Life is meant to be shared. God intends for us to experience life together. The Bible calls this fellowship.

Real fellowship is much more than just showing up at services. It is experiencing life together. It includes unselfish loving, honest sharing, practical serving, sacrificial giving, sympathetic comforting, and more “one another” experiences.

When it comes to fellowship, size matters – smaller is better.

How do I join a Small Group?

There are lots of ways to join a Small Group at BGBC. The best way is through relationships – get chatting to the people you meet in church on a Sunday and, if you’re already in a Small Group, invite them along; or, if you’re new, ask which Small Group they go to and go and check it out!

But if you do not know anyone yet, we can help you find the right Small Group: please call Tim Byles on (07720) 700312 or the church office on (01732) 454921 and speak to Andy about joining a group.

7 Reasons to join a Small Group

Small Group1. Discuss the Bible

If you have ever listened to a sermon and wanted to stop the preacher and ask a question, then a small group is for you! By studying the Bible with a small group, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion and hear others share their insights on the issues you are grappling with.

2. Find Friendship

Most people who have been a part of a small group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and friendships that develop. Groups share urgent prayer requests and celebrate exciting news. You’ll discover that you are not alone; others are facing the same difficulties, or have lived through them and can encourage you on the way.

3. Discover Prayer

Many people are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially in a large church. In a small group of 6 to 12 people prayer can be much less intimidating. No one will pressurise you to pray, but as you become comfortable, you’ll be able to join in with short prayers. By praying with others, we draw together to seek God’s help for the needs in our lives and in the lives of others.

4. Get Supported

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Small groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You’ll have a sense of stability and security knowing there are a group of people who care for you and are committed to standing with you. When someone loses a job, or a family member is taken ill, or a family needs a babysitter – many practical and emotional needs are naturally taken care of through your small group.

5. Invite Others

It may be that some of your friends wouldn’t be seen dead in a church but may be open to an invitation to a more informal meeting in someone’s home. A small group is an ideal place to invite a friend, a place where we can all ask questions or express honest doubts without feeling put on the spot: a place to experience the love, warmth and honesty of Christian community.

6. Participate

Every Christian is given certain talents or “gifts.” As you share and participate in a more relaxed small group setting, you’ll find a place to discover and practice your gifts for the benefit of others.

7. Worship

Many Christians mistakenly believe that worship can only happen on Sunday morning in a large group. Worship happens any time we focus on God. Sometimes that happens best in a smaller group, by praying or singing together. Many of our home groups share communion together during the course of the year.

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“They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Every day they continued to meet together… they broke bread in their homes and ate together… and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” 
 Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47

“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the Christ.” 
 Acts 5:42

“Greet also the church that meets at their house.” 
 Romans 16:5

“Aquilla and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord and so does the church that meets at their house.” 
 I Corinthians 16: 19

“Give my greetings…to Nympha and the church in her house.” 
 Colossians 4: 15

If you’d like to know more about our Small Groups please call Tim Byles on 07720700312 or the church office on (01732) 454921 and speak to Andy about joining a group.