Small Groups

Small groups of Christians caring for one another, praying, studying and serving together are a foundation of Methodism. When John Wesley first began the Methodist movement in England in the 18th century, he formed small groups called bands and classes. The members met weekly to discuss the state of their souls and to hold each other accountable in love. Believers today need the same kind of love and community. We journey together on the path of discipleship. At Christ United Methodist Church, we offer a number of small groups in which you can be involved, and we are working to develop more. Here are some of the groups that are available.

LifeShare Fellowship Groups

These small groups provide additional opportunity for people that are a part of Christ UMC to get to know each other as Christians. The context, content, and dynamic of fellowship group meetings are conducive to making friends and developing some fellowship level relationships.

Fellowship Groups do “Christian things” together - familiar things like reading God’s Word, worshipping, praying, studying and talking about it all. They also give time to exploring together a subject relevant to living as faithful Christians. Everyone prepares to participate in this, typically by doing some prescribed reading/study between meetings.

The church organizes LifeShare Fellowship Groups twice a year and they typically meet together twelve times. Their meetings are led by a church-designated facilitator and the groups use church-approved guidelines and resources. Groups hold their meetings when and where it is most convenient for them - usually in homes or in the church. Sunday evening is the most common meeting time, but there may be groups that meet at other times.

Child care is available at the church for Fellowship Groups that meet on Sunday or Wednesday evenings.

Participation involves a covenant with other members of the group to attend, prepare and participate. It’s easy to do. Discuss any questions you have with a staff member and then call the church office to register for the next LifeShare season.

LifeShare I - September-December (August Registration)

LifeShare II - February-May (January Registration)

DISCIPLE Bible Studies

These are for adult and youth small groups of 8-14 people who are seeking an in-depth study of the Bible. Lasting from 32-34 weeks, the studies encourage individual daily study of the Scriptures and weekly meetings of two hours. Each of the four studies, which includes a facilitator, features video presentations as well as encouraging participation by each group member. The four original studies include the following:

Disciple I (Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study) is an overview of the Bible and how it can transform our lives.
Disciple II (Into the Word Into the World) focuses on the books of Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts. It links Bible study to witness and service in the world.
Disciple III (Remember Who You Are) focuses on the books of the Prophets in the Old Testament and the writings of Paul in the New Testament. It focuses on calling us to be a community of obedience to God's calling.
Disciple IV (Under the Tree of Life) studies the remainder of the Old Testament books, the Gospel of John and Revelation. It addresses community and individual life in God, the power of the Psalms, the distinctive character of John, and a fascinating look at the book of Revelation.

In addition, there are two other studies available:

Christian Believer -- puts an emphasis on understanding more fully what the church believes, with a close look at the symbols, language and doctrine.
Jesus in the Gospels -- looks more closely at the life of Jesus through a study of the four Gospels.

These studies are offered on an interim basis with sign-ups in August/early September. The class schedule runs from September through May. It is strongly encouraged that you complete Disciple I before taking other studies.

Companions in Christ

This small group series provides an opportunity for people to discover a deeper experience of response to God. Begin your journey of discovery by participating in a 6-weeks introductory study entitled Exploring the Way. This explores the basic concepts of the Christian spiritual life.

An in-depth study, entitled Companions in Christ, is a 28 week experience that provides the foundation of the spiritual journey by exploring five essential elements of the Christian life. They are:

Embracing the Journey, the Way of Christ
Feeding on the Word, the Mind of Christ
Deepening our Prayer, the Heart of Christ
Responding to Our Call, the Work of Christ
Exploring Spiritual Guidance, the Spirit of Christ

Each of the later releases in this series digs deeper into each of these elements. Those studies include:

The Way of Grace -- explores Journey (9 weeks)
The Way of Blessedness -- explores Scripture (9 weeks)
The Way of Forgiveness -- explores Call (8 weeks)
The Way of Transforming Discipleship -- connects spirituality and discipleship (6 weeks)

These studies are offered throughout the year. Notices will be given for sign-ups to be held at the church.

Men’s Dialogue Group

Men’s Dialogue is not a support group . . . men just don’t do support groups! Each Wednesday morning at 6:30 a.m., men gather at the church for coffee, a breakfast sandwich and a doughnut. Besides eating and drinking, they talk about . . . life. Topics vary from the day’s news, God, Jesus, football, values, politics, forgiveness, redemption, grace. . .all as it applies to them and their individual and collective life journeys. Contact Bill Greer for more information. (e-mail)

Latecomers Men's Group

For those men who can't make the 6:30 a.m. Dialogue Group on Wednesdays, there is a later alternative! Join your friends for a cup of coffee, a sweet roll and good conversation each Friday at 8:00 a.m. at Merridee's Breadbasket in downtown Franklin (110 4th Avenue South). Contact Gary Minor for more information. (e-mail)

Parents of College Students

This group gathers periodically for fellowship and sharing as they navigate the territory of having a child in college. Activities range from eating together to having seminars/workshops.

Wednesday Night Bible Study

Each Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m., Rev. Tom Gildemeister leads an all-ages adult Bible study. New participants are welcome to join the study and the always stimulating discussions!