What are small groups?
Small groups typically include 3-12 members (men/women/couples/singles/mixed) who meet regularly for the purpose of spiritual growth and biblical community. While every small group is built of diverse members of the body of Christ, each member seeks to grow in their discipleship and walk with Christ. Often, groups have another common bond such as gender, life stage, struggle/need or interest. Small group meetings encourage open discussion, caring and sharing, meaningful prayer time, and mutual accountability among its members. Biblical truths are revealed and applied to daily life through His written word and authentic relationships.

Who should join a small group?
Whether you are a seeker, a mature disciple of Christ or a new believer, First Lutheran is committed to connecting you to authentic biblical community. Small groups are currently meeting for all age groups, ranging from our youth to our seniors. We strongly encourage everyone to seek out this life-transforming ministry.

What do small groups do?
Ideally, small groups meet 2-4 times each month in group members' homes, public places or at the church. The group members determine meeting times and locations. All small groups are encouraged to include prayer, scripture, sharing and caring time and fellowship in their meetings. Reference materials that are easily obtained and are helpful to promote discussion typically guide Bible study. Again, the reference materials are chosen among the group members. Topics for study may include a particular book or books of the bible, or they may include an area of interest such as prayer, evangelism, or spiritual gifts.

What does a small group leader do?
As a leader, you facilitate small group meetings with the help of a study guide or leader's guide. Questions and readings are already printed in the study guide and the leader reads the questions and prompts responses and discussions from group members. Typically, as a group grows and matures, the leaders role gets easier as the group shares more openly and freely. The greatest reward of a small group leader, is to experience growing relationships and discipleship within your group.


Authentic Biblical Community: Where Nobody Stands Alone

Small groups are a growing ministry in and around First Lutheran Church. Last year, we had 43 small groups and have now grown to over 80 groups who meet regularly for the purpose of spiritual growth and discipleship. This ministry of building authentic biblical community has had consistent growth since initial groups were formed a few years ago.

Small groups are certainly not a new fad or program. Jesus walked with twelve close friends, teaching, praying and breaking bread with them. Our church was built on small groups who met in homes for worship, praise, support and giving to anyone in need. First Lutheran is committed to bringing fellow Christians together into this authentic biblical community, as described in Acts 2.

In the 1980's, Koinonia, "Christian Fellowship" groups were formed. Many of these groups still meet today to celebrate life and enjoy fellowship with one another. In the late 1990's, First Lutheran members began to build authentic biblical communities, or small groups, of 6-10 members who were seeking spiritual growth and authenticity through relationships. These groups have grown in numbers and birthed new small group leaders. Other members have been moved by the Spirit to lead and build a small group where they can walk along side fellow Christians in biblical community. Groups have been formed for women, men, single's, couples, mixed with couples and singles, Life Stage (young adult, young families with children, empty nesters, youth, seniors), Intergenerational, Grief Support, Blended Families, "Renovare", New Believers, and Triads (small "accountability" groups).

New small group leaders are key to continued growth in this ministry. IF you have FAITH, that is, if you are faithful, available, initiating, teachable and humble, you can lead! We have many First Lutheran members who are looking to get connected to a small group, and new leaders will help make this possible. All small group leaders receive encouragement, training, resources and prayer from staff, ministry team members and coaches. For more information, please contact Janiese Karpa, Director of Small Group  and Discipleship Ministries.


Discipleship Triads, where:
1. Sin is confessed to one another in mutual accountability.
2. Scripture is read repetitively, in entire context and in community.
3. Souls are prayed for strategically, specifically and continuously.

Discipleship Triads are usually three people, or starts with two people and may grow to 4 people. They meet weekly for approximately one hour. It is a community of people you can be most real with in an atmosphere of confidentiality. This is for Christians who really want to move from cultural Christianity to mature discipleship. We encourage one another, share our struggles, joys and sins, and we intentionally pray for people we are trying to befriend and connect to Christ and the church. Contact: Janiese Karpa, 365-1494 x.114