Knowing Jesus and
making Jesus known
Small groups are how we do that
SMALL GROUPS
What is its purpose?
What is its mission?
The mission of the Westside Small Group ministry is to recognize this world needs a Jesus effect to become alive and well within ourselves and within our local communities. This is done by first strengthening ourselves in Christ, then by meeting the needs of those around us, finally by sharing the gospel of Christ which we have been living out daily with the lost in our community whom we have earned the right to be heard.
How does a group live out the mission in a way that supports its mission?
First, Westside groups focus on personal spiritual growth and accountability. In partnership with a personal growth focus Westside groups focus on as Proverbs 27:17 would say, an “iron sharpens iron” type of group interaction. This is seen in group fellowship, Bible study, peer to peer accountability, and ultimately acts of service.
What does it mean to grow spiritually as a group?
All groups follow a sermon-based model in which the members have already read the sermon scripture before arriving on Sunday. Then they hear the sermon for a deeper dive into the meaning and interpretation of those verses/topic. Finally, the group discusses the verses/topic as a group, armed with a prepared thoughtful perspective of what they read on their own and what PD said which offered a deeper and possibly different insight/perspective. We grow as a group spiritually when we allow and welcome the “iron sharpens iron” type of insightful Biblical discussion that ends with each of us personally walking closer with our Savior.
What does it mean to grow relationally as a group?
Growing relationally as a group is far more than just becoming comfortable with the surface level conversations which can so easily paralyze a group’s effort to dive deeper into our relationship with Jesus. Growing relationally as a group includes the light hearted conversations, but it weekly dives deeper into your inner person. Roots are dug deeply into each other’s lives through openly accepted and desired accountability. While we discuss day-to-day life, meet the needs of each other, and hold each other accountable to our faith, the group grows relationally deeper in Christ Jesus.
What are the benefits of a one group model?
All groups aligning in a single mission minded sermon-based group keeps all moving in the same direction. The entire church body is in fellowship in a way which is growing spiritually together through more deeply diving into the scriptures and scripture perspective shared in the sermons. All small group leaders are best equipped to not only lead their group through this model, but also are most able to come along side other group leaders in peer mentorship and growth.
What is the structure of a group logistically / organizationally?
Groups meet primarily in homes, but also at church when this option is more effective based on geographical location of the group members to each other. Groups are comprised of 10-12 members who will grow in Christ together as they become missional in their purpose, strengthening our faith to the point of being comfortable sharing it with the lost world we live in.
How long do Groups last?
At Westside, Groups occur in a 9-month session from August to April. Groups officially take a break for the summer months of May, June, and July. Some groups might also take off December.
How do new groups form?
New groups form out of 2 distinct approaches:
New Group formation of nongroup people. This occurs in response to many potential different factors. General Sunday morning church attendance and direct request for group involvement. Also, through attendance of a “new members” class or luncheon where small group options and vision are shared. Possibly through attendance in Sunday morning Classes where a deeper dive into Jesus and how to socially engage in that effort is better understood by a newer member. Finally, through attendance in affinity groups (WOW, Merge, Pickleball, etc.) which begins to drive a desire within these attendees for deeper relational growth with Westside people.
The other comes out of internal group growth. As a group invites (part of living out the “ALL IN” Westside action plan for a most successful Jesus knowing church) the group inevitably grows. Out of that growth, new leaders become more obvious. Eventually this group becomes multiple.
How Do I join a Group?
Respond online at the church website. Current groups with available spots are listed online. Also, new groups forming which are looking for new members are visible there as well.
Inquire at the Welcome Desk as you enter the church.
Contact Jeff Pettet Westside’s director of groups directly.
What if the Group I want to go to does not show openings?
Respond to that leader directly! They will work with the Groups Director to find you a good short term or long-term fit.
How often do they meet?
Classes by design meet 3 weeks on and 1 week off per month. This approach to groups gives the greatest opportunity for consistency and continuity within each individual group to deepen vulnerability within the group while also giving a flexible week off in which group social or service events can occur, or simply an evening to take a break.
What is the expectation of commitment to a group when I join?
The expectation is a full commitment. The one week off per month approach should help with schedule conflicts. If you find that you must miss, please contact your group leader as early as possible so that they can be prepared for your absence. If you find regular attendance during a particular groups season will be difficult you are encouraged to not register for that season and then restart again at a time when you can be more fully committed. The goals of small groups at Westside are best attained and fully demonstrated with complete commitment to the group.
What if I find that I cannot be fully committed to regular attendance for one of the group sessions?
At Westside we understand that sometimes life has seasons of busyness and time slot conflicts. However, Westside also recognizes that each member’s life purpose is to grow in a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and to live out a life of love and service accordingly. Group’s role in this personal and group spiritual growth cannot most effectively happen if all are not completely committed.
If you find yourself in the situation of excessive conflicts, reach out to your group leader and the groups director to see if other group meeting nights are available. Or, take this session off and be prepared to fully re-engage in the next session.
What are the Membership Class?
The Membership class is a transformational class that answers the essential questions of the faith. Questions like: What does it mean to have faith in Christ? What does it mean to be a Nazarene? What it means to live out your faith as a member of Westside? How am I best equipped as a member of Westside Church to understand foundational theology to be a life-long learner of the Bible? How do I best understand my own personal strengths which best equip me to fully serve Almighty God in the way that most pleases Him? Finally, how do small groups actually work at Westside, and why are they structured the way that they are? This is an 4-week program designed to help you gain a better understanding of what Westside believes, how you can be most involved, and how you can find yourself growing more deeply in Christ as a result of your experiences at Westside.
Questions? Contact Jeff Pettet.
