FAQs
- Bottom line on Journey Groups?
You won't find Journey Groups in the Bible. In fact, you won't find the words 'small' and 'group' together in the Bible. But what you will find in the Bible from the opening pages to the closing pages that we were made to love God and love one another. We were created in the image of God (Father, Son, Spirit - the perfect relationship) as relational beings and we have the need for one another. Check out some of the other verses below that encourage relationships with others.
Genesis 2:18 - Then the Lord God said, "It is not good for man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him."
John 13:34-35 - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Acts 2:42 - They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Romans 12:10 - Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
1 John 1:7 - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
Hebrews 10:25 - Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching... "
So that's the bottom line, not our words, but God's. "But wait," you might say, "you didn't answer the question of small groups." Honestly, there are many ways to accomplish community but in the fast growing environment we have experienced at Journey Church we feel that group life is the best way to connect people and help them begin to experience genuine relationships and life change. The larger a church body grows, the more important it will be to effectively help people find a group that fits and that will help them grow spiritually.
- What are Journey Groups?
They are essentially a family. They are a group of 8 to 12 people that come together on a weekly basis to do life together and are led by a facilitator. It could be a young couples group, a men's group, a women's group, a single's group, or a combination of all of the above. They usually meet for an hour and a half and use the bible as their base of conversation, pray for one another, and just have fun together. As relationships grow, they serve together, take care of one another, and learn how to help each other grow in their relationship with God.
- How do I find a group or get started?
Check out the "Find A Group page", where you can scroll through the list of available groups to see if there is one that fits you and one that is in close proximity to your home. When you find one, you can simply send an e-mail to the group leader. In addition, check out what we call, "Group Launch" where we form new groups and give you a chance to learn about group life before plugging in.
- Are all the groups the same?
Yes and no. Obviously because people are different, groups will be different. Some will study at a deeper level, some will watch videos and then have a discussion, some will work through a book, some will include dinner, some will meet in a coffee shop, etc. However, every group is the same in reference to purpose. Every group focuses on helping each other follow Jesus.
- Do Journey Groups have child care?
Some do and some don't. Each group is responsible for handling their own child care. Some groups hire a babysitter at the home where the group meets and everybody chips in and some groups encourage you to supply your own babysitter at home. When we do "Group Launch", we offer child care free of charge.
- Once I get into a group, am I in it forever?
No. At Journey our groups are open and we encourage groups to grow and produce new groups. From the very beginning, every group leader has an apprentice so at the point the group grows too large, the apprentice begins a new group. In the event that a member of the group feels led to start a group, they go through a training process and we help them establish a new group during one of our "Group Launch" events. In addition, with groups being open, you are able to move from group to group until you find a group that will help you grow best.
