New Beginnings Church - Bible Study Groups

Our purpose is to help people know and love God, and His goodness, and to equip them to be all He has destined them to be.

Small Study Groups

At New Beginnings Church, in addition to our regular worship services, we have Small Study Groups to provide a relaxed in-home atmosphere for study, discussion and fellowship. We hope you'll read what Pastor Frank has to say (below) about the benefits of these groups, and that you'll join one and see the difference it makes in your life!

1. You will understand the Bible better in a Small Group. If you've ever listened to a Bible teacher or preacher and wanted to stop that person and say, "But, what about...?" or "I don't understand!" then a small group is for you! Preaching and teaching are forms of communication... you listen while the speaker speaks. It's fine for communicating information, but is not as effective in helping people develop a personal application. This is where a small group comes in. In a small group setting, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion, and hear others share insights and illustrations of the truth you have been taught.

Sometimes I've had people tell me after a service, “Pastor Frank, it would be helpful if I could sit down with some others and discuss the implications of your message today. You said so much, I need to digest it!" The Small Group Discussion Questions are designed with that purpose in mind!

2. You will begin to really feel like part of God's Family. Most people who have been part of a group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and friendships that develop. You will have someone to telephone during the week to share an urgent prayer request or an exciting answer to prayer. You'll discover that your needs and problems are not unique... we're all in the same boat. It helps to know that others are facing the same difficulties or have lived through them and learned spiritual principles in the process.

Over fifty times in the New Testament, the phrase "one another" is used to describe our relationship with other believers. We are instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, accept one another, bear one another's burdens and build up one another. The only way you can obey these commands is in a small group! We really do need each other. God never meant for you to go it alone in the Christian life. If you're lonely, the answer to your problem is to join a small group.

3. Prayer will become more meaningful to you. Many people are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially in a large church. In a small group of 6 to 12 people, you will learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one is pressured to pray, but as you become more comfortable, you'll be able to pray sentence prayers and join in. There are many promises in the Bible related to group prayer. In praying together, we are drawn together and we find answers to the needs in our lives.

4. You will be able to handle stress and pressure better. Small groups provide excellent support in times of crises, change, and stress. You'll have a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care for you and who are committed to standing with you. When someone loses a job, a family member has an extended illness, or a family needs a babysitter, your small group can address the practical needs arising from these challenging circumstances. Your group can coordinate meal service, childcare, prayer support and other assistance.

5. You will have a natural way to share Christ with unbelieving friends, relatives and work associates. It may be that some of your friends who don't know the Lord wouldn't be caught dead in a church. Just the thought of church makes them defensive. But those same people may be open to an invitation to a casual Bible discussion in a home or office setting. In a small group, your unbelieving friend can ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling "on the spot." When your friend sees the love, warmth and honesty of your group, it will make him more receptive to the Good News.

6. You will develop leadership skills you never knew you had! The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain talents or "gifts" to benefit others in the family of God. Unfortunately, most Christians remain "Sunday morning spectators" all their lives because large group meetings are primarily "sit and listen" situations. As you share and participate in a relaxed small group setting, you'll discover your confidence and self-esteem rising. This will help you at work, at church, and in every other relationship.

7. You will deepen your understanding of worship. Many believers mistakenly believe that worship can only happen on Sunday morning in a large group with a sermon, a choir, and an offering plate! Worship happens any time we focus on God. Sometimes that happens best in a small group through praying or singing together. At New Beginnings, we are authorizing the leader of each small group to serve communion whenever the group wishes.

8. You will be a New Testament Christian. The Bible is very clear about how God intends His people to grow and have their needs met in the church. We will never be able to hire enough professional pastors to meet all the individual needs in our family. God never intended it to be that way!

I am excited about the incredible potential of the network of small groups we're building within New Beginnings Church! Small Groups have benefits that NO believer can afford to pass up.