GROW Groups
Why small groups? We find that small groups are the best context for Community, Action, and Transformation to occur in our lives. Here is what we mean by those three terms:
Community - connect, build relationships, and care for one another
Action - partner with others to help advance God’s Kingdom
Transformation - experience growth and life change through study, example, and encouragement
GROW groups are designed to help us follow Jesus by strengthening our commitment to three things:
- God and His Word (the Bible),
- Worshipping regularly with the body of Christ, and
- Authentic, Christ-focused relationships.
We do this by meeting in our homes throughout the week to discuss the Sunday sermon. Our groups are varied. Some are focused on a season of life, some offer childcare, some are purposefully mixed in ages but all GROW groups have the purpose of making disciples through long-term, Christ-focused relationships.
What’s behind the name “GROW group”?
What do GROW groups do?
When do GROW groups meet?
How do I join a GROW group?
Why should I join a GROW group?
What will we study?
What about child care?
How do I find a GROW group?
What’s behind the name “GROW group”?
The New Testament defines a follower of Jesus in amazing detail. At Bethel, we as a staff took the over 800 descriptions of a Jesus follower in the New Testament and summarized it in the word “GROW”: a Jesus-follower is a God-Lover, Relationship-Builder, Obedient-Follower, and World-Influencer. Download the GROW bookmark with fuller descriptions of these four points.
What do GROW groups do?
GROW groups are usually 10-12 people who gather weekly in homes. There’s usually a time for food, a time for Bible study, a time for prayer, and in some groups a time for singing. For the Bible study time, most GROW groups discuss the week’s sermon using the discussion questions printed on the back of the sermon outline. Occasionally, classes are offered at the church building that an entire GROW group may attend with other GROW groups. Most groups participate in service projects and social gatherings together throughout the year.
When do GROW groups meet?
GROW Groups meet on various days of the week (typically Sunday-Thursday) in homes throughout Pasco. The times vary but usually average two hours in length.
How do I join a GROW group?
To join a GROW group contact Tim Phillips. Tim is happy to help you find a group.
Why should I join a GROW group?
GROW Groups are the heart of Bethel Church. It is the place where God, the Bible, and Christ-focused relationships intersect as we follow Jesus together. In fact, GROW group participation is a commitment in Bethel’s Membership Covenant.
What will we study?
Most of the studies are based on the previous weekend’s message. These “sermon-based” GROW Groups require you to attend the weekend service or listen to the sermon on-line, complete the sermon preparation questions available on the sermon outline, and be ready to discuss your answers with the group.
Some groups offer Core Discipleship Curriculum, marriage studies, parenting, or finances for a short season as a study option in lieu of the sermon.
What about child care?
Childcare availability is dependent on the GROW group. Groups designate whether or not children are welcome in their group descriptions. Some groups offer childcare while others do not. Bethel Church has a list of approved childcare workers for GROW groups – contact Joy Hansen for a current list.
How do I find a group?
Selecting a group is dependent on your needs and schedule. We provide quarterly updates online and in hard-copy brochures of open groups based on day of the week, location, season of life, and whether children are welcome or not.
If you have any questions (especially if you are new to Bethel), please don’t hesitate to call Tim Phillips at 628.0150. Keep in mind that it might take visiting two or three groups before you find an adequate fit.
Tim Phillips | 509 628-0150
West Pasco Director
Joy Hansen | 509 628-0150
Admin Support