Small groups are a vital part of church life, for in small groups, relationships are formed to help us in following God and reaching out to others. Most people who are in a small group stay more faithful God, have closer Christian friendships, and are better at sharing their faith with others.
Our small groups take different forms and formats, but most involve some type of meal or fellowship time, Bible study, prayer, and outreach or service. Some groups emphasize one aspect more than others. Most of these groups meet weekly on Sunday night, but others meet on Wednesday night or at other times. Some groups have a geographic grouping, some are more age-group specific, and some have a mix of ages and are "intergenerational."
Additionally, some of our ministries have a type of small group dynamic with a particular focus, such as fellowship groups, ladies' Bible study, or service types of groups (e.g., clothes closet), and these types of groups can be found in those ministry areas on the website.
Several of our new groups have begun as Story of Redemption studies and have continued to meet and have a strong outreach focus. The Story of Redemption is an eight week study designed to tell the overall story of the Bible, helping to lead a person to faith in Jesus Christ and a lived out life of service and mission. These study groups usually contain a mix of long time Christians and seekers who have been unchurched or are new to following Christ.
If you are interested in participating in a small group contact us at
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or(214) 544-6565 or
contact one of the small group leaders below. For help in starting a group, training and/or resources, contact James Nored at
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(especially for Story of Redemption and outreach groups) or Bryan Sharp at
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.
Here are our small groups and group leaders, with an interview of each leader about the group's focus and makeup:
Small groups are a vital part of church life, for in small groups, relationships are formed to help us in following God and reaching out to others. Most people who are in a small group stay more faithful God, have closer Christian friendships, and are better at sharing their faith with others.
Our small groups take different forms and formats, but most involve some type of meal or fellowship time, Bible study, prayer, and outreach or service. Some groups emphasize one aspect more than others. Most of these groups meet weekly on Sunday night, but others meet on Wednesday night or at other times. Some groups have a geographic grouping, some are more age-group specific, and some have a mix of ages and are "intergenerational."
Additionally, some of our ministries have a type of small group dynamic with a particular focus, such as fellowship groups, ladies' Bible study, or service types of groups (e.g., clothes closet), and these types of groups can be found in those ministry areas on the website.
Several of our new groups have begun as Story of Redemption studies and have continued to meet and have a strong outreach focus. The Story of Redemption is an eight week study designed to tell the overall story of the Bible, helping to lead a person to faith in Jesus Christ and a lived out life of service and mission. These study groups usually contain a mix of long time Christians and seekers who have been unchurched or are new to following Christ.
If you are interested in participating in a small group contact us at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or(214) 544-6565 or
contact one of the small group leaders below. For help in starting a group, training and/or resources, contact James Nored at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
(especially for Story of Redemption and outreach groups) or Bryan Sharp at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Here are our small groups and group leaders, with an interview of each leader about the group's focus and makeup:
This Seekers small group is a newly formed group that is led by minister James Nored and his wife Becki. The group has a diversity of ages from families in their 20s and 30s to an empty nester couple in their late 40s-50s.
The purpose of this group is to reach out to those who are seeking God or struggling in their faith. Several in the group are new Christians or are involved in their very first Bible study group. The long time Christians that are in the group have committed to helping reach out to those who are seeking. The topics and approach in any study will be geared toward helping people come to faith in Christ or solidify their faith in Christ. This includes studies such as
The Story of Redemption - An evangelistic Bible study that starts from the very beginning of the Bible and tells the overall story of the Bible. This study assumes no prior Bible knowledge. An example of someone who went through this study is Kurt Tegge in the video above.
H20, The Case for Christ - These are DVD series that deals with basic faith issues.
Discover Bible study - A simple Bible study method that anyone can do that very much emphasizes applying God's word to daily life.
The group meets at 6:45 PM in homes out in Melissa and usually lasts until 8:00 PM. The time is spent in Bible study, spiritual discussion, and prayer. There will also be an emphasis upon living out one's faith in outreach and service, both individually and a group. This group, for instance, tries to bless 3 people's lives each week (for churched and unchurched people), and shares these blessings each week. Also, new Story of Redemption studies are always looking to be started.
This small group is a newly formed group that originally began as a Story of Redemption study. It is led by minister James Nored and his wife Becki. The group has several young families in their 30s who are at various stages in their faith walk.
The purpose of this group is to reach out to those who are seeking God or struggling in their faith. Several in the group are new Christians or are involved in their very first Bible study group. The long time Christians that are in the group have committed to helping reach out to those who are seeking. The topics and approach in any study will be geared toward helping people come to faith in Christ or solidify their faith in Christ. This includes studies such as
The Story of Redemption - An evangelistic Bible study that starts from the very beginning of the Bible and tells the overall story of the Bible. This study assumes no prior Bible knowledge. An example of someone who went through this study is Kurt Tegge in the video above.
H20, The Case for Christ - These are DVD series that deals with basic faith issues.
Discover Bible study - A simple Bible study method that anyone can do that very much emphasizes applying God's word to daily life.
The group meets from 6:00-8:00 PM at the home of James and Becki Nored. 3201 Guildford Lane, McKinney, TX, 75070. There is a meal at 6:00 PM, followed by a time of Bible study, spiritual discussion, and prayer. There will also be an emphasis upon living out one's faith in outreach and service. Also, the group has committed to having a fellowship meal for those who come through the Intro to High Pointe class to welcome these visitors and help get them connected.
For more information about this group, contact James Nored at
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.
Below is an interview with Mike Belknap about this connection group.
What is the make-up (age, life situation) of your group? The ages in this group range from Mid 20's to mid 30's and consist of married couples, some with small children and singles.
How long has your group been in existence? This group has been around for 5 years.
What are the typical elements of your group meeting? We enjoy a meal together, fellowship, games, and devotional time.
What is the primary focus of the group? (fellowship, Bible study, service, outreach, prayer, etc.)
The primary focus is fellowship through meals, Bible study, and just getting involved with one another.
What studies, outreaches, service projects is your group currently engaged in?
We are beginning the book "Forgotten God" by Frances Chan, members of the group have participated in Habitat for Humanity and we are beginning to work with Angel League Athletic Association of Texas, which provides sports teams for children with mental & physical disabilities , who are not eligible to play competitive leagues.
How many are in your group? (estimated total) How many are typically at a group meeting?
7 couples , 2 singles and 5 kids
When and where does your group typically meet?
We meet on Sunday Nights at 5:30pm at a different couple's home
What are some of the best memories/moments that you have had in your group?
The best moments I have are the times that we can grow with each other. The members of this group are truly my best friends, people that we can have fun with, and turn to in a time of need. It is very much a family.
What contact information (email/phone) should people use if they are interested in this group?
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or 972-746-7181
What is the make-up (age, life situation) of your group? Twenties to early thirties; married couples with beginning families or no children yet
How long has your group been in existence? 3 years
What are the typical elements of your group meeting? We eat dinner together first,then have a Bible Study and singing time, then a time of prayer.
What is the primary focus of the group? (fellowship, Bible study, service, outreach, prayer, etc.) The primary focus of Sunday night small group is Bible study, but we like to participate in service and outreach activities. We also plan fellowship activities outside of our Bible study time such as game nights and camping trips
How many are in your group? (estimated total) How many are typically at a group meeting? 9 couples.6-7 couples at each meeting.
When and where does your group typically meet? We meet Sunday nights at 5:30 pm on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month. We rotate hosting responsibilities, one couple does one month. . The location changes each week because we rotate meeting at each others' homes
What are some of the best memories/moments that you have had in your group? We have a big Christmas Party every year that is loads of fun with crazy games and a Superbowl party.
What contact information (email/phone) should people use if they are interested in this group? Casey and Erin Owens 214-548-6080
Below is an interview with Amye Dooley about this connection group.
What is the make-up (age, life situation) of your group?
Our group is made up of parents with young children. The members range in age from late 20’s to early 40’s. The children range in age from 2yrs. to about 5th grade.
How long has your group been in existence?
This group broke off from a larger group a little over two years ago.
What are the typical elements of your group meeting? Typically, we meet in homes. We begin with the adults and children singing together. Then, we have a prayer, dismiss the children to play, and one of the men leads the Bible study/discussion for approximately 45 minutes. At the conclusion of the study, we have another prayer, and then all share a meal and socialize together. The meal is a collaborative effort. The host decides the menu, and everyone pitches in and brings something needed.
What is the primary focus of the group? (fellowship, Bible study, service, outreach, prayer, etc.) Our primary focus is Bible study. We do emphasize fellowship as well, and try to outreach to new members and others seeking to be included in a connection group.
What studies, outreaches, service projects is your group currently engaged in? The plan for June is to divide up in 2 groups. Group 1- Service . We are going to grocery stores on Sunday afternoon and collecting non-perishanle food for the Food Pantry.We will focus in service projects that include our kids. Group 2-Love Dare- Kristy Grisham is organizing
How many are in your group? (estimated total) How many are typically at a group meeting? We have approximately 40 group members (adults and children). Typically, we only have an average of about 25-30 participate on a given day.
When and where does your group typically meet?
We meet on Sunday nights at 5:30. Typically, we meet in various homes (usually a family will sign up to host the small group for a month at a time)
What are some of the best memories/moments that you have had in your group?There are too many best memories/moments for me to list. A few highlights would have to be the guys planning the paintball retreats, the women visiting and sharing stories and advice, watching the children and adults have a ball playing “Rock Band” together, the children’s sweet voices singing worship songs, and the numerous insights shared about the Bible during our lessons.
What contact information (email/phone) should people use if they are interested in this group. Tim and Amye Dooley 972-540-5451
Below is an interview with Lewis Isaacks about this connection group.
What is the make-up (age, life situation) of your group?age 45-55 married couples for the most part,Parents with college age children or recent graduates
How long has your group been in existence?
7-8 years or more.
What are the typical elements of your group meeting?
two weeks bible study
1 week social event
1 week other activities (congregational related activities, community activities, visitation, etc)
What is the primary focus of the group? (fellowship, Bible study, service, outreach, prayer, etc.)
All of the above - -but primarily fellowship and bible study
What studies, outreaches, service projects is your group currently engaged in?
Current study -- is the book of Romans
Last week at Homestead Retirement Center -- probably move to Colonial next time
How many are in your group? (estimated total) How many are typically at a group meeting?
20
When and where does your group typically meet?
Church building -- Family room at 6pm
What are some of the best memories/moments that you have had in your group?
Difficult to pick just one, so I'll list a few:
Attending weddings / graduations (college and HS) of each others kids -- even road trips for these
Annual Christmas Parties
Summertime -- Friday Ladies lunch
Musicals -- Ladies drive to Dallas for various musicals
"Sunday night out"
Taking 8 months to get through just 12 lessons (books of Timothy and Titus)-- we are flexible with our schedule
Super Bowl Parties
Sharing family good times and bad times with each other
What contact information (email/phone) should people use if they are interested in this group?
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;
972-529-2818 (home)
1. What is the make-up (age, life situation) of your group?
Our current make-up is 6 couples, 45 and up, combination of empty nesters and parents of teens. We welcome other ages and family size (including singles) but are not equipped for small children.
2. How long has your group been in existence?
In 2008 the former Goff group multiplied into two groups. The Goff’s and Barr’s left to start a new group for other members in the Allen/McKinney area who were not in a Connection Group.
3.What are the typical elements of your group meeting?
Devotional, needs sharing and prayer, followed by fellowship over dessert.
4. What is the primary focus of the group? (fellowship, Bible study, service, outreach, prayer, etc.)
Prayer, Bible study and fellowship.
5. How many are in your group? (estimated total) How many are typically at a group meeting? 12
6. When and where does your group typically meet?
We rotate the location among member’s homes.
7.What are some of the best memories/moments that you have had in your group?
Times of personal or family crisis – the support given and received.
8. What contact information (email/phone) should people use if they are interested in this group?
1. What is the make-up (age, life situation) of your group?
Both retired and working any age is welcome
2.How long has your group been in existence?
First birth around 2003; Disbanded when I resigned as an elder in mid 2007. Began again in late 2008.
3.What are the typical elements of your group meeting?
3 Weeks out of four: Rotate hosting at members houses. Host prepares devotional; prayers for members; meal together prepared by host.
4.What is the primary focus of the group? (fellowship, Bible study, service, outreach, prayer, etc.)
3 Weeks out of four: devotional/bible study and fellowship ( in James terms--Spiritual Formation) ; Fourth week we meet a restaurant after church. The person assigned then assigns the group a service project to be done that week. So, we have a mixture of Spiritual Formation and Service.
5.How many are in your group? (estimated total) How many are typically at a group meeting?
Core Group that begin small group, 8 ; typically 8-10.
6. When and where does your group typically meet?
In homes assign by rotation 3 weeks out of 4; at restaurant 1 week out of 4
7.What are some of the best memories/moments that you have had in your group?
The core group has known each other for over 25 years. We have a lot to share.
8. What contact information (email/phone) should people use if they are interested in this group?
Lynn and Martha Nored;
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; 972-540-5337
Allen and Judy Gillam;
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;9727343472
Below is an interview with Linda Hardin about this connection group.
What is the make-up (age, life situation) of your group?
55-70ish
How long has your group been in existence? Approx. 8-10 yrs.
What are the typical elements of your group meeting?
Bible study, prayer requests, fellowship (snacks or meal)
What is the primary focus of the group? (fellowship, Bible study, service, outreach, prayer, etc.) Bible study, prayer, service and outreach
What studies, outreaches, service projects is your group currently engaged in? We generally have a 12-week Bible study with either books or questions to be studied in advance, followed by a 12-week series of videos, followed by questions/discussion.
How many are in your group? 14 (estimated total) How many are typically at a group meeting? 12
When and where does your group typically meet?
We try to rotate homes, but usually meet on Sunday nights at the Hardin House, 6804 Cunningham Rd., McKinney
What are some of the best memories/moments that you have had in your group? Encouraging/helping each other through family emergencies – we’ve had cancer, death, grandchildren health issues (premature twins, fighting to survive, Autism, etc.), children’s loss of jobs, etc. We’ve formed a strong bond by diligently praying for our families and friends.
Small groups are a vital part of church life, for in small groups, relationships are formed to help us in following God and reaching out to others. Most people who are in a small group stay more faithful God, have closer Christian friendships, and are better at sharing their faith with others.
What is the make-up (age, life situation) of your group? Twenties to early thirties; married couples with beginning families or no children yet
