Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why are Community Groups so important to Olivet?
A. We very purposefully believe that to be connected to Olivet is to both participate in regular Sunday morning gatherings and community groups. Each component of the ministry of Olivet serves a strategic purpose to equip and present ourselves mature in Christ (Eph 4:12-14). Each ministry is designed to meet different spiritual needs. Sunday gatherings are a time of corporate worship and proclaiming the Word of God. Additionally, Sundays serve to train and equip in the Word through our S.G.S. and Bible Study classes. However, we believe that our community groups are the most important piece in the discipleship process. Discipleship is as much if not more about applying the truth and using one’s spiritual gifts—which can most readily be expressed in smaller group settings—as it is about thinking Christianly.

Q. Is a Community Group a Bible Study?
A. What one would think of as a traditional bible study our community groups do not fit that mold. We certainly desire our people to dig deeply into the Word of God and seek the answers to life’s questions. Our groups challenge one another to move beyond the simple acquisition of biblical knowledge and to push to real life application. Our groups are relationship driven rather than content driven. Christians are not only those who know what the Bible says but have hearts that love God and one another. Curriculum is only one component of the group. Additionally, community groups serve as a spring board to build relationships that extend beyond meeting for “official” church gatherings. They are a place to know others and to be known. Each group leader makes regular contact with members outside of group time as well as members with one another. Above all the crucial difference is in the prayer and accountability component of our community groups. This is where we get real with one another and take off the masks and stop pretending like we are perfect people without struggles. We love, care for, and challenge one another to submit every part of our lives to Christ.

Q. What does a typical Community Group meeting look like?
A. Our time is usually divided into three, sometimes unequal, segments. The first movement is time to simply “hang out” usually over food, followed by a time of announcements and warm-up/ice breaker questions to get to know one another better. The next movement is to the Scriptures and the curriculum, seeking to apply the Word to daily living. The final movement looks different according to what type of group you are in and the preference of the group. If the group is a couple’s group or a mixed gender group, genders separate and then spend time in accountability and focused prayer for one another. Other groups that are women only or men only may not break off at all while some may break into even smaller groups for prayer and accountability.

Q. Do I have to be a member of Olivet to be apart of a Community Group?
A. No. Our groups are designed to be “open” groups. You are welcome to come and check out any of our groups before becoming a member. Additionally, we currently have several persons in our community groups that are neither members of Olivet nor attend Sunday gathering. We are okay with that because the Church is bigger than we are. Community groups are a safe place to discover about Christ and the faith. However, if you are a member of Olivet we fully expect you to be involved in a community group.

Q. I’m not/don’t know if I’m a Christian. Can I still attend a Community Group?
A. Definitely! Joining a group is a great way to see what being a Christian is all about. If you are still on a spiritual journey of your own and are considering different faiths, while we certainly believe in the exclusive message of Christ, we would enjoy you checking us out. If you have any questions, we would certainly love to help you process them.

Q. Are my children welcome to come to the Community Group?
A. We love families and we love children @ Olivet. Plans to accommodate children vary from group to group. Feel free to check out our Community Group Booth for more information, or email tim@buildingrelationships.org.

Q. How can I find a Community Group that would best fit my life stage?
A. We have a diversity of community groups. At certain points in life couples will attend a couples group together and at other times they may attend gender specific groups. Additionally, we have a college Community Group as well.

At Olivet we certainly appreciate the various stages of life, but we are also very aware that it is very easy to develop “generational ghettos” in any type of group. This is as much an issue about cultural baggage from our very segregated Western heritage as it is personal preference. We desire our members to be well-rounded mature Christians. This is the reason we have very intentionally sought to make our groups are multigenerational. The reality is that a fish will only grow to the size of pond it is in. The same is true with us in our walks. We not only value the wisdom and experience from each stage of life but, more importantly, we need the diversity of the body of Christ to achieve balanced spiritual formation. You can come to expect that our groups are multigenerational.

We are also aware that there are very special and specific needs that persons go through in life and need intensive targeted help to get through those issues. At this time we do not have any recovery or special needs groups, but are certainly praying for God to bless us with groups and leaders for those issues.

Q. How big is each Community Group?
A. Each group varies in size but the average group is about 6-12 people. We feel strongly that we must keep our community groups as intimate as possible. Once a group starts to reach the “teens” member level we are looking to multiply out that group. We emphasize each group to have a leader in training that is preparing to serve as the next leader of the planted group when the time comes. We don’t put any type of time constraint on the group to multiply and plant.

Q. What if I cannot attend a group regularly?
A. Regular and consistent participation is vital to the life of the group as well as your own individual walk. Sporadic attendance has major consequences on the group as a whole. We expect regular committed attendance. However, we are willing to make sacrifice to make groups work. We are seeking to offer groups that meet at different times during the week to help accommodate as many as possible. If you need assistance email tim@olivetwichita.com

Q. What if I can’t find a Community Group that works with my schedule?
A. Currently we have 16 different groups that meet throughout the week. As our number of groups increase we can be more flexible. In time we may have a Community Group form that may work with your schedule.

Q. What if I tried a Community Group that wasn’t a good fit?
A. We understand that you may need to visit a number of groups until you find the one that you feel connected with. We want to help you find the right group for you. However we want to keep the “group surveying” to a minimum because of the impact it can have on our groups.

Q. What if there is not a Community Group that meets close to me?
A. As groups multiply and our ministry grows we desire to expand into more areas. Our ability to grow and expand is based on leadership development and outreach. We prayerfully ask God to bless our work and expand our influence. We would suggest you attend the group closest to you. Also you can check back periodically to see if we have a group that meets closer to you.

Q. Do I have to attend the Community Group closest to where I live?
A. Not necessarily. However, we do think that proximity to where you live can be the best choice because you will have an influence on those whom you live near to invite to the group in the future. Since our groups are the primary outreach tool of Olivet, strategically it is easier to invite neighbors, coworkers, and those who you already have a relationship with. However, if you are looking to meet with a specific (gender specific or couples group) you may have to attend a group that is farther away.