If you’ve been coming along to Hunter Bible Church for a while, you’ve probably noticed that Growth Groups are pretty important to us.

Growth Groups are groups of 5-20 people who meet during the week to study the Bible, pray and care for each other.  They are lead by Growth Group leaders and co-leaders who prepare the study, lead the study and pray for group members.  They’re fun, accessible and interesting.

Growth Groups are really important at HBC for:

• Christian Maturity - people grow together to become more like Christ.
• The expression of Membership - group members love and care for each other
• Mission - groups provide training, prayer support and even events for evangelism
• Magnification- people pray together and rejoice in God
• Ministry - people practically serve each other and serve together as groups at church

Our hope is that every Christian who is part of HBC would commit to a Growth Group. Some of the hopes and expectations of Growth Group leaders and members is here;

growth-groups-at-hbc.pdf

Here’s a few answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

How long do the groups run for?
All HBC Groups run for a year and then formally wrap up.  At the end of the year some leaders decide to take a break from group leading, some continue for another year, and some trainees will start leading their own group for the first time.  This fresh start each year gives everyone an opportunity to join a new group to support a leader, or join up again with the same leader (and other friends), or join a different group to build new friendships.  Hopefully at HBC we can have a good mix of change and familiarity.

When do groups run?
AM/PM groups run with the NSW school term and take breaks during school holidays.  Unichurch groups run with the University term and take breaks during stuvac, exams and holidays.  Some unichurch groups will choose to meet during stuvac and exams if they’re keen.  Breaks during the year are important in helping leaders to refresh themselves for the next term.

What should parents with young kids do about joining a group?
We’re really keen for people to come to a group every week, even if that means being in a different group to your spouse.  Therefore, fathers going to an evening mens group and mothers going to Thursday Womens Bible Study is a great option.  Another option is a Sunday afternoon family group (we have one in 2011).  If you’re unsure, it’s worth talking with one of the Maturity staff or Growth Group leaders about what might work best.

Should my boyfriend/girlfriend and I join the same group or different groups?
In general, we recommend joining a different group to your boyfriend/girlfriend.  Although it may be appealing to be in the same group there are a number of advantages to being in different groups.  Firstly, if you break up during the year you won’t have created unnecessary conflict and tension within your group.  Secondly, being in different groups can spur each of you to grow individually in your relationship with God before you become spiritually united in marriage.  This process can be a significant help in your preparation for marriage.  Thirdly, being in a different group provides each of you with partners in prayer and accountability who can help you with purity and godliness.   These are some of the reasons why we recommend being in different groups.  If and when you get engaged during the year you might like to say goodbye to one group and join your fiance’s group.

Can people from other churches join HBC Growth Groups?
For several reasons, in most cases it’s preferable for people from other churches not to join HBC Growth Groups.  Firstly, at HBC we don’t want to discourage other local churches by having their members join our groups rather than theirs.  Secondly, we think its better for people from other churches to sit under the teaching and authority of their own pastors and leaders.  Thirdly, having people from other churches in HBC groups places our Growth Group leaders in a difficult position - they are called to be responsible for them yet are unable to share this responsibility with other leaders at HBC such as staff, preachers and elders.  If however, someone from another church still wants to join one of our groups, they should speak to Richard or another staff member who can discuss the issue with them and their pastor.

Should non-Christians join HBC Growth Groups?

We always want to be as welcoming as possible towards non-Christians so if coming along to your Growth Group is their easiest introduction to Christianity and church then that’s great.  However, usually Life or a Life follow up group will better help your friend learn more about the gospel.  The Life series will also make clear how urgent it is they repent of sin and turn to Jesus - this is something that’s hard to do in a regular group.  A good option is to go with your friend to LIfe when it next runs and ask your Growth Group to pray for you and your friend while you’re away for those 5 weeks.

Should newcomers join HBC Growth Groups?

Just like with non-Christians, we want to be as welcoming as possible to new people at church and so that will sometimes mean them coming along to a group.  However, Growth Groups are not really the best structure to help people learn what church is on about and whether they want to become members.  Out of a concern for welcoming, Newish and NextStep run regularly for newcomers.  You might actually like to go with the new person you’ve met to NextStep for 5 weeks and ask your group to pray for you while you’re away.

There’s sure to be more questions so I’ll update this page as I come across more FAQs.  Contact Richard Sweatman (Pastor for Maturity) with any questions about Growth Groups at HBC or speak with one of our Growth Group leaders.