Community Groups

Building Community

Church is about so much more than coming to worship each Sunday. We encourage everyone to take the next step in building relationships by joining one of our ongoing community group opportunities.

Common Questions About

Community Groups

What is a Dinner Group?

A small group of people who commit to an informal time of sharing a meal together once a month with the intention of fostering greater community and building relationships. The meal can take place at a restaurant or at a group member’s home. Dinner Groups are centered on fostering fun and strengthening friendships! These groups do not require study preparation.

What is a Life Group?

A small group of 4-6 people who have a high commitment level to meet regularly and maintain confidentiality as they build an intimate spiritual community. A Life Group provides safe space for each member to be heard, encouraged, and offered accountability in their individual faith journey. Each group will decide together how often, where, and for how long they will meet. Groups can meet in one another’s homes, at the church, or at a restaurant. These groups do not require study preparation, however, they do require high confidentiality and a high level of commitment.

Do Dinner/Life Groups have a leader?

Each group is designed to share responsibility among all participants for the health of the group…so there is no leader. All are the leaders and participants.

How long do Dinner or Life Groups stay together?

Dinner groups are asked to commit to sharing 1 year together (September – August). The group can decide to continue beyond that year if they would like, however, each August we will offer an opportunity for everyone to change and try a new group if desired.

Life groups are designed to create intimate and committed small groups who will hopefully journey through life together for many years. Therefore, each group is asked initially to commit to 6 months of meeting together regularly. After 6 months there will be an evaluation time where individuals can decide if this is the right fit for them. Each group must run its own course, but it is our hope that once a group finds its own rhythm beyond the 6 month point, they will meet together for years to come.

Is there childcare available?

Childcare varies since each group decides when and where they meet. Groups are encouraged to discuss childcare needs as a part of their formation and to take that into consideration as they decide their schedule.

What if the group I join doesn’t fit for me?

If you find yourself in either a Dinner or Life Group that is not the right fit for you then, of course, you do not need to stay in that group. You may contact Katherine Mullen at Katherine@firstchurchbhm.com for assistance. Don’t be discouraged – trying a few different groups before you find the right place is normal!

So… how do I join a Dinner Group or Life Group?

We are thrilled you are considering participating in a community group at First Church! All you have to do is fill out the sign–up form below and you will be contacted about participating in a group. You may already know people you would like to be in a Dinner or Life Group with or you may not know anyone yet. Either way is perfectly fine. We will help you create the best possible fit for your needs!

For more information or for other questions, please contact Katherine Mullen at Katherine@firstchurchbhm.com.

Click HERE to sign-up for a community group.