Focus Groups are Impact's small group ministry. These groups meet in homes during the week and the schedule is determined by the group. It's a very casual format and many groups have dinner together before having a Bible study. Each Focus Group determines their own needs and covers topics important to their group. A typical meeting consists of some social time and a time of Bible study and prayer. Some groups offer child care. Depending on the needs of the group, they may hire a babysitter or recruit an older sibling to watch the children.

Focus Groups are a place to grow closer to God and each other. You grow together through practical, interactive Bible study where you learn how to apply God's Word to real life. They're also a place to develop real friendships. You can receive and give support and encouragement with people who are journeying through life with you. Finally, Focus Groups are a place to have fun and hang out with friends.

You're not obligated to stay in a group if it's not working for you - for whatever reason. It's not a life sentence. Relationships cannot be forced, so we encourage you to find the right group for you.

Life is relational. Everything in life revolves around relationships. The most important relationship is a a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We also need each other. God never meant for you to go it alone in the Christian life. Consider these verses: 

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Every day they continued to meet together... they broke bread in their homes and ate together... and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47

Are you thinking you'd like to try it out, but you're afraid of feeling a little weird? Guess what? We're all a little weird, so you'll fit right in! Seriously, there are a few things you can count on in a Focus Group:

• You will be accepted - this isn't an elite club of holier-than-thou church people, we're just ordinary people like you
• You won't be compelled or expected to jump in with both feet right away - trust and friendship take time
• You won't be put on the spot with Bible study or prayer - all you have to do is listen if that's what you want
• What happens in a Focus Group, stays in that Focus Group - you can trust your small group to honor confidentiality