Groups Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why does Brentwood put such high value on Community Groups?
At Brentwood Church, we believe the Bible teaches that spiritual growth happens best when people live in authentic community as opposed to isolation. Biblically functioning communities inspire real accountability, belonging, care and discipleship. Therefore, we believe that out of all the environments at Brentwood Church, Community Groups are the best place for sustained spiritual growth and life change.
2. What is the difference between a Community Group and a Teaching Group?
Community Groups are “long-term” groups (12 to 18 months) that require a commitment to journey through life and faith with a group of people.
In contrast, Teaching Groups are “short-term” groups (3 to 12 weeks) that are less relational and more content driven to provide encouragement and equipping for specific areas of need or study. Click here for a list of upcoming Teaching Groups.
3. How do I join a Community Group?
Attend CONNECT (only if you have never attended CONNECT in the past).
If you have already attended CONNECT you can register for GroupLink here.
Please Note: We ask that you attend CONNECT because we believe it is essential that all Community Group members understand the purpose of our Community Groups and are united in the mission, vision, beliefs & core values of Brentwood Church.
4. What is the purpose of Community Group?
The purpose of Community Group is to provide a predictable environment where people can experience authentic community and spiritual growth.
5. How are “Community Groups” different than other Bible Studies that I have attended?
Community Groups involve more than just studying the Bible. When you join a Community Group, you commit to creating a place where one can experience honesty and authenticity. Although group members often choose to use books or curriculum to facilitate spiritual dialogue, our Community Groups are not programmed or formulaic. Each group looks radically different from the other. Over time as connection happens, the Bible usually becomes the central discussion piece. And as a result of connectivity, it is easier to extract Biblical truth that is relevant to that Group's life experience. The real difference between a Community Group and a "Bible study" happens outside of the group meeting time; in real life. Our hope is that your group will become “like family” and that all Community Groups become missional communities.
6. Are Community Groups organized around special intrests or hobbies?
Community Groups at Brentwood are NOT organized around special intrests or hobbies. Our Community Groups are organized around stages of life (single, married, etc.).
7. Are there co-ed Community Groups for singles?
Many Teaching Groups are co-ed, however all Community Groups for singles are men-only and women-only.
8. When and where do Community Groups meet?
Community Groups generally meet Monday through Thursday evenings. While most groups meet in a consistent location (the home of a group member), some groups prefer to take turns meeting in different members’ homes.
9. How often do Community Groups meet?
Most groups meet weekly. Some groups meet for three weeks out of the month and either take off the fourth week or do a service project or social activity together.
10. How long does a Community Group stay together?
Many groups commit to meet for 12 to 18 months, however the members of each group decide the length of time that their group will meet together. Many college student groups commit to meeting for just one semester at a time.
11. What happens in a "typical" Community Group meeting?
Every community group has its own personality but the following are common elements that take place in most group meetings:
Relational Connection (60 min.) – Groups typically spend some time building relationships and getting to know each other. Many groups do this by eating dinner together and catching up on each other’s weeks.
Bible Truth Discussion (45 min.) – Groups also do a study together. Some focus strictly on the Weekly Discussion Guide provided by the church that enhances the Sunday morning teaching, while others rotate through various other Bible studies.
Prayer & Care (45 min.) – Prayer is also a key element to group meetings. Many people find that praying in groups is their favorite part of group life. Groups made up of married couples usually spend a portion of the group meeting with husbands and wives meeting separately. This allows for real accountability and trust to develop.
12. What do Community Groups study?
Each group chooses their own group study with the help of the Community Life Pastor and/or the Group Coordinators – seasoned leaders who help guide group leaders. The Weekly Discussion Guide, provided each week by Brentwood Church, and www.groupcurriculum.org are two great resources.
13. Is childcare provided during my Community Group time?
Because we place such a high value on Community Group Brentwood Church provides Childcare Supplement to help offset the costs of childcare. Each group is responsible for finding their own childcare workers. Speak with your community group leader for more details on how to submit a Childcare Supplement Form.
14. What is a "Starter Group"?
A Starter Group is what we call the first 8 weeks of a new Community Group. During this first phase of a new group's life cycle people focus on getting to know each other, complete together a short bible study provided by Brentwood Church, confirm the group leader and work out meeting times and childcare challenges.
15. What is the purpose of the Community Group “Shared Values Agreement”?
This document is simply a tool to help group members clearly understand the focus and duration of their group. It helps foster communication from the start and reinforces the commitment made by each other to give their group a solid effort. Many problems that Community Groups face come from unclear expectations. This tool helps establish common expectations right from the start. The Shared Values Agreement is to be completed the last week of the Starter Group phase.
16. What does it mean when a Community Group "ends" or "multiplies"?
During the term of the group, the group leader will train an Apprentice to be the leader of a future group. The goal is that at the end of a Community Group's life cycle at least two groups are formed from the original allowing others to join groups with seasoned leaders.
17. Why is leadership at Brentwood encouraged to be part of a Community Group?
First, we encourage everyone at Brentwood to be part of a Community Group. Second, we acknowledge that without the accountability of community any leader can drift to a place of isolation and even hypocrisy. Third, because we believe Community Group is the best place at Brentwood Church for sustained spiritual growth and life change we encourage anyone in leadership to participate.
18. What are the requirements for leading a Community Group or Teaching Group?
Click here for information on Group Leadership
19. What does the Bible say about authentic community?
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-2
"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:22
"You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house." Acts 20:20
"Therefore, go and make disciples…" Matthew 28:19
"Instruct one another." Romans 15:14
"Carry each others burdens…" Galatians 6:2
"Encourage one another…" 1 Thessalonians 4:18
"Build each other up…" 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Confess your sins to each other…" James 5:16
"…pray for each other…" James 5:16
"…Love one another deeply, from the heart." 1 Peter 1:22
"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." 1 Peter 4:9
"Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…" 1 Peter 5:5
"Love one another…" John 13:34