What is a Growth Group?
Growth Groups are the means by which ACAC has chosen to help people become disciples.  They are groups made up of 10-20 people who meet to share, study, and support one another.  Their primary purpose is to form solid Christian relationships around the Word of God.  A trained facilitator leads each group.

When and Where Do They Meet?
Growth Groups meet on-site, after services, on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings.  They also meet during Clubs on Tuesday and Wednesday nights as well as in homes on various days and nights of the week.  Women’s Bible Study meets on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and Monday nights during the school year.

What Will We Study?
Most Growth Groups will be sermon-based.  This means that they will be discussing the questions found in the bulletin each week.  Growth Group discussions include, “My Story” questions, Digging Deeper, Application, and Taking It Home.  Some Growth Groups will be doing various books of the Bible or topical studies. There is a Foundations course for new Christians.  Some Growth Groups will be support groups with their own curriculum. 

How Long Do They Last?
A sermon- based Growth Group session lasts about 10 weeks.  We have fall, winter, and spring sessions.  At the end of each session, you will have the choice of staying in the same group, trying a new group, or even taking a break.  We hope most groups stay together throughout the entire year.  Growth Groups will be replaced with Bible studies each summer session.

What is the Required Commitment?
Joining a Growth Group requires a 10-week commitment to attend weekly meetings.  Obviously, allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts, and other special events.  Commitment to each other and the group itself is key to a strong Growth Group.  Please do not sign up unless you are committed to attend.  You have the first three weeks to attend the group to make sure it's a good fit for you.  At the end of each quarter, you have the choice of recommitting for another quarter, trying a new group, or taking a break from Growth Groups altogether.

What Does It Cost?
Few things in life are free and Growth Groups are no exception!  The cost of Growth Groups is the cost of commitment.  During the first meeting, each group will complete a "Shared Commitment" together.  This simple form helps each group discuss their priorities and commitment.  Part of that commitment is the promise to attend each week.  It's this commitment that makes Growth Groups work.

What About Child Care?
We offer child care for our on-site groups that meet on the weekend, Tuesday and Wednesday Women’s Bible study, and on Club nights.  We are encouraging home groups not to offer child care.  This is a big strain on the host family.  Please use part of your offering money to get a babysitter in order to attend a Home Growth Group without children. 

How Do I Register for a Group?
Go to www.acac.net/grow and then to “growth groups”.  There you will be able to register for a time when you are available to attend a Growth Group.  Simply click on "Request Information" and let us know that you want to register. Someone will get in touch with you via email or phone call about all the groups that are available to you at that time.  If you register for sermon-based, you may choose to join a "General" group with folks from all ages and stages, or a group with folks your age. 

During our registration weekends we have Growth Group Registraion Guides inside the weekend bulletin so you have a viewable menu from which to choose. 

Can I volunteer my house for a Home Growth Group?Certainly!  E-mail karen.dillaman@acac.net or lydia.burger@acac.net

Can I volunteer to be a facilitator?
Applications are available online.  Talk to Karen Dillaman, Adult Life Ministries' Pastor, or e-mail Lydia Burger for more information – lydia.burger@acac.net.  Feel free to speak with any pastor for a recommendation to this important role. 

How will the facilitators be evaluated?
At the end of each quarter, members of the groups will be given an feedback form that examines what went well and what did not go well in each group.  We will also be monitoring group attendance.

Will there still be opportunity to participate in mid-week Bible study in addition to Growth Groups?  Is it OK to join more than one small group?
As long as you are participating in a “worship” and a “serve” experience, you may participate in as many “grow” opportunities as you would like.  We’re seeking comprehensive balance; not limiting study.

How many people are involved in Growth Groups?
We have over 1200 people who currently participate in Growth Groups.  We have many strong leaders that have been trained as facilitators.  It is a blessing to see this congregation grow in intimacy with God and each other through these growth opportunities.