About St. Paul's Church

The purpose of C3-Groups is to connect, care for and grow authentic relationships with God, other Christians, and our neighbors. In these groups, people talk through life issues, eat together, pray together, laugh together, serve others together, etc.


Frequently Asked Questions about C3

Is a Group like a Bible Study?

What does a typical Small Group involve?
How big is each groupt?
Do I have to be a member of SPC to attend a Group?
I'm don't know if I am a Christ. Can I attend a Group?
Is there childcare?
What if I cannot attend a Group regularly?
Why isn't there a group located near me?
Do I have to attend the Group closest to where Iive?
What if there isn't a group that works with my schedule?
What if I've tried a Group and it wasn't a good fit?

Is a Group like a Bible Study?

Groups are an environment for building relationships with one another to encourage the living out our personal relationship with Jesus. Groups are formed with a wide variety of emphases unique to the groups themselves. We provide curriculum in the form of DVD instruction and workbooks and groups are also free to choose their direction depending on the needs and interests of the group.

What does a typical Small Group meeting involve?

Groups study and discuss the Bible together applying it to practical living. Some groups focus strictly on the Bible while others rotate through Biblical and topical studies. Studies are chosen by the group with oversight by the Group Ministry leadership and staff.

Prayer is also a key element to typical group meetings. Many people find that praying in groups is their favorite part of group life. A typical group meeting lasts 1.5 to 2 hours.

Every Group has its own personality but some common elements happen in most group meetings. Over a period of time a typical meeting may involve time for food and conversation as well as periodic special events such as barbeques, meals or parties.

How big is each Group?

Groups are designed to be small enough for members to get to know each other well.

Do I have to be a member of SPC to attend a Group?

No. We have groups with non-members and believe groups are also a good place to "kick the tires" and get to know some people before becoming part of the larger whole. Groups can serve as primary evangelism by inviting outsiders and the un-churched to a safe gathering of friends.

I'm not/don't know if I'm a Christian. Can I attend a Group?

Definitely! Joining a group is a great way to find out more about Jesus and see what Christians are like. If you have questions, we can help you process through them.

Is there childcare?

All groups are different in their makeup, some are primarily parents with young children and they work out how to meet childcare needs within the group.

What if I cannot attend a Group regularly?

Consistent participation is very important for the stability of Groups. Due to the effect on the Group as a whole, we ask that you make attending you’re a priority. We know that to commit to 52 weeks a year is difficult. This is why we structured our C3-Groups to meet for 8 weeks at a time with a four week break in between.

Why isn't there a Group located near me?

Groups expand into new areas when and where we have a SPC member who desires to host a Group. Our ability to start Groups in new areas is influenced by the number of people in a given area who attend SPC.

Do I have to attend the Group closest to where I live?

Not necessarily, but location is a consideration if some of the activities of a Group take place informally in the neighborhood of the Group.

What if there isn’t a Group that works with my schedule?

Each Group meets at the time and location that works for the majority of people in the Group. In time, it is possible that a Group could form that would be a better match for those with less common schedules.

What if I've tried a Group and it wasn't a good fit?

We understand that you may need to visit a few Groups before you find the right fit. Our goal is to help you minimize the number of Groups you might visit, and help you settle into a Group you can call home as quickly as possible.

If you still have questions, contact office@spc-asheville.org.