Growth Groups at Verde

How Important Are Growth Groups?

At Verde we consider Growth Groups to be vitally important to our ministry. They are a place where the real ministry of the church takes place as we encourage, support, and challenge one another. God doesn’t want any of us to be left to walk alone – we need each other!

What are Growth Groups?

A Growth Group is made up of 10‑16 people who meet weekly to study, to share, and to support one another in their Christian lives. Each group is led by a trained leader. A typical meeting lasts for an hour and a half, followed by light refreshments. Some groups choose to also spend some time in singing and worship.

How Do I Sign Up?

Church wide sign‑ups begin at the start of each new session. You can also sign up before or after any weekend worship service or by calling Pastor Dave at the church office. Our pastors and staff will be happy to help you find just the right group for you. Those who are new to the church (start attending in the middle of a session) can sign up and join any group that has openings without waiting for the start of a new session.

How Long Does A Group Last?

Each Growth Groups session lasts 10 or 11 weeks. Basically, we’ve broken the year into 4 quarters or sessions. At the end of each quarter, you have the choice of staying in the same group, trying a new group, or even taking a break. Most groups stay together throughout the entire year. However, groups do not meet mid‑June through August, though some continue to meet informally or socially through the summer.

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Which Group Should I Join?

We suggest you join a group based on your “station in life” rather than on geography or the most convenient night of the week. We’ve found that a group works best when you 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 it!

What Is The Required Commitment?

Joining a Growth Groups requires a 10 to 11‑week commitment to attend the weekly meetings and to do the homework ahead of time. Obviously, allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts, and other special events...but not much more! We have found that this commitment is the key to strong relationships and healthy groups.

What About Childcare?

Growth Groups are for adults only (Exceptions are made for nursing newborns ‑ up to six months). We leave it up to each family to work out their own childcare. Sometimes it works best for families to share a sitter or to swap childcare with another family whose group meets on a different evening or time. There is a list of sitters available upon request at the church office.

What Will We Study?

The studies are based on the previous weekend’s sermon. Most of our Growth Groups are built upon what we call a “Lecture‑Lab” 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 in real life.

Each week there will be a series of Bible passages and questions to study and complete before your meeting. The homework is included on the back of the sermon note sheet found in your bulletin. It will usually take 20 to 30 minutes to complete the homework.

When and Where Do These Groups Meet?

Our Growth Groups meet on various days and nights of the week in homes throughout the community. Call the office for the dates and times that our groups are meeting.

What Is A “Special Interest” Growth Group?

Some Special Interest groups use a different curriculum for their studies (their focus can include everything from marriage enrichment materials to Bible study methods, parenting issues or financial freedom to Christianity 101). Other Special Interest groups are bound together by a common station in life such as singles, young-marrieds, parents of teens, seniors, and other groupings.

What are “Recovery Groups”?

“Recovery groups” are offered through our Celebrate Recovery ministry. Celebrate Recovery meets on Thursdaynights in the Chapel. Dinner is served in the Fellowship Hall at 6pm with the meeting starting at 7pm 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.

What is the main point of Growth Groups?

Church Phone 928.634.3645