The Biblical basis for small groups is found in Acts 2:46 and Acts 5:41. Those verses tell us that the early church met together in the temple courts (large group gatherings) and from house-to-house (small group gatherings). We’re seeking to do the same. We meet together in a large group gathering once a week for the purpose of worship, prayer, communion, and a message from God’s Word. Then we meet together in smaller groups once a week for the purpose of deeper fellowship and spiritual growth. Our hope is that small groups become a natural extension of the Maury Hills Church and one of the primary ways we seek to “love God and love people.”

What’s the purpose?
The primary purpose of small groups is discipleship. A disciple is simply a learner or a follower. Small groups help us do both of those things. Through study of God’s Word they help us learn how to be more Christ-like and through meeting together with fellow Christians they encourage us to follow God more closely. Jesus himself regularly met with his small group of believers (disciples) for the purpose of teaching them and encouraging them. That’s our hope for small groups at Maury Hills—a place where you can learn more about God and grow spiritually. We’re convinced that participation in a small group will enhance your spiritual life and encourage every member to be involved in a least one group.

When do they meet?
Small groups may meet anytime during the week, but most of them meet on Sunday afternoon. We encourage this because it allows groups to use Sunday mornings as an opportunity to communicate with their group and invite newcomers. It’s also a day that most people are free from work, school, kid’s sports, etc.

Where do the meet?
Most groups are home-based meaning they rotate among the homes of the group’s members. This provides a more relaxed and casual atmosphere for fellowship and discussion. However, we also have a few groups that meet at the building. Meeting locations and times are listed in each week’s Sunday bulletin.

How often do they meet?
We encourage groups to meet weekly. This gives more opportunity to develop friendship and provides some consistency for studies. However, there is no set schedule. Each individual group determines how often they will meet together.

How long do they last?
Each group sets the agenda for their meetings so they vary from group to group. As a rule we encourage groups to keep their meetings to around an hour and a half and to include at least 45 minutes of Bible study & discussion.

What’s the make-up of small groups?
Most groups are generationally based. This assists in developing friendships with people who are in the same life stage and share similar concerns. We also have a few geographically based groups that meet in specific areas.

What do the groups study?
The study topic is usually left to the group leader but occasionally our shepherds will set the topic. Each week Russ provides a discussion guide centered on the morning’s message. Some groups use that guide and others decide to study a particular book or Biblical topic.

What about food?
Each group handles this differently. Some groups fix full meals every time they meet, others “brown-bag” it, and others just don’t do any food or drinks. It’s really up the group leaders and members. The important thing is that food doesn’t become a financial strain on group members or a distraction from the main purpose of small groups.

What about my kids?
If you have kids younger than 6th grade they will attend small group with you. We have several “kid-heavy” groups so they are very welcome! If they are in 6th-12th grades they may attend Shelter at the building.

How do I join?
If you’re interested in joining a small group we encourage you to call the office and talk with Russ or Sherri. They’ll discuss which group best fits your situation. However, all groups are open and you are welcome to contact the group leader’s directly.