A small group is a gathering of approximately 4 - 12 individuals who meet regularly to share life together in the caring environment of Christian fellowship and community.

Small Groups meet in order to...

• Study Together,
• Encourage One Another,
• Pray for Each Other, and
• Serve Together.

We promote Small Groups because...

1.  Life is better when we share it with others!

Life is hard sometimes. However, we believe that life is lived better when we participate in a life-giving community. When we enjoy Christian community, we bear one another's burdens and share one another's joys. Life is easier and more fun when we live it together in a smaller community.

2.  As we grow larger, we must also grow smaller.

Due to the size and diversity of our ministry, it is important that we connect with a small group of people. Small Groups are the place to know others and be known ourselves. Small groups allow us to build the life-changing community that God intends for us to experience.

3.  Small Groups are Biblical.

Jesus Himself lived life in a small group. He had thousands of followers, but He chose twelve men to be the focus of His ministry here on earth.  He invested the majority of His time, energy and intensive teaching into this group of men.

The early church also gives a strong example of what biblical community should be. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Every day they continued to meet together...they broke bread in their homes and ate together...and the Lord added to their numbers daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:42,44,46-47).

As part of a Small Group, you can expect opportunities to...

• Build life-supporting friendships and meet others from Carmel Lutheran.
• Give and receive love and encouragement.
• Pray and be prayed for.
• Grow in your faith and learn applicable ways to become more like Christ.
• Serve others--in your group, in the congregation, and in the community,

Small Groups are intended for us to grow, so no prior knowledge or experience is required.

Small Group Interest