community groups

We believe community groups are the best way to get connected and grow spiritually here at Grace. Based on the model of Jesus and his 12 disciples, a community group meets weekly to study the Bible and support each other. An average meeting lasts an hour and a half and usually involves refreshments.

ten-week commitment

Community groups meet for three ten-week sessions from mid-September through June, taking a break in the summer. At the end of each session, you have the choice of staying in the same group, trying a new group or taking a break. Most groups stay together throughout the three sessions each year. Keep in mind that it might take two or three groups before you find the right fit, but don't worry, you'll find it!

Bible-based curriculum

Most of the groups use the Bible passage from Sunday's sermon as a catalyst for discussion. Each week there is a handout in the Sunday bulletin (and on the messages page of our website) with questions to help you dig deeper into the Bible. You complete these questions on your own before the meeting (this usually takes 20-30 minutes to do). Group leaders are given a weekly leader's guide with discussion questions and supplemental resources from Bible commentaries to guide the discussion and bring deeper understanding into that week's Bible passage.

when and where

Most community groups meet on various nights of the week in homes in Arlington (some groups meet in Alexandria and Fairfax). The most popular group meeting times are Tues and Wed nights at 7:30pm, but we also have weekend and weekday morning groups available (daytime meeting times vary).

how to sign up

The best time to join a group is at the beginning of a ten-week session (mid-September, mid-January and late-March). The next session kicks off the week of April 2 and lasts ten weeks, ending June 9. Signups will take place at church services on Sun, March 25 and April 1. To join a group in the middle of a session, email derek@trygrace.org and we’ll do our best to plug you in. To rsvp for the spring session, email derek@trygrace.org to get a reminder email the week before the March/April signup.