SMALL GROUPS

Small groups are explicitly relationship-based gatherings. This is in contrast to the typical concept in American Christianity of a lay person taught "Bible study," which is an information-based or knowledge-based gathering. Our whole purpose for meeting together in small groups is to develop our relationships with God and each other.

In each meeting we take time to get to know each other better, discuss and apply the Bible to our lives, and pray for each other. In addition to the small group meeting times, people often get together informally in a variety of ways. The activities they participate in together include having meals together, going to events, and helping each other out with specific needs.

There is a great deal of variety in how we meet together. Some groups have a definite beginning and end (such as a semester), whereas other groups have been meeting together for years. Some meetings have a specific purpose such as intercessory prayer. The frequency of meetings also varies with the group.

Every small group is open to newcomers or visitors at any time. You are welcome to try out a variety of small groups. You will probably discover you are building wonderful new friendships along the way!

Our Vision for Small Groups

God created us with a need to be in relationship with Him as well as in healthy relationships with other people. Within the first few pages of the Bible, God makes it very clear that it is not good for a person to be alone.

Jesus died not only to take care of our sin problem, but also to provide the solution to our sense of aloneness. How does He do this? By working through our relationships with one another. There are over 50 "one another" verses in the Bible, instructing us to take care of one another, love one another, serve one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, etc. God wants to use us to help meet each other's needs!

We are committed to relationship-based ministry because we all need healthy relationships with other people to grow and become mature in Christ. Our western society is often impersonal and frequently dysfunctional when it comes to relationships. Deep interpersonal relationships were a hallmark of the early church and are a priority for us at Clemson Community Church. With them we offer the love of Christ to a broken and hurting world.