Where Christ-Centered Friendships Transform Lives
Growth groups are the primary way we develop Christ-centered friendships and grow in discipleship at FCCO. These groups of 10-14 people meet weekly in the home or at church to share life together as they study Sunday’s sermon. Through these groups relationships are deepened and lives are transformed through the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Growth Group is a home fellowship made up of 10-14 people who meet weekly (regularly) to share, study, and support one another. A trained leader and host lead each group. An average meeting lasts for an hour and a half to two hours, and includes light refreshments.
Here at FCCO, Growth Groups are 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.
Joining a Growth Group requires a 9 to 14 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. If you feel it is not a good fit, please let a pastor know so that we can help fit you into a group that is right for you.
Most of the studies are based on Sunday’s message. These “sermon-based” Growth Groups are where we get to wrestle with the things shared in Sunday’s message and help each other apply them to our lives. 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.
Few things in life are free and Growth Groups are no exception! The cost of Growth Groups is the cost of commitment. During the first 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 complete the homework ahead of time. Groups may also decide to serve together on occasion.
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.
Growth Groups are for adults (exceptions are made for nursing newborns, up to 6 months). Each group will decide on how to handle childcare (parents might hire their own babysitter at home or work together to have the children cared for in another location at their host home, so long as it is not a distraction to the group).
There is childcare available for those groups meeting on Sunday morning or Wednesday evening at FCCO.
Contact Deb Agin at deb@firstossipee.net.