Small Groups

These are the notes Max took at a small group lecture during the weekender. . .

Small groups aren't as central to the structure at CHBC as at other churches, because their intent is that they enhance and build the unity of the whole congregation.


The purpose is not for the small group to be the only group a person gets involved in.  For that reason, they purposefully make small groups difficult in certain areas.  For instance, they make small groups very transient on purpose so that, after five years in the church, people get to know many other people in their congregation, not just their small group.

The primary goals for the small group, then, is not a support group or just acquisition of knowledge, but that the people of the group grow in their knowledge of God together.

Small groups are usually made up of people you wouldn't typically have as friends.  The small group is designed to develop community with the members of the group and the whole church, so that's why they are comprised of different people united by the fact that they are christians.  They are also purposefully open to always adding new people in, and sending people out.

They intend small groups to be a bridge between the whole congregation and one-on-one discipling relationships, which is where they really want people to end up, so that people are caring for the whole family.

The types of groups they have are mens, womens, mixed, and newly married (this group is intended for only the first two years of marriage), but they all try to expand out to other groups.

How do people enter into groups?

People join the church, say they would like to join a group, and CHBC talks to them and places them in a group.  The small group leaders are open to adding new people, and when that person is added, the group leader calls CHBC and tells him he's been added.

Small group structure varies greatly (weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly), but they are all centered around a shared fellowship in Christ.

CHBC doesn't require small group attendance, like other churches do, but they have much greater small group attendance than the churches that require it.  They  have 70% of their members in small groups!

Expectations for leaders and groups

To attend a small group, you must be a member in good standing, and come regularly to both morning and evening worship.  (There is one exception to this rule- the "Christianity Explored" small group is for anyone)

The study content is approved by a pastor (a study should be based on a book, sermon application, or the Bible)

The leader must be willing to create an open culture to add new members

Facilitating one-on-one discipling relationships (this doesn't mean the leader does all the discipleship)

Attend annual training event

Look for and train a co-leader who can leave and start a new group

Be willing to divide the group for the good of the congregation (meaning if the group is becoming too cliquish, they need to be divided to include others and get to know others in the congregation).