Wooddale Church is a large congregation. Sometimes it is difficult to find meaningful relationships. The reality is that humans need small groups for support, emotional strength, survival, and personal and spiritual growth. Jesus Himself used the model of a small group in his relationship with the twelve disciples. In this context of a group of twelve, He trained His followers by being with them, teaching them His ways and involving them in proclaiming the good news of His Kingdom to others.

Small Groups at Home has four biblically-based values that reflect Christ’s call to discipleship and guide the purpose of this ministry:

Community - Building Life-giving Relationships
"Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose." - Philippians 2:2

God loves community! In fact, He is a God of community. Community is part of His nature and identity as a Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God's commitment to community is also evidenced in Jesus Christ. Jesus came to create community between people and God and with each other. Jesus' final prayer before His death and resurrection was for people to know God the Father and experience the same type of community that He experiences within the Trinity. Community takes time to build. It develops as people are able to be authentic and transparent with each other. Our aim is to grow personally and spiritually in our walk with God and our relationships with each other. True community is life-giving in its process and in its results.

Transformation - Becoming more like Jesus Christ
"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever increasing glory." - 2 Corinthians 3:18

Transformation is the goal of the small group experience. All that happens in the small group is to that end, in Bible study, outreach and service. We are transformed into the image of the Son of God by studying the Word of God, by multiplying our ministry (making more disciples) and by intentionally ministering to the people who cross our path.

Compassion - Ministering to those who cross our path
"Let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." - Galatians 6:10

Compassion is the deep awareness of the suffering of others, coupled with a desire to relieve it. There are many ways to show compassion to others and help needy people. Small groups are a wonderful way to serve people in need. In addition, compassion projects are a great means of building community among group members. They encourage the group to be outward-focused rather than inward - a must for healthy small groups.

Mission – Having a heart for the Lost
"And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:47

Disciples of Jesus Christ have a heart for those who do not yet have a relationship with Him. Small groups encourage their members to think about others. They are to care deeply about those they know who have not yet experienced the life-giving salvation He offers. Small group members also support each others’ evangelism efforts. Additionally they pray for God’s work in the lives of people around them.