About Groups
If you’ve been around epikos for any amount of time you, you’ve probably heard at least someone say that our mission at epikos church is to “make more and better disciples.” A disciple is one who has accepted the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and committed their life to Him. Discipleship is the lifelong process of being transformed and conformed into the likeness of Christ. We see discipleship happen best in the context of relationship. Small Groups, Mid-Sized Groups, and Large Groups are all designed to help you grow in your faith. Small Groups meet weekly Sept through May, usually consisting of 6-8 members who gather together to discuss the weekend sermon, pray together, and do life together. Small groups are crucial to experience dynamic Christian community. Mid Sized Groups usually consist of 15-80 members and resemble more of a “classroom” style of teaching. Mid-sized groups are usually based around a certain topic such as Basic Christian Beliefs, Biblical Finances, Marriage, or other Christian Topics. Some may run 13 weeks while others may just be a 3-4 weeks. Large Groups are primarily our weekend worship gathering. We gather together to worship God and hear from His Word. We would also consider outreaches, community service, and large church events as Large Groups.
Below are some frequently asked questions pertaining to small groups. If you still have questions or need to find out which group/s are right for you contact ryan@epikos.org.
Where do Small Groups meet? How long?
Most small groups meet in someone’s house or apartment. A few small groups will meet at a coffee shop or public place. Groups generally meet for 1½ hours. Groups tend to meet on week nights, but because of different schedules and shifts, we’ve had groups meet all times of the week.
Do I have to go to small group every week?
While it’s not “required” to attend small group weekly, it is highly encouraged. The Sunday worship service and the weekly small group meetings are designed to complement each other; the spiritual and personal benefits of each are multiplied by consistent participation in both.
How many people are in Small Groups typically?
We like to keep the groups roughly 6-8 people. This is large enough so that there is good group dynamic and small enough to keep it a genuine place to ask questions and share life together.
What do you do at a Small Group?
There are three main things that happen at small group. First, it’s a time to connect with others & hear how each other’s week and life is going. Second, the groups go through questions that relate to the sermon that was given the previous Sunday. Fall through spring, Epikos typically goes through a book of the Bible so that it’s easy to jump in at anytime. Third, there is time to pray together. There is never pressure to participate in any of the three, so don’t get freaked out if the thought of these makes you uncomfortable. Just observe in the group until you are ready to share.
Is there homework?
Not really. However, your attendance at weekly worship and small group should inspire you to investigate God’s Word and reflect upon your life. It may also motivate you to study deeper into the things being discussed. By the time you get to small group, you will most likely have things that you will want to share with the group. Like the ole’ saying goes, "what you put in is what you will get out!” If you missed that Sunday’s sermon, you can always download it here.
What types of small groups are there?
A lot of times, groups are formed around affinity so we have men’s, women’s, co-ed, student, grad student, moms, married, etc. There are all sorts of groups. Though, sometimes groups are composed of a smorgasbord of different types of people, the important thing is that you find a group that YOU mesh well with.
What if I’m a new to the whole church thing?
Your best bet is to join a group with some people you know and feel you jive with. The group will help you and answer your questions no matter where you are on your spiritual journey. Sometimes there will be groups specifically formed for newer believers. This is another great option. Don’t be scared though, none of us have everything figured out and we can all learn from each other.
Do you meet during the summer?
Groups tend to meet less frequently during the summer due to the craziness of schedules. As a church we like to have small groups use this time to be in the community. This is a chance for your group to do activities outside that are fun and also engage the community. It also provides a time of rest for small group leaders. Often there are mid-sized groups to participate in.
How and When do I Join a Small Group?
The easiest way to join a small group is to indicate your interest on the connection card in the bulletin or email smallgroups@epikos.org. You can also ask people you’ve met (and liked) and inquire about the small group they are in. You can jump into a small group at anytime! What are you waiting for? Joining a small group can be an awesome experience!
So why should I consider joining one?
Small groups are a vital part of the vision of Epikos. We greatly value gathering together on the weekends for musical worship, teaching from God’s Word, and fellowship, but we also greatly value people growing in their faith walk through a smaller midweek gathering. We were created by God to have fellowship with one another, and small groups create an environment where this is possible. People are given the opportunity to go deeper with each other and deeper in their walk with Christ. Being connected in authentic relationships allows us to accomplish Christ’s mission better. Small groups provide a safe place where people can be real with one another and share life together a place where you can ask questions, learn from the Bible, pray, and be prayed for.