What is a c-group?

The C in C-Groups describes the characteristics that combine to form a unique discipleship opportunity for us as believers.


C-Groups provide Connection and Community

  • We all need places to develop real relationships, places where we get to know people and they get to know us.

  • We share meals or snacks, have fun together, talk about what’s going on in our lives, and learn together. We pray together and encourage one another as we grow in ways that God is leading us or as we encounter challenges.

  • We support each other as we seek to honor God in each area of our lives. We pray that God transforms our life, others’ lives, and our communities through our presence, our involvement, and our work. We acknowledge that change comes through the power of the Gospel through the Holy Spirit.

  • These relationships that are centered in Christ and his love for us are a unique type of relationship and C-Groups hinge on that truth.

C -Groups are a place to Care for one another

  • We can talk about and pray for each other’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. We can do this because it is an environment of confidentiality and safety.

  • When a new baby is born, when someone has a medical situation, when someone is challenged at work, or when there’s a family situation; we have the privilege of providing meals or helping with other needs.

  • When other people know what’s going on in our lives and can check in on us, it’s so valuable.

C-Groups Cultivate Christlikeness
  • Through study and discussion of God’s Word, we are part of one another’s discipleship in Christ. Together, we learn more about how to apply the Bible to our life, work, families, communities, etc.
  • It’s valuable (and occasionally challenging) to be with people from different backgrounds and various understandings of the Christian life. It provides a great place to regularly discuss how to live according to God’s Word.
  • Groups usually have a dedicated prayer time. People pray for each other, our community, and God’s world.

C Groups encourage Cultural Engagement

  • We know that God has called each of his children to engage our world with the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. God has given us various roles and responsibilities in his world. Fellow believers help us to wisely discern and give us support for this mission.

  • We recognize that the Scriptures call us, as the priesthood of all believers, to carry out God’s redemptive plan for the whole world. We pray and live for this purpose.

How does a C-Group Work?

What do C-Groups do?


Each group decides the meeting structure and timing that works best. Common practices are having a meal or snack together, studying a topic of Christian living, fellowshipping as people get to know what’s going on in each others’ lives, and doing other activities or service opportunities that they choose. 


How often do groups meet? 


Groups choose how often to meet. It’s usually every other week. Sometimes it’s every week.


Who keeps the group organized?


We recommend that each group designates a facilitator who will do the scheduling and other group administration.


What do groups study?


The study is chosen by the group and may be a book of the Bible, a Christian book, or a video-based study. The group can determine the desired level of preparation based on the study they choose. 


Who leads the study?


Each group decides who will lead the study. Members of the group can rotate leadership responsibility or have a consistent leader. We encourage multiple members to lead as they are able. At the same time, each member is called to minister in and through their C-Group to others, whether or not they take a turn leading the study. 


Do I have to be a Bible expert to participate?


Nope. You can listen and learn, or you can jump into the discussions. Each person is encouraged to share in grace and be transparent about their growth in Christ. There is often a time of prayer too. Your participation in prayer time is determined by your comfort level. 


Where do groups meet?


Groups usually meet in homes. They sometimes rotate between homes. Groups may also arrange to meet at the church.


We have groups that meet in various parts of our region, such as North Hills, Cranberry, and Zelienople.


How many people are in a group?


We like to have a size that allows open discussion. Not too big and not too small. Somewhere between 6 - 14 people work well.