Growth groups are small groups of Centerville Presbyterian Church members and friends who gather together in order to establish a deeper relationship with God and each other.
Growth Groups provide a means for the members to experience a caring and encouraging type of New Testament fellowship. They are the best place for members to implement the CPC mission of being committed to Christ through worship, nurture care and growth.
In Growth Groups, joys and sorrows are confessed to one another. We pray and praise God. Scripture is applied to our daily lives, and we grow in our relationships with others and with Christ. Growth Groups are a key to personal spiritual growth and to the growth of Centerville Presbyterian Church.
Groups are formed at any time from people who have indicated an interest in being in a Growth Group.
What can I expect when my group meets?
A typical Growth Group consists of 8 to 12 people who meet regularly, either in a home of at the church. While groups vary, there is usually a time for praise and worship. Bible study, sharing of concerns and prayer, and, of course, refreshments! Those joining a Growth Group should be willing to make their group time a high priority in their schedules.
Each group may develop a covenant to guide their group. After an initial 6 week session, the group evaluates and agrees on changes; those wishing to continue may renew their covenant for another period. Some Growth Groups last for two months, some last for years.
Groups are led by a person who has some training in small group dynamics. Some groups rotate leadership of the study, with the group leader still facilitating other portions of the meeting. Our goal is for new Group leaders to come from – and develop with – current Growth Groups. Leaders are members of CPC; however, those who sign up for a Growth Group do not have to be church members.
Groups are formed by time availability, geography, common interests, or kindred hearts.
The Bible is our primary focus of study, and there are many fine Bible study guides for Growth Group use. Some groups discuss the current sermon series. Other groups study biblical books, themes, or characters. Some groups create their own study materials.
It is clear from Scripture that as a Christian you cannot reach your growth and service potential alone. Ask yourself these few questions to help you decide if you want to become part of a Growth Group:
Will meeting with a small group of
Christians encourage my growth toward Christ-likeness? (Heb 3:12-13)
Would I like to have Christian friends who
will encourage me to keep going when I’m low and to keep growing in
the Lord? (Philemon 4-7)
Am I ready to confess my faults freely to
others so they might pray for me and so God might begin the changing
process within me? (James 5:16)
As God leads me, am I willing to motivate
others to trust again when they are discouraged? (Galatians 6:1-3)
Am I ready to share with others the spiritual gifts God has given me? (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
If you’ve answered
Yes…
Then Growth Groups are for you!
Check your interest in Growth Groups when you
fill out the attendance slip in the worship bulletin. Or call Pastor
Marsha Roth at the church, 510-793-3575 ext. 16.
In the end,
there’s only one purpose
for Growth Groups:
Connection
Because groups connect God’s
people
To His Word and His work,
Our lives to one another…
And ultimately us to Him.
That’s the tie that
Truly binds.