Learn More About Small Groups
How are small groups different than a traditional "Sunday School" class?
Small Groups differ from a traditional Sunday School class in three ways:
- non-formal physical environment
- group discussion of the topic instead of a lecture
- more relaxed time constraints
Relaxed Physical Environment:
Our small groups are "home based." They actually meet in the living room of one of the group members, usually the leader’s home. The environment is more comfortable, more relaxed, and everyone is facing one another throughout the evening.
Communication of the lesson:
Small group leaders are discussion leaders, not lecturers. They know their role is one of facilitating a discussion based on Biblical truth and involving feedback from all members of the group. Groups usually choose a topic based on the common interests of the members in the group.
Relaxed Time constraints:
A typical small group meeting is not constrained by time. Groups can meet on the evening they choose, at the time they choose, and meet for as long as they choose. A typical small group evening will last about two hours including time for food and fellowship to begin and end the evening.
What’s a small group like the first time I attend?
Fun. Interesting. Encouraging. Informative.
Attending a small group for the first time is as easy as going to a Christmas party at someone’s home during the holidays. There is food on the table, coffee brewing, and someone with a smile on their face to greet you at the door.
There won’t be too many new faces to remember as groups are intentionally limited to around 14 people. You’ll have time to meet a few folks while you enjoy refreshments. After a time of fellowship, the group leader will invite everyone to begin the night’s group time as everyone takes a seat in the living room.
The group usually begins the lesson with an icebreaker question. The leader will then lead the group in a discussion oriented lesson based on a biblical topic. The lesson lasts about half an hour with the group sharing prayer requests at the end.
You won’t be put on the spot, be asked to share anything personal, nor need to be up to speed on the lesson content. You won’t be asked to pray unless you need prayer or would like to pray for someone.
The evening will conclude with fellowship as people leave one by one until the next time they gather together.
What you’ll find is an inviting meeting with open discussion and loads of fellowship.
When people take that first step to attend a group, we’ve found it isn’t long before they are rearranging their schedules to make their group time a priority.
How do I get connected to a group of my own?
You may e-mail the small group director, Craig Smith at craigs@longviewfbc.com, or phone him at the church at 903-663-9591.
Small group brochures are also available in the foyer of the church worship center which you may fill out and drop by the information desk on Sunday mornings.
We’ll mail you a small group directory or let you know about brand new groups which are forming with others who are new to group life. These new groups form on a regular basis. We have groups meeting on most nights of the week.We want you to get connected to a group of your own.