Why have small groups?
For two main reasons:
Hill Church is committed to making disciples of Jesus. Our main Strategy for doing this is expressed in three Pillars: Gather, Grow, Go. Small Groups are a manifestation of Hill’s Strategic Pillar, Grow. We are convinced that a disciple's character/lifestyle is supposed to be growing to be more like Jesus. Moreover, that kind of disciple is more likely to make other disciples of Jesus.
During Jesus’s earthly ministry, Jesus formed a small group of disciples in order to shape them into citizens of the Kingdom of God. Small Groups continue Jesus’s method. Small Groups are small groups of fellow Christians that gather together for the purpose of discipleship.
Hill Church is committed to making disciples of Jesus. Our main Strategy for doing this is expressed in three Pillars: Gather, Grow, Go. Small Groups are a manifestation of Hill’s Strategic Pillar, Grow. We are convinced that a disciple's character/lifestyle is supposed to be growing to be more like Jesus. Moreover, that kind of disciple is more likely to make other disciples of Jesus.
During Jesus’s earthly ministry, Jesus formed a small group of disciples in order to shape them into citizens of the Kingdom of God. Small Groups continue Jesus’s method. Small Groups are small groups of fellow Christians that gather together for the purpose of discipleship.
What's a "disciple"?
"Disciple” means “learner, student, or pupil” (though this is different from a student in a modern school). Jewish disciples didn't just learn facts and go home. They adopted the lifestyle and values of their teacher. Based on the Bible and church history, Christian disciples possess three major characteristics: (1) biblical knowledge (Mind), (2) consistent devotional habits (Heart), and (3) healthy, accountable relationships (Body).
- (Mind) Learning (and obeying) Scripture.
- (Heart) Practicing devotional habits based on our love of God and neighbor. We demonstrate our love to God by doing things like Scriptural devotions, Prayer (individual and corporate), and Praise/Worship. We demonstrate our love to our neighbor by doing things like Service projects/missions, Giving (time, money, talents), and Evangelism.
- (Body) Building healthy, accountable relationships. We build up the Body of Christ when we are morally accountable to one another, emotionally vulnerable to one another, and are committed to mutual edification or building-up.
What's it like in a small group?
Small groups are relaxed, conversational, and welcoming. Small Groups are where your friends are, where life is lived together, burdens are carried together, and joy is celebrated together. People sit on comfortable things, study Scripture, chat, pray, encourage, laugh, hangout, and decide where and how they can serve others. You don't have to talk if you don't want to; no one will try to embarrass you.
Does it cost? What should I bring? Is there childcare?
It's totally free. There's childcare (you'll need to let the leader know ahead of time). You don't need to bring anything if you don't want. A Bible would be a great thing to bring if you have one. If you don't have one, we can get you one.
How do I join one?
You can just show up at a study if you'd like. Yet, the best thing to do is to contact the leader first and make sure you know how to get there and when they meet (see their respective emails below).
Get involved and start growing.
