Small Groups
Introduction to Small Group Ministry of Riverside:
To welcome those who are new to our community, we should avoid using acronyms that may feel like an unnecessary barrier. While names such as CREW, CLAY, and CG carry meaning and history, they can sometimes be confusing. Our goal is to be as welcoming and clear as possible.
Definition of a Small Group
At Riverside, a small group is defined as any gathering within the church where people come together to live out their faith. This includes the Special Choir, Various Committees such as the Missions Committee and Compassion Committee, Welcoming Committee, the Praise Team, Men’s Ministry, and other groups, including Community Groups (CG).
A Christ-centered and Gospel-driven church is not one large, anonymous crowd, but a family composed of many small groups. Each one is a vital part of the body of Christ.
Purpose of Small Groups
The purpose of small groups is straightforward: to connect people so that, together, we may connect with God.
Our triune God, by nature, is community—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As His people, we cannot grow closer to God apart from belonging to His body, the church. Small groups provide that essential belonging.
How Small Groups Work
Different small groups use different “mechanisms” to build community:
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Men’s Ministry often connects through sports, shared projects, and labor-intensive service—sweating side by side creates bonds of brotherhood (activity-oriented).
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Missions and Compassion Ministries are more mission-oriented, driven by a purpose and a desire for outreach.
While the "mechanisms" may vary, the elements of every small group are the same:
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Practicing open and transparent communication
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Sharing responsibility
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Praying together
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Spending time with one another in Christ-centered fellowship
Small Groups vs. Bible Study
Small groups are not the same as Bible studies. Every small group should be Bible-based, but their primary focus is community. At Riverside, we will also offer Bible studies—either one-on-one, in small groups, or in larger gatherings. Small Groups and Bible Studies are essential, but they serve different purposes.
The Role of a Small Group Leader
A small group leader is first and foremost a facilitator.
The leader’s role is not to be an expert in the Bible, hospitality, or organization, but to serve with a willing heart. Leaders help people connect, so that together the group may grow in connection with God.
In every small group, some members will possess more Bible knowledge, others will be more outgoing, and some will quietly serve behind the scenes. A good leader makes space for each member to contribute their unique gifts.
What Does Facilitation Look Like?
Ensuring everyone knows when and where the group is meeting
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Making space for everyone to participate—whether by speaking, listening, or serving
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Protecting the small group as a safe and welcoming environment where trust can grow
Our Vision for Small Groups
Small groups are where the large church becomes personal, where strangers become family, and where faith takes root. Small groups are not just optional add-ons but essential expressions of what it means to be the church. Our dream at Riverside is that every person who walks through our doors will discover that they truly belong.
We envision a church where every member is known, cared for, prayed with, and encouraged to grow in faith. No one should walk the journey of faith alone. In small groups, we live out the truth that in Christ we are one body with many members, joined together and growing in maturity and unity in Him.
