What are Growth Groups?

A Growth Group is made up of 5-15 people who meet weekly to study, share, and support one another in their Christian lives. Growth Groups are made up of regular people who are connected relationally for the sake of building authentic community and living out God's mission in our culture. These groups pray for each other, love each other, take care of each other, socialize together, live life together, and are equipped for mission together. We have found that it's easier for people to connect and build meaningful, significant relationships with each other in smaller venues. We place a great value on these relationships and as Verde grows, we will need to be continually committed to building these kinds of personal, life-long relationships. Growth Groups typically last about and hour and a half, but have time before and after to meet and connect with others in our community. Some groups chose to also spend some time in singing and worship, and/or enjoy a meal together.

We suggest you join a group based on several factors. Whether it's your particular station in life, geographical location, or most convenient day of the week. We've found that a group works best when we share common interests, backgrounds, marital status or similar aged children. Frankly, sometimes it might take two or three groups before you find the perfect fit. But don't worry, you'll find the right group.

How Long Does A Group Last?

Growth Group sessions last between 9-13 weeks. We've broken the year into four quarters or sessions. At the end of each session, you have the choice of staying in the same group, trying a different group, starting a new group, or even taking a break. Typically groups stay together throughout the entire year and do not usually meet during the summer.

What About Childcare?

Growth Groups are responsible for their own childcare. Sometimes it works best for families to share a sitter or swap childcare with another family whose group meets on a different day or time. There is a list of approved sitters available upon request at the church office.

What Do Groups Study?

Growth Groups studies are typically based on the previous weekend's sermon, built upon what we call a "LectureLab" model. If you imagine the weekend sermon as a lecture on Christian living, then the group meeting is a lab where you get to roll up your sleeves and discuss how the sermon works out practically, in real life. Each week there will be a series of Bible passages and questions to study and complete before your group gathering. The questions are included on the back of the sermon note sheet found in the Sunday bulletin.

Not every group follows this model. Some groups use a different model or curriculum for their gatherings (the focus can include everything from marriage enrichment, theology, Bible study methods, parenting issues, financial freedom, Christian foundations, etc). Other groups are bound together by a common station in life such as singles, young marrieds, parents of teens, and senior adults.

Why Do Groups This Way?

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." This insight and inspiration helped us realize that fellowship with God is not a selfish act. We are called by Scripture to be in community with other people with a purpose to stir up, provoke, or elevate them toward an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. Perseverance then is a community endeavor which takes multiple people working and living life together. Community encouragement toward perseverance requires actually being together.

What are “Recovery Groups”?

“Recovery groups” are offered through our Celebrate Recovery ministry. Celebrate Recovery meets on Thursday nights in the Chapel. Dinner is served in the Fellowship Hall at 5:45pm with the meeting starting at 6:30pm followed by small groups. Celebrate Recovery offers an opportunity to receive God’s healing from hurts, habits and hang-ups. Find out more about Verde Baptist's CR here.

How Do I Sign Up?

We will have sign ups periodically throughout the year.  You can always jump in by filling out the information card and checking "growth groups" and we will contact you with more information.

What Is The Main Point Of Growth Groups?

Church Phone 928.634.3645