RELATIONSHIPS AS GOD INTENDED

In Harvest Small Groups, we don’t want to settle for relationships a mile wide and an inch deep. We want to experience deep, life-giving relationships. As a church, we are devoted to meaningful relationships where God is working for His glory, our growth and for the good of others.

If you want to experience all that Small Groups at Harvest is designed to be, we encourage you to lean in, commit, and enjoy participating in your Small Group. You’ll only get out of Small Group what you put into it. Invest in these four ways to see your group thrive and multiply.

  • WHY DO WE DO SMALL GROUPS?
    At Harvest Bible Chapel our focus is on the quality of discipleship. We encourage those in our fellowship to “get connected” by plugging into one of our small groups. The purpose of these groups is to minister to and encourage one another in daily devotionals, effective prayer, and mutual accountability.
  • WHAT DOES A SMALL GROUP LOOK LIKE?
    A typical small group meeting consists of fellowship, a discussion about the Bible, prayer, and mutual accountability time (men with men, women with women). Our discussions primarily focus on the sermon preached that Sunday, but will occasionally go through different studies throughout the year (all approved by our elders). Small Groups are approximately two hours in length and are currently held on weeknights.

Essentials of a small group

Small Groups at Harvest are uncommonly loving, encouraging, and authentic because of the foundation of Jesus Christ. The ethos of a Small Group is infused with the “One Another” commands of Scripture (forgive one another, love one another, welcome one another, bear one another’s burdens, etc).

We don’t want to be hearers of the Word without being doers of the Word (James 1:22). Our Small Groups don’t stop at gaining knowledge. In Small Groups, all study of the Bible leads to the application of God’s Word to everyday life.

One result of Small Group is the mutual encouragement of each others’ faith (Romans 1:12). Time spent together in fellowship, the study and application of Scripture, prayer, and accountability should result in bearing fruit for the Gospel. By serving one another, we help each other grow into maturity in Christ.

We believe that healthy things multiply. If our Small Groups have a quality of discipleship, men and women will grow into their salvation in Jesus Christ and spread the good news about Him. As this happens, disciples are multiplied! This leads to a multiplication of leaders, small groups, and ultimately churches! This is why we say Small Groups are the engine of our church as we strive to fulfill our mission.

Commitment

We want every small group member to embrace ten commitments. These commitments are based on the biblical mandate of mutual ministry, which is the driving force behind small groups. While every group has its own dynamics, these commitments are intended to set clear expectations and increase ownership among each small group member. Since healthy groups thrive on participation, having clear commitments is a critical starting point for every small group. Healthy small groups consist of members who strive to live out all ten commitments.

Why should i join a small group?

Our Small Groups are designed for Christians to grow in their walk with Christ. If you are looking for a body of believers that will encourage you, pray for you, hold you accountable, and celebrate God’s Work in your life, then Small Groups may be for you. The best way to get more information and get plugged into a group is to attend our Step 1 and Step 2 events. CLICK HERE to view our Events page for our next Step 1 & Step 2 events.

FAQ

When & where do Small Groups meet?
Small Groups meet in various homes on Tuesday and Thursday nights. We currently have groups in Orchard Park, Hamburg, South Buffalo, and Lancaster.
Groups meet three times a month and typically have one week off each month.
Typically, a group will run until it multiplies, at which point someone in the group helps to start a new group in addition to the original group.
We have a fall session that runs from September to December. And we have a spring session that goes from January to May. Groups do not meet during the summer.
Most groups have 10–14 members and gather together for two hours in a home. Groups enjoy fellowship, a discussion about the Bible, prayer, and mutual accountability time (men with men, women with women).
Joining a small group requires consistent attendance at the weekly meetings and any preparation ahead of time. Commitment is key to building group momentum and deep relationships. We understand that illness, work commitments, and family trips come up; however, the depth of each small group depends on the commitment of each member.
Small groups are the engine of our church. We like to say that we’re not a church WITH Small Groups but a church OF Small Groups. Discipleship and walking with Christ happens primarily in our Small Groups setting. Our other ministries also incorporate small groups, including Harvest Kids and Student Ministry. We believe meeting together on a regular basis is time well spent.
Small groups are for adults only but exceptions are made for newborns who are nursing. Parents are responsible for arranging childcare during small group. This can include hiring a babysitter (assistance is available), coordinating childcare with other families in your group or swapping childcare with someone from another small group who meets on a different night. Resources and assistance is available through the Small Group Intake Form.
While there is no specific formula for assigning members into various groups, some factors include: group size, available openings, stage of life, location, requested person(s) and the dynamics of each small group.
Membership is not required in order to join a small group, but we do expect that every person who is in a small group consider our church to be their church home.