GET CONNECTED
At GRACE, we believe being connected within the local church is not optional but essential. Because of this, Connect Groups are the heart of discipleship at GRACE. In Acts 2:42-47, we see Jesus’ followers in the Early Church devoted to living in community and united in their commitment to being discipled and making new disciples. From this passage, we get our Core Values of KNOWING, GROWING, GIVING, SERVING, and PRAISING. Growing in these areas is a continual process because each Core Value represents spiritual practices and disciplines we need to develop and refine to become more like Christ. We believe these Core Values are best learned and lived out within the accountability and proximity of small groups. We want to help you KNOW others and be known by them, GROW as a disciple of Jesus and be equipped to become a disciple maker, GIVE as a united body that believes it can make a Kingdom difference, SERVE in ways that glorify God, and PRAISE as someone who is living a life surrendered to Him. We offer a variety of group-based opportunities to help you be a part of a dynamic community within the church as you grow in your faith. Below, you can read about the current opportunities to get connected and begin actively participating in discipleship.
CONNECT OPEN HOUSE
On April 27, we’ll host a Connect Open House immediately following all of our Sunday Gatherings. Our Connect Open House is the best way to see all the opportunities you have to begin KNOWING, GROWING, GIVING, SERVING, and PRAISING.
We’ll have info on all classes, groups, retreats, events, and service opportunities that are offered during the second quarter of 2025. You’ll be able to meet leaders, learn about different ways to get involved, and choose your best point of connection.
Here are some of the options you’ll see:
GRACE101
GRACE101 is your perfect first step to growing at GRACE. 101 is a 4-week group designed to help you get plugged in at GRACE and learn how to take the next step in your discipleship journey. In this group, you will meet some of our staff, build relationships, and learn about our vision, core values, and beliefs. Plus, we’ll have fun by serving together and sharing a meal together.
Whether you’re brand new to following Jesus or have been following him for years, we encourage you to participate in GRACE101 because it allows us to get to know you so we can help you see what it looks like to follow Jesus in this stage of your faith.
During the first 3 weeks of 101, your group will meet during the 11:30am Gathering in the Student Auditorium. On the final week, we will share lunch together at 12:30pm, and you’ll have a chance to visit with Pastor Tommy and ask any questions you may have about GRACE. The next round of GRACE101 begins May 4. You can sign up to attend 101 here:
NEW BELIEVERS & BAPTISM CLASS
In the Bible, when Jesus invited his disciples to learn from him, he said, “Follow me.” These earliest disciples literally followed Jesus around for years as he taught them how to live according to the Kingdom of God. But, what does it look like to follow Jesus today? How should following Jesus affect our lives? What does baptism mean, and why do followers of Christ get baptized? What things should we be doing to grow closer to God and show that we have chosen to follow Jesus – and how do we learn to do these things? Our New Believers & Baptism Class is designed to help you answer these questions and prepare you for baptism.
In this group, you’ll meet other people who are growing in their faith, and you will learn from mature Christians who have been following Jesus for decades and want to help. You’ll learn about the essential beliefs Jesus followers hold, how to engage in spiritual disciplines (like prayer and reading the Bible), and how to make these spiritual disciplines a meaningful part of your relationships with God and other believers. The next New Believers & Baptism Class begins May 4 and will meet for 4 Sundays. The first 3 weeks will meet during the 11:30 Gathering. On the final week, May 25, you’ll meet at 12:30 for lunch as you hear from Tommy about baptism. Baptism will be June 1 at 12:30pm. You can sign up here:
CHURCH-WIDE BIBLE STUDIES
Many of our Connect Groups are centered around church-wide Bible studies. One of our highest priorities is teaching people to read the Bible and learn skills for studying, understanding, and applying God’s Word.
Because we believe this is critical to the health of our church, we have several church-wide Bible studies each year. These are special times where the entire church focuses on studying a specific part of scripture together. During these studies, you’ll listen to the messages on Sundays, follow a reading plan of scripture and devotionals on your own during the week, then meet with your Connect Group to discuss, ask questions, and learn to study and apply God’s Word together.
Our next church-wide Bible study starts May 4. We’ll be focusing on growing our understanding of, experience of, and relationship with the Holy Spirit. As we study together, we’ll see how the Holy Spirit reveals God’s nature, guides our understanding of scripture, and empowers us to live in the image of Christ. At our Connect Open House, you can see your options for Connect Groups that will be meeting throughout the week to discuss our study of the Holy Spirit.
SUPPORT GROUPS
GRACErecovery: Are you working to overcome an addiction, a habit, or something that just has you hung up? Then GRACE Recovery is for you! Every Monday night at 6:30p this Jesus-centered, confidential group meets to work through the challenges of addiction.
GRACErecovery Spousal Support Group: Are you a woman supporting someone as they journey through recovery from addiction? We want to walk with you as you walk with them. Every Monday at 6:30 you are invited to worship, study, and process alongside a supportive group of women choosing to heal and learning to live like Jesus.
Grief Ministry: Our grief ministry meets the first Sunday of every month at 2p in the Gckids Auditorium and is open to everyone experiencing any form of grief. We seek to equip those who are hurting and broken in spirit to grieve well on their journey with Jesus.