Stone Ridge Church

Biblical Rationale For Small Groups

"He (Jesus) appointed twelve –designating them apostles– that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach"- Mark 3:14.

Jesus' ministry on earth was a life-changing ministry, which began by forming a small group of twelve people. This small group became the intimate environment for Jesus to shape his followers into disciples. The small group was the place he revealed to them God and his purpose for their lives.

Jesus, at his departure, commissioned his small group of disciples "to go and make disciples of all nations. teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Jesus was saying go, invest yourselves in others the way I have in you and invite them into a growing relationship with Jesus.

Our vision here at Stone Ridge Church is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

We believe this is best accomplished within a small group environment where people are encouraged and equipped to pursue intimacy with God, community with insiders and influence with outsiders.

While God calls us to gather corporately on Sundays, time is to limited to really invest in one another. In the small group, genuine relationships in Christ form and grow. Small groups are the best place to discover godly unity similar to the early church where "All the believers were one in heart and mind...and shared in everything."

Scripture consistently calls us to stronger relationships with one another. Examples include:
Hebrews 10:24-25
1 Thessalonians 5:11
John 17:23

Inside Small Groups

The Small Group meeting generally consists of these elements:

Casual conversation as a warm up
Bible study through approved curriculums
Discussion of the study materials
Prayer − We pray for our group member's personal requests, for the Church, and church missionaries
Fellowship and refreshments

What to expect:

Groups gather for approximately 1 1/2 hours.
Groups gather weekly or bi-weekly.
We have groups meeting on most days of the week.
We offer groups for women, married couples and all age brackets.
Curriculum is selected by the leader with input from the group members.
Curriculum is offered in multiple formats, including DVD, book, work books, etc.
Confidentiality of prayer requests must be kept within each small group.
Refreshments may be provided by group members
If you're used to talking a lot, expect to talk a little less. If you're used to talking very little, expect to talk a little more. The goal is to give all who are in the group time to share and benefit from the experience.

How to get connected: