GRACE Groups will be life-changing. Not only will they foster deep spiritual growth, but they'll help members of our Faith community build meaningful Christian relationships through consistent, small gatherings with other believers. GRACE Groups are not a ministry or “program” of the church.

They ARE the church.



What is a GRACE Group?

A GRACE Group at Faith Community Lutheran Church is simply a group of 3 or more people that meet consistently and intentionally, while anchored in the tenets of “GRACE”:


Gather

Read & Reflect on God’s Word

Ask, through prayer

Care for one another

Expand the Kingdom of God


We gather (Matthew 18:20) to read and reflect on God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12) and ask all things of Him in prayer (I John 5:14-15; Ephesians 6:18), and through that time together, we develop a caring community – an extended family, if you will (Philippians 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11) – that is empowered to expand the Kingdom of God by sharing the good news of Jesus with others (Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 5:16). 


A GRACE Group can be a small group of families that meets in a home every other Sunday afternoon… or a dozen men who get together once a month at a pizza joint… or a gathering of 7 single young adults every Thursday evening.

How do I join A GRACE Group?

Well, we’d rather you start a GRACE Group. It’s as simple as this:

  1. Ask at least two friends or families to join you
  2. Choose when, where and how often to meet
  3. Register your group on our web site

We’re not asking you to gather with strangers or people you don’t know! We want you to invite your friends, the people you already know well – or perhaps would like to get to know better. And, it’s not restricted to just members of Faith! Grab your neighbors or co-workers!

What happens when we meet?

Your group will get started with a non-threatening, four-part study called Circle Up, where you’ll learn how being connected relationally will help you grow spiritually. And you’ll talk about the surprisingly simple things you can do to make sure your group experience is a great one. We’ll provide all the materials you’ll need. 

What’s the difference between a GRACE Group and a Growth Group?

Most “Growth Groups” at Faith are seasonal or topical Bible studies that last for a few weeks and are designed to help members become more in tune with God’s Word. While GRACE Groups are centered around Bible study as well, they differ from Growth Groups in a few key ways:

  • They are not seasonal. GRACE Groups will consist of individuals or families who commit to a deeper journey with their Christian brothers and sisters. There is no “end date.”
  • They are more than Bible studies. As the acronym suggests, GRACE Groups are designed for fellowship, for caring for one another, for prayer and for service and ministry.
  • The groups will generally meet in homes or other off-campus locations.

What about COVID-19?

Most GRACE Groups will enjoy meeting in homes and even sharing a meal as part of their fellowship. However, we understand there might be some hesitancy to meet face-to-face under the current circumstances. Virtual gatherings, using technology such as Zoom or Skype, are a great alternative until things return to normal.

How do I get started?

After you’ve invited two other friends or families to join you, click on the "Host a Grace Group" button below and fill out the form with the names of those in your group, so we can get your group set up on the Church Center app (that will allow you to easily manage and communicate with your group). One of our Lead Disciplers will be in touch to make sure you have everything you need to get started!


GRACE GROUP HOST FAQ