GET CONNECTED!


One of the most important things about becoming a part of a new church is to build relationships with the people in that congregation. The people in the church are like our "extended family!"

So we encourate you to connect with one of our men's or women's bible-studies, and/or one of our small groups. Our men's/women's bible studies are larger group settings that will usually have a time of worship, followed by a teaching and break-out discussion groups. Our small groups are more intimate, usually meeting in someone's home, and the format is more like a discussion group.

- To connect with a small group, follow the registration process below.
- To attend one of our bible studies, just check the calender for the next study and show up!

CONNECT GROUPS


Are you interested in being a part of a connect group?

Connect groups are people sharing life together, studying the Bible, asking questions, learning about God, munching on some snacks, and most importantly - building relationships! Small groups provide a safe environment to explore your faith and to grow in your relationship with God and others.

At CCW we have many connect groups that meet throughout the city, providing our fellowship with opportunities to develop relationships and grow in their faith. Several times each year, we "re-launch" our small groups to allow an opportunity for new folks to connect with a small group, and to raise up new small group leaders.


Sign up for a connect group

Click the above link to sign up for a Connect Group - get connected! If you have a specific group you would like to attend, please indicate in the "Tell us about yourself!" box.

Connect Group Leader Training

CCW offers connect group leader training for anyone interested in becoming a connect group leader. For more information, CLICK HERE



Bible Studies


Women's Bible Study


Thursdays at 9 am and 6:30 pm, at the church
* Be sure and check the church calender for the next study series, and upcoming women's ministry events.

Our Women's Ministry is led by our pastors wife, Tammy Ritter:
"Ladies, we would love to have you join one of our studies, where we pray for one another continuously and encourage one another to seek God with all our heart, soul, and mind. We believe and have experienced God to be a very practical God, and His Word is alive, powerful, and applicable to each of us in our daily lives. The journey is exciting, transforming, gentle, loving, and never dull. Yet we long for nothing more than to be well pleasing to Him and to one day see Him as He is and be like Him. What a day that will be...that is our Hope!

Are you sitting on the edge of your seat yet? Are you just a bit curious about how this fire can be ignited in your heart? Good! Come visit us and you will see the love and joy that comes from knowing and loving Jesus Christ above all!"

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." - 2 Peter 1:2-4

Men's Bible Study


There are several men's studies that meet throughout the week, most of them meet at Holy Grounds Coffee House
Men's Breakfast: Second Saturday of each month, 8 am (through October
* Be sure and check the church calender for upcoming men's ministry events.

This is not a program, or a weekly meeting: it is about becoming a man of God by the transforming of our minds through the word of God. We as men need accountability with one another to encourage us to be faithful in the Word, and to pray for our brothers.

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. -- Prov 27:17

We intend for men to be challenged in their walk with God, to be spiritual shepherds of their families, and to be men who, whether at work or at play, demonstrate a life fully committed to Jesus Christ.

Why should I join a connect group?


Reason #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 is one way communication. You listen while the speaker speaks. It's fine for imparting knowledge but not as effective for personal application as a small group. In a small group setting, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion of the text, and hear others share insights and illustrations of the truth you are trying to grasp. The Bible must be applied to your own personal situations and that happens best in small groups.

Sometimes I've had people tell me after a service, "Pastor Clay, it would be helpful if I could sit down and discuss the implications of your message today. You said so much, I need to digest it!" A small group is just the place where that could happen!

Reason #2 - You will begin to really feel like part of Gods family.

Most people who have been a part of a group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and friendships that develop. They will communicate during the week to share an urgent prayer request or an exciting answer. 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 to other believers. We are instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, accept one another, bear each others burdens, and build up one another. The most natural 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 group.

Reason #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 you will learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one is pressured to pray, but as you become 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 with a few others, we are drawn together and we find answers to the needs in our lives.

Reason #4 - You will be able to the ups and downs of life better.

Small groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You'll have a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care for you and are committed to standing with you.

When someone loses a job, or a family member has an extended illness, or a mother needs a babysitter - these are practical needs that will be naturally taken care of through your small group. Your group will coordinate the sharing of hot meals to be brought in when your family is in need. Many people in our church could testify that they would not have made it through a difficult time if it hadn't been for the support of their group. In addition, we have a number of special support groups that deal with problems like alcoholism, financial difficulty, abuse, and other needs.

Reason #5 - You will have a natural way to share Christ with friends, relatives, and work associates.

It may be that some of your friends wouldn't be caught dead in a church. They have a preconceived idea and the thought of it 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 "put on the spot". When your friend sees the love and warmth and honesty of your group, it will make them more receptive to the Good News.

Reason #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 as 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.

Reason #7 - You will deepen your understanding of worship.

Many believers mistakenly believe that worship can only happen on Sunday morning in a large group. The truth is, worship happens anytime we focus on God. Sometimes that happens best in a smaller group in praying or singing together. Also, at CCW we encourage each group to serve the Lord's Supper whenever the group wants to have a communion service.

Reason #8 - You will be a New Testament Christian!

The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for His people to grow and have their needs met in the church. We will never be able to hire enough staff pastors to meet all the individual needs in our church family. God never intended for it to be that way! We care called to minister to one another (1 Peter 4:10) Small groups are a way for Christians to minister to one another in a natural setting.

Consider these verses:
"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 number daily those who were being saved." - Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" - 1 Peter 4:10

"Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the Christ." - Acts 5:42
"Greet also the church that meets at their house." - Rom. 16:5
"Aquilla and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord and so does the church that meets at their house." - I Cor. 16:19
"Give my greetings...to Nympha and the church in her house." - Col. 4:15

At CCW we are excited about the incredible potential of the network of small groups we're building. Small Groups have these eight benefits that no believer can afford to pass up. If you are not participating in a group, why not join one this now?

OK, I'm convinced, what now?


There will be several ways to get connected to a small group.

1 Sign up online

The easiest way is to just click on the link below which will take you to our registration web form.

Registration

2 Attend the Small Group Connection meeting

There are small group connection meetings held several times each year. There you will be able to meet some of the small group leaders, learn about the groups that are forming, and ask any questions that you might have. Check our calender to find the next small group connection meeting.

3 Ask for small group information at the Info Desk in the church lobby.

Either way you choose, we'll get you connected with a group that is right for you.

FAQ


What will happen once I sign up?
Once you have signed up to be part of a small group, a small group leader will contact you to give you the details of when that group will be meeting.


Can I still sign up if I miss the church sign-up period?
Sure, but we encourage you to sign up during one of the several registration periods we hold so that you can be a part of the group formation, which is an important part of the life of the group!


How long will the group last?
Each group will be different, but we are encouraging the groups to start with a 6-8 week life. At the end of that time, the group can decide if they want to continue meeting.


I can't be a part of a small group at this time, will there be other opportunities?
Yes, we will hold small group start-up cycles several times a year.


If I feel led to start a small group, is there training available?
Yes, simply fill out a Small Group Leader Form, or stop by the INFO desk in the church lobby.