Ministry Purpose

What is the purpose of Antioch's Small Group Ministry?

Leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ by establishing healthy friendships, praying and studying together in the context of Biblical Community.

Antioch desires to:

Be the smallest, largest church we can be,
Be a church where no one stands alone,
Continue to grow larger by growing smaller, and
Move people from the "living room" (worship service) to the "kitchen table" where you can share the ups and downs of life with people who care for you.

Small groups consist of 10 to 12 people or five to six married couples that meet in someone's home for fellowship, prayer, Bible study and accountability.

What is Biblical Community?

Biblical Community develops when people intentionally connect with God and others. Jesus prayed in John 17 that his followers "would be with me where I am." When questioned about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied in Matthew 22:37-39, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " True life-giving community is lived out at two levels:

Community with God: "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20

Community with others: "...love one another deeply, from the heart." 1 Peter 1:22