What is a Growth Group?
A Growth Group is a home fellowship made up of 10-20 people who meet weekly to share, study and support one another. A trained leader and host lead each group. An average meeting lasts for an hour and a half, followed by light refreshments.
How Important Are Growth Groups?
Growth Groups are the core of our ministry. They're the place where the real ministry of the church takes place as we study God's Word, while supporting and sharing our lives with one another. We believe that meeting together on a regular basis is time well spent. Our goal each year is to have at least 80% of our adults involved on a weekly basis.
When and Where Do They Meet?
Growth Groups meet on various nights of the week in homes throughout Cedar Park and beyond. Most evening groups meet 7-9 pm. The weekend groups meeting times vary.
How Long Do They Last?
Each Growth Group session lasts 9 to 11 weeks. We have Fall, Winter & Spring sessions. At the end of each session, you will have the choice of staying in the same group, trying a new group or even taking a break. Most groups stay together throughout the entire year. Growth Groups do not meet mid-June through August.
What is the Required Committment?
Joining a Growth Group requires a 9 to 11 week commitment to attend weekly meetings and do the homework ahead of time. Obviously, allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts and other special events, but not much more. This commitment is the key to a strong Growth Group. You have the first three weeks to attend the group to make sure it's a good fit for you.
What Will We Study?
Most of the studies are based on the previous weekend's message. These "sermon-based" Growth Groups are built on what we call a "Lecture-Lab" model. Imagine the weekend message as a lecture on Christian living, and the Growth Group as a lab where you get to roll up your sleeves and discuss how the weekend's message works in real life. Each week there will be a series of Bible passages and questions on the back of the sermon note sheet to study before the meeting . It will usually take 20 to 40 minutes per week to complete the homework.
What Does It Cost?
Few things in life are free and Growth Groups are no exception! The cost of Growth Groups is the cost of commitment. When you join a Growth Group, you're promising to attend and be prepared each week. It's this commitment that makes Growth Groups work. We realize it's a big commitment, but it only lasts for 9 - 11 weeks. At the end of each quarter, you have the choice of recommitting for another quarter, trying a new group, or taking a break from Growth Groups altogether.
What About Child Care?
Growth Groups are for adults only. (Exceptions can be made for nursing newborns, up to six months.) Childcare is available at several growth groups. Some do not offer childcare.
How Do I Choose A Group?
When selecting a group, we strongly recommend you choose a group based on its leader-host team and station-in-life, rather than its location. Over the years, we've found that groups do best when members share a common station-in-life and other interests with their leaders, hosts, and other group members. In the end, you'll find it's worth the drive!
If you have any questions (especially if you are new to Highpoint), please don't hesitate to call the church (512-260-5449) or email growthgroups@hpf.org, and we will gladly assist you. Keep in mind that it might take two or three groups before you find the perfect fit, but don't worry, you'll find it!
How Do I Sign Up For A Growth Group?
We offer sign-ups for Growth Groups during the weekend services and online before each of our Growth Group Quarters begin.
Are There Growth Groups for Teenagers?
Yes, our high school and junior high ministries both offer small groups for students. Although these groups are not included in this publication, they are very important to our church. For more information about junior high or high school groups, please contact the youth pastor, Mike Horton.
