What are Growth Groups?

In short, Growth Groups are an extension of Christ’s shepherding through the qualified servant leaders of Rooted Church. These groups embody what it means to be rooted in the Gospel to reflect God’s glory by enjoying the Gospel of Christ, equipping disciples in community, and engaging the cities of the RTP (Research Triangle Park). - Ephesians 4:11-16 and 2 Timothy 2:15

9 Essential Elements of Growth Groups (Acts 2:42-47 Model Groups)

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. – Acts 2:42-47 ESV

At Rooted Church, we see Acts 2:42-47 as a positive example of what healthy Christian living looks like. Thus, we see nine elements which can be modeled by our Growth Groups:

1 – Devoted Together (2:42)
2 – Bible Study Together (2:42)
3 – Fellowship Together (2:42, 44, 45)
4 – Meals Together (2:42)
5 – Prayer Together (2:42e)
6 – Gathered Together (2:46)
7 – Generous Together (2:46)
8 – Praising God Together (2:47)
9 – On Mission Together (2:47)

Strategy of Growth Groups: The 3 B’s!

Build – The building phase involves:
- Praying for biblical wisdom and for others, especially our leaders.
- Inviting, Connecting, and Assisting others both inside and outside the group
- Studying scripture together to grow deeper in our understanding and discernment of God’s Word.

Bond – The bonding happens during the group time and outside the group. It’s the process of enjoying meals and quality time spent together. As a Growth Group bonds through study, mission, sharing, openness, transparency, supporting, praying, doing life, and playing together, an uncommon community is fostered as lives are ordered around the Gospel with a discipleship-making DNA.

Branch – Lord willing, Growth Groups increase both spiritually and numerically by God’s grace. A healthy Growth Group enjoys the Gospel, equips disciples in community, and engages the city around them. Therefore, it is essential to train people within the group to lead and facilitate the meeting. Additionally, developing hosts with the gift of hospitality is a vital component to branching out into new Growth Groups regionally around the cities of the RTP..

Monthly Rhythms for Growth Groups:

This rhythm helps us to be faithful to our vision and mission of Rooted Church. It also makes it doable with our weekly and monthly schedules by God’s grace.

2 or 3 Discussion-Based Bible Study (books of the Bible, topical study, and equipping studies)
Monthly gendered-based discipleship for men and women
Community Outreach (Social, Event, Service Projects, Community Gathering, City Engagement, Mercy Ministry, board games, cookout, move-in, college campus, etc.)

Why Join a Growth Group

God made us in His image so that we might be image bearers, but mankind rebelled and we now live in a shattered image. In Christ, however, we are redeemed and are being restored as image bearers of Christ. The Gospel forms Christ in our lives by the Holy Word, the Holy Spirit, and through community together. It is in Growth Groups that we are provided with context and opportunities to be image bearers of Christ and to practice the New Testament “one another” commands (serve, pray, confess sin, accept, honor, build up, devoted, care, forgive, exhort, humble, etc.). In other words, Growth Group provides opportunities to make the Gospel visible.

Additionally, in Ephesians 3, we are told that God has specifically given a unique grace to each one of us so that we can then grace others through the exercising of it. This is our unique contribution to both the local church (Rooted Church in our case) and the church universal. This passage also teaches us that this unique grace/giftedness is given to each believer “according to the measure of God’s gift.” This means that we are each given a portion and that in order to experience the full gift, our unique giftedness must be combined with the unique giftedness of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

So you see, the Christian life has been designed by God to get us to form an uncommon community with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ for the edification of the church and to reflect God’s glory. We believe that Growth Groups are the best environment for this to happen and that through them, Rooted Church is able to experience biblical transformation, community sanctification, personal accountability, and the strengthening of our uncommon community so that we are properly equipped to engage the cities of the RTP. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I fit in?

Yes! Regardless of your background, level of experience, or if you even attend Rooted church regularly, Growth Groups are a safe place for you. These groups include people ranging from those just starting their relationship with Jesus Christ to those who are more seasoned in their walk with Him. That’s one of the best parts of group life. We value diversity as we exercise faith, hope, and love together in community by being rooted in the Gospel to reflect God’s glory.

Are Growth Groups a good place to invite people even if they are not believers?

Yes! If someone doesn’t believe the gospel but is open to investigating it, there are few better places to invite them than a community where they can see it in action, get to know believers, and feel comfortable to ask questions.

When do Growth Groups meet?

Growth Groups meet formally once a week for 2-3 hours where we are able to exercise the 9 essential elements faithfully (Acts 2:42-47). Group members also stay connected throughout the week in a variety of ways such as phone, email, social media, hospitality, prayer, service projects, community events, and simply doing life together.

Where do Growth Groups meet?

Most Growth Groups meet in homes but an office, café, clubhouse, school, park, or restaurant can all work!

How are Growth Groups formed?

Growth Groups are strategically placed in areas that take into account where people live (geography), work/school (vocation), play (affinity), and demographically. Additionally, these groups are formed when a solid Growth Group is ready to branch out with an equipped leader, co-leader, and at least 6 supporting members.

How big are Growth Groups?

Most Growth Groups start with at least 6 people and can range from 6 to 20 people.

How are kids involved?

Kids can be involved in the entire meeting, childcare can be hired, or they can have a break-out session led by 2 adults or teens who have been properly equipped. (Matthew 19:14)

What is the commitment and communication like for Growth Groups?

Because Growth Groups are essential to Rooted Church, our aim is to gather on Sundays as a larger meeting and then scatter on mission into smaller Growth Groups weekly. Leaders send weekly emails (or agreed system) for coordination. If you can’t make it, have concerns, or plan to change groups for any reason, please communicate with your Growth Group leader! (Hebrews 13:17)

What do Growth Groups do during their weekly meetings?

Each meeting includes prayer, discussion of God's word, fellowship, and possibly a time of eating (meal or snack. We believe that equipping disciples in God’s word is essential for the maturity of the church and that Growth Groups allow us to do this in greater depth and consistency. In short, Growth Groups own the vision of Rooted Church to be rooted in the Gospel to reflect God’s glory by enjoying the Gospel of Christ, equipping disciples in community, and engaging the cities of the RTP. (Ephesians 4:11-16, 2 Timothy 2:15)

Do Growth Groups have serving and outreach opportunities?

Growth Groups provide many opportunities to serve each other by loving, praying, playing, bearing burdens, babysitting, and encouraging as the Spirit moves. Additionally, Growth Groups are involved with outreach through follow-up, visiting, hospitality, and service as they seek to intentionally bless and serve the community. (Galatians 6:9)

How do I sign up?

If you are interested in joining a Growth Group, sign up for one of the groups below:

Fridays: Cary - Growth Group with College Outreach - Leader: Shaun

How to I get the lessons?

You can click below to choose a pdf or doc version of the study guide.