FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

What is a Growth Group?

Growth Groups are a new kind of small group here at Oxboro. This is where the real ministry of the church takes place as we study God's Word, while supporting and sharing our lives with one another. We believe that meeting together on a regular basis is time well spent.

When and Where Do They Meet?

Growth Groups meet on various nights of the week in homes throughout the south metro area. Most evening groups meet 7-9 pm. There is also a potential for a group to meet during the day.

How Long Do They Last?

Each Growth Group session lasts 9 to 11 weeks. We have Fall, Winter & Spring sessions. At the end of each session, you will 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. Growth Groups do not meet mid-June through August.

What is the Required Committment?

Joining a Growth Group requires a 9 to 11 week commitment to attend weekly meetings and do the homework ahead of time. Obviously, allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts and other special events, but not much more. This commitment is the key to a strong Growth Group. You have the first three weeks to attend the group to make sure it's a good fit for you.

What Will We Study?

Most of the studies are based on the previous weekend's message. These "sermon-based" Growth Groups are built on what we call a "Lecture-Lab" model. Imagine the weekend message as a lecture on Christian living, and the Growth Group as a lab where you get to roll up your sleeves and discuss how the weekend's message works in real life. Each week there will be a series of Bible passages and questions on the back of the sermon note sheet to study before the meeting. It will usually take 20 to 40 minutes per week to complete the homework.

What Does It Cost?

Few things in life are free and Growth Groups are no exception! The cost of Growth Groups is the cost of commitment. By the third meeting, each group will complete a "covenant" together. This simple form helps each group discuss their priorities and commitment. Part of that commitment is the promise to attend each week and to complete the homework as well as to attend the quarterly social and do one service project for the year. You have the first three weeks to decide if your group is a good fit for you. When you join a Growth Group, you're promising to attend and be prepared each week. It's this commitment that makes Growth Groups work. We realize it's a big commitment, but it only lasts for 9 - 11 weeks. At the end of each quarter, you have the choice of recommitting for another quarter, trying a new group, or taking a break from Growth Groups altogether.

What About Child Care?

Growth Groups are for adults only. (Exceptions can be made for nursing newborns, up to six months.) We leave it up to each family to work out their own child care, though some groups choose to handle child care together. Sometimes it works best for families to share a sitter or to swap child care with another family whose Growth Group meets on a different evening.

How Do I Sign Up For A Growth Group?

You can sign up for a Growth Group online. Just click here..If you have any questions about the process, feel free to talk to Kevin H.