Why Small Groups are Vital

At New Mercy, we absolutely believe the best way to get plugged in and to become a part of the community is through family groups (New Mercy’s version of small groups).  In fact, small groups are so fundamental to New Mercy’s vision, that we hesitate to call it a ministry.  Rather, we like to think of ourselves as a church of small groups.

Fundamental to Christian life are intimate relationships.  Jesus and the bible teach emphatically that life can only be truly experienced in deep, meaningful relationships with God and with people.  Large groups alone, including Sunday Services, will never provide for this profound relational need effectively.  Authentic Christian community occurs only when people meet regularly, pray together and for each other, provide deep accountability, support each other in struggles and crises, study the Word together, share, experience life and joy together, laugh with one another, and are vulnerable with each other.  In turn, these relational elements help us to experience ourselves as individuals in a more healthy, integrated, and normalized way.  All of this is best realized in the small-group context.  Unfortunately, most Christians do not have this type of community even with their closest friends. In the bible, the church is called to provide for this necessity of the Christian life.

Pastor John Huh, who is receiving his Ph.D. in pastoral counseling, leads NMCC’s small group ministry.  By using the skills he has gained as a pastoral counselor in conjunction with the biblical imperatives and exhortations that teach us how to love and to relate with one another, Pastor John is developing small groups that are intimate, safe, and gospel-centered.

Oh, and let’s not forget, they’re a lot of fun, too!  Many of our congregants have testified that going to family group is usually the highlight to their week.  They are not only enjoy it profoundly, but they help members stay afloat as they live life together.

If you’re looking for this type of support and encouragement in your life, please fill out the interest form below. A person will contact you with more information and specific details. Also, please feel free to try out more than one group. Family Group descriptions follow the form.

Family Group Interest Form

Our Groups