WHAT IS A SMALL GROUP?

A small group is made up of 8 to 20 Christians who make a commitment to themselves and each other to meet regularly, usually weekly, for Bible study, prayer, fellowship, accountability and ministry. They usually become each other's spiritual extended family.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF OUR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY?

The vision of the Prestoncrest church comes from the two great commands offered by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-40.

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'"

These words from Jesus inspire our vision statement — Passion for God … Compassion for People. Our practical expression of this vision is found in three core values: Reaching Up, Reaching In and Reaching Out. These three describe the three major relationships of every Christian at Prestoncrest.

• Reaching Up – We all have a relationship with God.
• Reaching In – We all have a relationship with our fellow-believers.
• Reaching Out – We all have a relationship with non-believers.

WHERE DO SMALL GROUPS MEET?

Prestoncrest members gather in small groups meet throughout the metroplex in homes, offices, restaurants, parks (weather permitting) and at the Prestoncrest church building. For “where two or three gather in my name” (Matthew 18:20) there is the opportunity for a small group!

ARE THERE VIRTUAL SMALL GROUP MEETINGS?

Due to the pandemic most of our small groups are meeting on-line. Although we miss meeting in person, the virtual connection allows us to stay in contact, share prayer concerns and see each others faces. Each small group leader can give you their current meeting plan (virtual/in-person) as well as their future plans. We all pray that we can soon be meeting in each other's homes soon.

WHEN DO SMALL GROUPS MEET?

Most of our groups meet on Wednesday evenings, but several of the groups meet at other times during the week and at different times of the day. The group list will define the specific times and places.

Most of the groups have been meeting for a long time. Some of them take the summer off and resume meeting in the fall.

HOW LONG IS A SMALL GROUP MEETING?

Most meetings last from 1 to 2 hours. Some groups meet first at a nearby restaurant for a meal together before gathering in a home for the group meeting.

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS IN A SMALL GROUP MEETING?

Each group has its own personality, but most will follow some form of the 4Ws — Welcome, Worship, Word, Work.

1. Welcome is a time to greet each other and catch up on our activities over the past week. Small talk can be an important door opener. Some of our groups enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant prior to the small group.
2. Worship can be a brief interlude of singing and praising the Lord.
3. The Word portion of the small group is a time to reflect on God’s Word and apply it to our lives. Some groups use the weekly Small Group Plan which is based on the Sunday morning message. Others will use a video series or will work through a book from the Bible or a Biblical theme.
4. Finally, the Works portion of the meeting is time spent in prayer for the concerns of the group, for non-believing friends or family, or planning a small group outreach or some other special event. Some small groups take time each week to write notes of encouragement to older, isolated members of the congregation. Others even have a mission effort that they contribute to and discuss each week.
   These four components, Welcome, Worship, Word and Works can serve as a skeleton around which the traditional small group is built.

HOW DO I INVESTIGATE AND JOIN A GROUPS?

Don't wait for an invitation. You are always free to invite yourself to any small group. In fact, everyone is welcome. Our small groups are open to visitors. Feel free to invite your neighbors, coworkers or out-of-town guests.

As a beginning point, utilize the small group list and the small group map. Find a group that is near your home. Click the “Contact” button and begin to ask questions. Our groups are organic, and each determines their own time and place of meeting. These and other more specific questions are best answered by each small group leader. Also feel free to contact Bob Chisholm or Sherry Jackson at the church office.

If you don't connect with one small group, for whatever reason, visit another. Keep visiting until you find a group that makes you feel at home. We believe God has a place for you to give and to receive. It is important for you to find that place.

WHAT ABOUT MY KIDS?

Some groups meet at the church building on Wednesday evening where childcare is provided. Some groups incorporate their children into their group experience. Some groups have a family devotional for the first part of their group time before taking turns teaching the kids a lesson in one part of the home while the adults meet together in another part. Some groups treat the group experience as a night out with their spouse and hire a babysitter for their kids. Much depends upon the age and number of children.