What Are Small Groups?
We at Vineyard Columbus believe that community is basic...
The Bible teaches that once we accept Christ, we become friends with God and also with other believers. These friendships are basic to what it means to be a Christian. (Romans 12:4,5)

Unfortunately, it's hard to experience real friendship or community at our weekend worship services. Meeting "face-to-back-of-head" once a week for an hour and a half with 1000 people is not what the writers of the New Testament had in mind when they wrote about community. While our worship services are a very important part of our church life, it's at our small group meetings that we can experience and build lasting friendships.

Being in relationship with other Christians is vital to your spiritual health and growth. If you are not yet involved in a small group, we would urge you to make time for this in your life. Here is some helpful information to get you started and answer some of your questions.

How do I choose a group that's right for me?
There are displays of group cards in the church lobby. Each card contains information about a different small group, such as when and where they meet, who is the group leader and what the focus of the group is. Vineyard Columbus's small groups meet throughout the week at various times and all around the Columbus metropolitan area. You should be able to find something that fits your need and situation.

There are displays of group cards in the church lobby. Each card contains information about a different small group, such as when and where they meet, who is the group leader and what the focus of the group is.

What goes on at a small group meeting and how long is it?
The average small group meeting lasts about two hours. For part of that time, the group is focused on their relationship with God. There will be worship, group discussion over a passage from the bible and then members will pray for each other. The rest of the time is spent in building friendships over coffee, snacks and conversation.

Do I have to be invited first before I can attend a small group meeting?
Absolutely not! All of our groups are open to anyone who would like to visit and "check them out."

What will happen if I just "show up" at a small group meeting?
You will be warmly welcomed and invited to participate to the degree you feel comfortable. All of our groups are accustomed to visitors and new people. We do advise, however, that you phone the leader in advance to make sure the group is still meeting at the same time and place. Leaders' phone numbers are listed on the information cards in the lobby.

Do I have to make a long-term commitment to a particular small group?
No. You are free to visit as many groups as you like, and to attend a group for as short or long a period of time as you want. We do recommend, however, you select a group and stick with it for a while. That will give you a chance to really get a feel for the group as well as to form meaningful relationships with others.

Church and Christianity are both very new to me. Should I wait until I become more familiar with the Bible before going to a small group?
Absolutely not! Small group involvement is the best way to grow in your knowledge and understanding of spiritual things.

Can I bring my kids with me to the small group meeting?
Some groups do provide supervision for children either at the place of meeting or nearby but most do not. It is best to check in advance by calling the leader or host of the group you are interested in.

For More Information
Please contact the church by calling 614.890.0000 or email questions@vineyardcolumbus.org if you have any other questions or concerns about small groups.

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