Following Jesus doesn't happen alone. God has designed us to follow him together as a church family. While the core way we do this is through our weekly worship service, true Christian love requires practical life-on-life expressions of togetherness that necessarily extend beyond the limits of a single Sunday gathering (Jn 13:35; Rom 12). Community groups are the primary place we’ve committed to invest in and where practical life-on-life togetherness happens here at Bethany (Col 3:12-17).

The situation varies from group to group. Some incorporate childcare onsite. Others ask households to secure their own childcare. The church is able to offer assistance to keep finances from being an obstacle to community. For more information on childcare assistance click the button below.

Childcare Assistance

Our group variety allows us to accommodate most times and locations, but true engagement will typically require some sacrifice. We believe the commitment is worth it. Shared sacrifices can deepen relationships in profound and unexpected ways. We understand that there will be seasons of life where such commitments are difficult to sustain, but we'd encourage you to share those challenges with your church family so that even in those seasons you aren't walking alone.

Groups typically meet about three to four times per month for 1.5 to 2 hours. Most groups take breaks during the holidays and the summer.

Community Groups are a great place to get to know and be known by others. It can be intimidating to jump in, but that is exactly what they are here for. Don't hesitate to reach out to the church office for help in finding the right fit.

There are appropriate seasons and stages of life for exploring different group dynamics. As you take advantage of those times, be honest about your expectations and experience. We do believe community follows commitment. Typically deep community is not found as much as it is built. Making a commitment to live out community where you are at is often far more fruitful than looking to find it somewhere else. Don't be afraid to recognize shifts of seasons and life-stages as opportunities to reinvest in new areas; just be honest and share appropriately as God leads.

Community Groups are a great place to start! Let the leader know your comfort level and questions you might have so that they can help meet you where you're at; just don't expect them to leave you there. No matter who we are, none of us have arrived. Learning, developing, and growing together is exactly what Community Groups are designed to help us do.

Most groups meet in homes and are created based on the leader's location. However, some groups meet at the church or in locations like a coffee shop.

You can use the button on this page to "find a group." This is a special search page to help you locate a group near you.