What are Groups at GVL SDA?
Facilitating Authentic Community is core to our mission–it isn’t just a desire, but a need. As such, we are committed to doing life together in the good seasons and the hard ones. One of the main ways GVL SDA facilitates “life together” is in seeking to create the best community possible through our Groups ministry. Groups are gatherings of four or more people (of different families) that meet to talk about God, share meals together, pray for each other, and serve alongside one another. They are available year-round and meet at all different times and locations.
There are weekly Growth Groups that meet in homes or other agreed upon locations, and monthly Life Groups that are focused on either a specific life-stage or topical issue (e.g., a Life Group for young mothers or a monthly personal finances workshop).
Groups FAQ
Want to lead a Group or have a Group idea?
God designed us to be in a positive, trusting, and loving relationship with Him, as well as with others. While times of larger corporate worship (think a main Sabbath service or holiday commemoration) can help direct our spiritual and mental focus, a practical application of spiritual and life principles can only occur on a personal level surrounded by a supportive community. Groups are one of the best ways to do this; providing safe and engaging environments to assist people in getting connected and growing in their faith. When people see a Group that is committed to following Jesus and loving others well, the effects become irresistible and gospel growth inevitable.
As in life, there are seasons for all things. Groups stay together until they reach a point of multiplication that necessitates the formation of new groups to maintain intimacy and accountability. Growth Groups will follow a cycle of three months on and one month off to allow for leadership breaks, marketing, and new invention and invitation. Life Groups due to their focused nature and less-frequent meeting times will run for longer periods as appropriate. It is important to remember that the sign of a healthy Group is growth and the birth of new life in the form of new Groups.
Groups meet off-campus, throughout the week, in people’s homes or other agreed upon locations by the Group.
Our official relaunch will be May 2025.
In our church app under “Groups” or at our Connections table at church.
Interested in becoming a leader of a group or have an idea for a group at GVL SDA? Reach out to our Executive Pastor for more information and to discuss.
For more information on the expectations of a Group Leader and qualifications of the role, please review the Group Leader JD.