If you’ve spent any time at Valley Real Life, then there’s a good chance you’ve heard us say that VRL is a “church of small groups.” But what does it mean to be a “church of small groups”?
Small groups are the model for how the church is supposed to work. They pattern a relationship with God and with each other on which the New Testament church was founded. (See Acts 2:42-47 and Hebrews 10:25.) Let’s face it – in a church of over 1,000 people it’s hard to get to know the person sitting next to you from just the brief interactions of a Sunday morning. It was never Christ’s intention that His church would only meet once a week in a large corporate setting. Instead, the example we’re given of the New Testament church sees its members meeting in the homes of believers, helping each other and sharing life together. That’s what our small groups (our “Care Groups”) are all about – they’re about living life together.
Care Groups provide the best means for developing healthy relationships, providing an environment of discipleship and care, supplying a testing ground for leadership skills, and holding each other accountable to the work of God in our lives.
If you’re not in a Care Group, you should be! We want you to be cared for. For more information on how you can get connected into a Care Group at VRL, contact Scott Sparley, Small Groups Pastor, at 509.232.0840 or at ssparley@valleyreallife.org. You can also visit our page of Care Group listings and get connected with one of the groups directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Care Group?
A Care Group is a group of 8-20 people that gather weekly in homes. It provides a forum that is relationship-focused through loving, caring and serving. In turn, it teaches others to do the same. In Care Groups people talk through life issues, eat together, pray together, laugh together, struggle together, serve others, and witness lives being transformed by God. These groups are for adults of all ages and stages of life.
Are my children welcome to attend the group?
We love the idea of families attending a group together. Plans for accommodating children vary from group to group. Feel free to either inquire with the group directly or email ssparley@valleyreallife.org for a recommendation. The Care Group directory can also inform you as to which groups accommodate children.
What is the difference between a Care Group and a Small Group?
A Care Group is like a mini church which is focused on creating a relational environment for discipleship to take place. A small group is more targeted, focused on topics for women, men, young adults, marriage, family, parenting, recovery, accountability, and other topics.
What does a typical Care Group meeting involve?
Though each group is unique in how they do things, a typical meeting involves time for food, conversation, prayer, and discussion for applying the Bible to practical living. Many Care Groups have periodic special events such as barbeques or parties.
How often do groups meet?
Most groups meet on a weekly basis. Due to vacation schedules during the summer months, many groups meet on a bi-monthly or monthly basis for social activities such as BBQ’s, swimming parties, campouts, community events, etc
How long does a Care Group meeting last?
Each group picks the length of time they will meet. However, most groups meet for about one and a half to two hours.
What do groups study?
Most groups discuss the previous Sunday’s sermon topic. Don’t worry – it’s not a prerequisite that you heard the sermon that week. The discussions typically take on a life of their own.
Why are Care Groups so important to Valley Real Life?
Care Groups are the model for how the church is to function in relationship with God and each other See Acts 2:42-47 and Hebrews 10:25.) They are the heartbeat to creating community life and not intended to be just another church program. It is our conviction that Care Groups are essential for the church today. It is the place where we build relationships with one another and do life together. The very nature of the New Testament Church is small group living which Jesus modeled for us when he called twelve men to walk and live life with him. It is our desire to see every person of Valley Real Life loved, cared for, and challenged within a thriving small group community.
When should I join a Care Group?
We suggest right away! Life is hard. It was never meant to be lived in isolation. If you are new to the church or have attended for a while, this is the perfect place for you to belong, ask questions, and wrestle with your faith in a community of people who care for you, not because you have all the answers, but because you are created in the image of God. Joining a Care Group gives you a sense of belonging.
How do I join a Care Group?
It’s easy! Look through our directory and find a group or two that suits your schedule and/or location. Then call or email the leader or host to get more information about the group. After you get details and directions, just show up and check it out! Hopefully, you’ll feel right at home with the first group you visit, but you may want to visit several groups before you find the group that’s right for you. If you feel a little nervous or unsure, just stick with it—you’ll be happy you did! So, will you take the steps to find a Care Group of your own? You can also sign up for a group by filling out a Connection Card or Small Group Connection Card on Sundays and someone will contact you shortly or email ssparley@valleyreallife.org
What is a “host home”?
A host home is the location where the Care Group meets on a weekly basis.
What does it mean when a group “branches” or “multiplies”?
Healthy Care Groups naturally grow. This creates the opportunity to turn a larger group into two groups. The term we use to define this multiplying process is “branching”. We encourage a group to branch when the attendance of the group exceeds 15-20 on a consistent basis.
Do you have a Care Group question that is not answered here? Please contact Scott Sparley, Small Groups Pastor at 509.232.0840 or at ssparley@valleyreallife.org.