Growthtrac Community

[Ejam]

Anybody home? I'm interersted in finding a small group. And what's even more interesting to me is when I actually do find one and start going. They never meet my need. Now that's a pretty strong statement and it gets me wondering. If it's true that they never meet my need then why am I looking? And, also, what are my needs about a small group and why have the "never met my need". I'm curious so, I might try one again.

Any suggestions?

[SAM]

I have some questions to ask that may help.
First, which area of the country do you live in? This would
help us with some possible referrals.
Second, when you say groups are not meeting your needs, what needs do you feel you need met?
Third, what types of interests do you have? Maybe doing
something with sports, mechanical, computer related may be
of interest.
Fourth, do you belong to a local church where you can connect?
Are you looking for a group that focuses on bible study or
more relational time?
So, lots and lots of questions, but it will help clarify some things.

[Ejam]

I have some questions to ask that may help.
First, which area of the country do you live in? This would
help us with some possible referrals.
Second, when you say groups are not meeting your needs, what needs do you feel you need met?
Third, what types of interests do you have? Maybe doing
something with sports, mechanical, computer related may be
of interest.
Fourth, do you belong to a local church where you can connect?
Are you looking for a group that focuses on bible study or
more relational time?
So, lots and lots of questions, but it will help clarify some things.

I live in Arlington Heights, IL. I'm looking for more of a relational group rather than strictly Bible Study. I like sports and play golf and tennis when I can. I'm in the process of looking at different churches.

[SAM]

I live in Arlington Heights, IL. I'm looking for more of a relational group rather than strictly Bible Study. I like sports and play golf and tennis when I can. I'm in the process of looking at different churches. >>>

Perhaps a sports ministry may be helpful. I have heard about several at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Harvest Bible Chapel in Palatine. They are both non-demoninational bible teaching churches.

If you are married, have you considered a couples group?
Or once you settle into a new church and develop some relationships, starting a group of your own is always possible with other men who have sports related interest.

[Jim]

I noticed a preference toward sports? Some churches [I believe Willow Creek does] have sports-related activities. Small Groups are often spun-off those activities. Also, as SAM said, you might consider forming your own group after you find your new church and establish some relationships.

[GIC]

As my daddy used to say "You only get out of it, what you put into it!" It sounds to me that if your needs aren't getting met, maybe you should look inside? I had a tough time getting into the right group too. After some searching I realized that maybe I needed to take personal inventory. Grasp ahold of my own spirituality. You see, I wanted to sit at someones feet and let them spoon feed the Bible to me. When I realized that I was doing this, it was a huge burden lifted. I no longer had such high expectations for my small group. I could go, learn, fellowship, and look at the needs of others, and not my own. Hope this helps. GIC