Small Groups are weekly gatherings where small groups of people come together for the purpose of helping one another live by faith in Jesus Christ.
Groups serve as the primary means of community and gospel transformation, realizing that change occurs in intentional, Christ-centered relationships.

Growing Together

Spiritual growth, accountability, and soul care can occur organically as members learn together how to love the Lord and one's neighbors as oneself.

Loving Our World

Small Groups also serve as a means of reaching others for Christ, recognizing that seeing the gospel lived out in a caring community serves as a powerful testimony to the radical love of God.

Being the Church

At River Valley, groups are not only the primary entry point for community but represent the church at a personal level. Therefore, belonging to a Small Group is the way to truly be a part of River Valley.

Why do we have Small Groups?

As with every ministry at River Valley, the gospel of Jesus Christ drives all that we do. It is no different for small groups. We are passionate about our groups for five biblical reasons:

* We are created for community. As people made in God's image, we are made for relationships -- with God and others.

* We are called into community. As people saved by grace, we are redeemed individually for corporate existence -- as part of the body of Christ.

* We are cared for in community. As people cared for and comforted by our heavenly Father, we are compelled to love others in like manner.

* We are changed in community. As people who are on a journey of change, we are transformed by the grace of God through caring relationships found in community.

* We are commissioned in community. As people who received the redeeming love of Christ, we are called to love God and to share the good news and do good deeds so that others may praise God.

Where do groups fit in at River Valley?

At River Valley, we take seriously our calling to grow in godliness. Small Groups play a vital role in gospel transformation by providing a context of loving relationships in which the Gospel is applied to everyday living. Truth is spoken in love, people are encouraged in Christ, and burdens are shared with grace and compassion. Therefore, Community Groups are at the center of who we are as a church.

FAQ's

Q. Is a Small Group like a Bible Study?

A. Small Groups are an environment for building relationships with one another which strongly emphasizes challenging one another to drive God's Word deeply into our lives. Some groups will engage in a thorough study of a book of the Bible, others will engage in topical studies. In all cases, Bible reading and discussion is geared toward personal life application and transformation rather than intensive Bible teaching.

Q. What does a typical Small Group meeting involve?

A. A typical meeting involves time for food, conversation, prayer, and discussion for applying the Bible to practical living. Many Community Groups have periodic special events such as barbeque's or parties.

Q. Do I have to be a member of River Valley to attend a Small Group?

A. No. If you consider River Valley your church home, you are welcome to join a Small Group before becoming a member. However, we do stress the importance of completing your membership, since Small Groups are intended for those who call River Valley home and for the friends and neighbors we are trying to reach.

Q. I'm not/don't know if I'm a Christian. Can I attend a Small Group?

A. Definitely. Joining a Small Group is a great way to find out more about Jesus and see what Christians are like. If you have questions, we can help you process through them.

Q. Are there various kinds of Small Groups - bible study focused, service focused, etc?

A. Our vision is for each Group to be active in diverse ways, as an overall sign of Group health. God-given passions and areas of gifting are reflected through individual Group members. Here is how the Apostle Paul put the idea:

If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts but one body. (1 Corinthians 12:17-20)

Q. How big is each Small Group?

A. Small Groups are designed to be small enough for members to get to know each other well. When a Group grows to a size of approximately 12 people, they are strongly encouraged to focus on planting a new Group out of the original Group.

Q. What if I cannot attend a Group regularly?

A. Consistent participation is very important for the stability of Groups, and not all Groups are equally able to accommodate irregular attendees. Due to the effect on the Group as a whole, a minimum expectation is that individuals should attend more than half of the meetings. Individuals with challenging schedules are encouraged to email jill@rvcfchurch.org for assistance in looking for a Group that may be an appropriate fit.

Q. What if there isn't a Group that works with my schedule?

A. Each Small Group meets at the time and location that works for the majority of people in the Group. In time, it is possible that a Group could form that would be a better match for those with less common schedules.

Q. What if I've tried a Small Group and it wasn't a good fit?

A. We recognize that you may need to visit a few Small Groups before you find the right fit. Our goal is to help you minimize the number of Groups you might visit, and help you settle into a Group you can call home as quickly as possible. If you'd like help finding a good fit, please click here to fill out a short Small Group Form. I will contact you soon with a small group to call your own.