Small Groups

So why do we do small groups?

At Harvest Bible Chapel our focus is on the quality of discipleship. We encourage those in our fellowship to "get connected" by plugging into one of our small groups. The purpose of these groups is to minister to and encourage one another in daily devotionals, effective prayer and mutual accountability.

So what does a small group look like?

A typical small group meeting consists of a praise and prayer time, Bible study, mutual accountability time (men with men, women with women) and fellowship. The biblical curriculum is common to all groups. Meetings are approximately two and a half hours in length and are usually held from 7:00 to 9:30 pm.

So when and where do small groups meet?

These groups meet weekly, three to four times per month, at the church and in host couples' homes. We have small groups meeting from Monday evenings through Thursday evenings in many locations including: Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Brooklin, and Newcastle.

So who can join a small group?

Small Groups belong to the adult ministry here at Harvest. We kindly discourage the attendance of children to our groups, not only because of the distraction for the participants but largely because of the distraction for the parents.

So how can I join a small group?

If you’ve not yet attended Party with the Pastor and Harvest 101, these are the first steps toward getting plugged into a group. Next we ask that you notify us of your desire to be in a group by submitting the Small Group Application Form either to the church office or on Sunday morning at the Get Connected table.

FAQ:

Do you have groups specific to my age and/or circumstances? i.e. single; single parents; newlyweds etc.

All of our small groups are cross-generational, a balance of male and female, married and singles. We believe this most likely resembles the early church in Acts. Our topics of study are aimed at sanctification and growing disciples where we are all on the same journey. The particular struggles indicative of our age groups are opportunities for the body of Christ to come around us to support us and encourage us in our pursuit of Christ-likeness. You can expect to find people within your group to whom you can relate and fellowship with in addition to the weekly meetings.

Do I have to be a member of the church to get into a small group?
Church membership is not required to be a part of a small group, however to apply for church membership, identification with a small group is necessary.

Is there a choice of study topics in small group?
The Elders of the church approve an annual curriculum outline and all groups study this material at the same time throughout the year. We have found this to be the best way, not only to ensure the protection of our doctrine, but also to promote unity in the larger church body. This also facilitates the exceptional times when people are relocated to another group.

Can I bring my child to small group?
We kindly discourage the attendance of children to our groups, not only because of the distraction for the participants but largely because of the distraction for the parents.

How can I apply to lead a small group?
Potential small group leaders are identified by the present leadership in the church because of their humility, faithfulness, availability and teachability. No application is necessary. We believe God will call you to ministry by bringing your giftedness to the attention of others. Once identified you would be invited to leadership training and then spend a reasonable period apprenticing under a small group leader. It frequently takes over a year to train a new small group leader.