We are excited to kick off our new Connection Group season on Sunday, September 11. Our Connection Group ministry has been a tremendous means of getting God-centered people to share their lives with one another, while at the same time living biblically. As we start this season here are a few questions and answers that will help you be a part our connecting ministry.

Why do I need to be in a Connection Group?
In an easy answer: because Connection Groups are the church lived out. At our Celebration Service you don’t get the opportunity to really connect with others at a deep level. Connection Groups allow you to share your life with others who will encourage, pray and sharpen you in a biblical manner.

If you need more reasons, here are a few more:

• You will understand the bible better in a smaller group
• Prayer will become more meaningful to you
• You will be able to handle stress and pressure better
• You feel part of something bigger than yourself
• You will be a New Testament Christian

What is the right group for me?

We have all kinds of groups, some based on location, some on affinities. If you would like to know more about what Connection Group may be right for you, contact Brandon Barker and he would love to help you.

When and where do these groups meet?

To find where and when our Connection Groups meet click here to get a detailed list with times, locations, links to the leader.

What is a Connection Group Leader and what do they do?

Every Connection Group has at least one leader. Most have two, which are usually a husband and wife team. The Connection Group Leader is the spiritual “shepherd” of the group. Their role is to help you as you grow closer to God through modeling His son and participating in His church. They handle the administrative aspects of the group as well, making sure you have all the info you need to get the most of your Connection Group experience.

How do I get signed up for a Connection Group?

That’s easy. Click here to fill out our online form that will get you signed up for a Connection Group. The Connection Group leader will contact soon after that (see, we told you they were great!) It is also important to note that even if you have been in a Connection Group before, we would love for you to still sign up using our online form. It helps us know who is in what group.

What if I can’t commit to a group right now?

That is definitely a by-product of living in a busy suburban society, isn’t it? That is why we are Asking our people to just commit to one semester at a time. We are using the term “on ramps and off ramps” to explain how easy it is to get involved in a Connection Group and how easy it is to step away for a time period. This allows you the opportunity to get involved in a Connection Group when you are able to. It also allows you to step out at the end of each semester and evaluate if the next Connection Group semester is right for your schedule.

Connection Groups at Westwind begin the week of September 19. Here are a few reasons you should be involved in our Connection Group Ministry:

Connection Groups keep the ministry small in bigness
One way a person can get to know others is through being involved in a connection group. Westwind can be a big place, but it doesn’t have to be.

Connection Groups allow you to be known
Very few people like to be a shadow on the wall. They want to be part of something that they can belong to–connection groups make that possible.

Connection Groups make you verbal
People like to share what is on their mind. Connection groups allow an environment small enough for the most meekly of people to share. They can talk about their hopes, wishes, dreams, feelings and concerns…and others will listen.

Connection Groups allow people to personalize their faith
Church attendees can be “forced-fed” sometimes in their faith. Connection groups allow for you to make your faith your own. They can challenge issues and share their faith journey.

Connection Groups encourage accountable relationships
Almost everyone wants to be challenged to be a better person. Connection groups allow students to encourage each other to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

Connection Groups make members into ministers
We are all called to care for others, both socially and spiritually. Connection groups allow the opportunity to have deep relationships with others who need care, leadership and mentoring.

Connection Groups build community
Instead of trying to focus our efforts on bringing the entire worshipping community of Westwind together, we believe that connecting you in smaller groups will actually help the large group as a whole.

So, there are just a few reasons for getting involved in a connection group. If you haven’t signed up for a group, you can do so HERE.