RIVERSIDE HOUSE GROUPS FAQ

Q. What is a House Group?

A. Perhaps the best way to answer this question is to first answer what a House Group is not. A House Group is not a social club, a teacher-driven meeting, a support group, or a religious meeting. House Groups are the PRIMARY venue where relationships are forged and the love of Christ is experienced “life on life.” In House Groups the Bible is studied, people talk through life issues, eat together, laugh together, share with each other, and serve surrounding communities together.

Q. Why are House Groups so important?

A. We live in a culture that seems to have it all, yet is craving deep, intimate, and safe relationships and nevertheless according to statistics “Americans are among the loneliest people in the world.” As a church that is steadily growing larger in number, we realize our need to labor intensively to also grow SMALLER. This does not mean that we want to run people off J! No, what this means is that if we are to create a climate in which meaningful, accountable, Christ-centered relationships are to occur for the vast majority of our members and regular attendees, then we must encourage vast participation in smaller, “Acts 2” communities—communities that we call “HOUSE” Groups.

Q. Is a House Group like a Bible study?

A. House Groups are an environment for building relationships and doing ‘life together’ which challenge one another to drive God’s Word deeply into our lives. Currently we are going through Gospel U., a unique Scripture-based study uniquely created for our community. This study focuses on personal life application and transformation by studying God’s Word rather than intensive Bible teaching.

Q. What does a typical House Group meeting involve?

A. A typical meeting involves food, fellowship, prayer, sharing, and discussion for applying the Bible to our daily lives. Some House Groups choose to use one of their monthly meetings for parties or socials.

Q. Do I have to be a member of Riverside to participate in a House Group?

A. No. If you consider Riverside Church as your home, we encourage you to join a House Group before becoming a member. However, we do feel that it is important for you to be a member, since House Groups are intended for those who call Riverside home and for their friends and neighbors we are trying to reach. House Groups are not intended for those who consider Riverside House Group involvement a supplement to their attendance at other churches. Membership is required of all our House Group Leaders.

Q. I’m not/don’t know if I’m a Christian. Can I attend a House Group?

A. Definitely! Becoming part of a House Group is a great way to find out more about Jesus and see what Gospel-oriented Christians are like.

Q. How are House Groups divided?

A. We believe that House Groups should reflect the makeup of our church and the larger Christian body. Therefore we strongly encourage group diversity instead of homogenous groups.

Q. Are children welcome to attend?

A. Yes. We think that families attending House Group together is very important and beneficial. Each House Group determines their plan for accommodating children.

Q. How big is each House Group?

A. Because it is essential for the members of each House Group to get to know each other well we have designed Groups to accommodate 12 adults.

Q. What if I cannot attend a House Group regularly?

A. For group stability it is important that all members consistently attend, not all Groups are able to accommodate irregular attendees. Due to the effect on the Group as a whole, each member is expected to regularly attend.

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

A. House Groups meet at a time and location that is determined by the majority of the people in the Group. If you are having difficulty working out your schedule with your current House Group we encourage you to consider joining a different House Group.

Q. When do House Groups start?

A. New House Groups start up three times a year, in January, May and September.

Q. What is the first step in joining a House Group?

A. The first step in joining a House Group is to attend a Porch Night(s). Porch Nights are social venues with a purpose. During the last week of each month, Porch Nights are held at several locations around the city, providing an opportunity for those who wish to meet people and start considering House Group involvement, to do just that. Check the website to find out the latest Porch Night dates and locations.

Q. How do I sign up to visit a Porch Night?

A. Click here for details about upcoming Porch Nights and how to register.