What Makes Community Groups Different?

Seasonal Approach

Rather than meet indefinitely, Community Groups are three seasons of 6-9 weeks with short breaks in between. These defined periods require short-term commitments and make it easier for a newcomer to join a group, and they provide clear breaks and periods of evaluation when each season is complete. They allow the group’s facilitator to decide if they can lead for another season or not, as well as grant group members the opportunity to determine if the group is still a good fit given changes in schedule or different seasons in life. Groups are absolutely encouraged to keep meeting between seasons if they wish.

Easier to Join

You can sign up to join a Community Group directly on our website. On this page, you’ll find all the different Community Groups available at Chapel, along with each group’s facilitator, meeting time and place, and a brief description to help you know what to expect if you join that group. From there, it’s easy! Just select a group and click to join.

Family Seasons

For one season each year, all Community Groups will follow the same curriculum, which will be tied to the Sunday message. We’ll all be moving through the same material as one church body, having separate discussions but coming closer as a whole.

Community Group - FAQs

What is a Community Group?

Community Groups are gatherings of 6-15 people that meet outside of regular worship hours to meet new people, develop meaningful relationships, and deepen our understanding of our faith and Christ’s love for us.

How Often Do Community Groups Meet?

Community Groups operate in three seasons of 6-9 weeks with short breaks in between. These defined periods require only short-term commitments, allow groups and leaders to evaluate their status and capacity, and make it easier for newcomers to join. Groups are absolutely welcome to continue meeting between seasons if they wish. During seasons, we encourage groups to meet once per week for about 75-90 minutes (you can certainly meet longer if you like!).

What do you do in a Community Group?

People meet in Community Groups to build and strengthen relationships with others both inside and outside Chapel of the Cross. Through time spent together, scripture passages, and engaging discussion questions, Community Groups get real with each other to talk about their lives, faith, needs, and whatever else comes up in conversation.

How long am I committed to a Community Group?

When you sign up for a group, we ask that you commit to faithfully attending for the course of that season. The end of each season provides a clear point for group facilitators and members to evaluate their current schedule, needs, capacity, and connection to the group. If you believe there could be a better fit for you elsewhere, you can join a new group next season.

How do I sign up for a Community Group?

The easiest way is to visit this page and browse the different groups available this season.

What if there's not a Community Group that matches my Needs and/or Desires?

Maybe God is calling you to facilitate your own group! Due to the flexibility of Community Groups, you can really make your group whatever you want it to be, all with training and backing provided by Chapel. It’s easier than you might think.

I'm interested in Starting my own Community Group. How do I get started?

Fantastic! Contact James Uglum at JamesUglum@chapelofthecrosslutheran.org.

Is it Ok to leave my Community Group at the end of the season?

Absolutely. We understand that you want to find people you feel comfortable being real with, and not everyone reaches that level. Plus, you might realize your current group members are in a different stage of life than you or that the meeting time doesn’t fit your schedule. We do ask that you have grace and patience to stick with your group through the current season and allow God to work. But if you strongly feel at season’s end a change is necessary, you’re more than welcome to sign up for a new group in the following season.

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