Circle Groups

What are Circle Groups and why are They important?

Initially, the idea for “Circle Groups” was born out of my doctoral program studying spiritual formation after reading the methods and ministry of John Wesley. In short:

Circle Groups encourage high accountability and vulnerability but with a simple, straightforward structure. They are made up of 3-5 people of the same gender committed to helping each other grow closer to Jesus.

For many, some version of this kind of group has been the single most life-transformational space in their life, leading to life-long friendships and a deeper walk with God. This has certainly been true in my own life.

The church I lead has a vibrant Life Group system where mixed-gender groups of six to sixteen gather for an activity, study, or support. These groups are where people find connection and experience Christian community. While these avenues of spiritual formation are healthy and helpful, only about a third of these groups run for longer than six to eight weeks and have over 10 people in them. In that short amount of time with that many people, developing deeper meaningful relationships that you can lean on for the long haul of life can be challenging.

But what if we could also create a smaller space for a deeper level of relationship, accountability, growth, and community to occur? Our idea is to experiment with a smaller group of 3 to 5 people of the same gender meeting for accountability, reflection, prayer, and support.

Picture this: What if you had 3 or 4 friends who wanted what was best for you, cared about your walk with Jesus, and knew you well enough to know when you weren’t sharing the whole truth and call you on it? What if these same friends were trustworthy enough to share your thoughts, feelings, and life with? If you could set up a structure with them to meet every week, or at least regularly, they could be the most significant long-term blessing to you as they share life, shoulder your burdens, and pray for you. Could you do this for others? That’s what a Circle Group is designed to be.

Why are they called Circle Groups?

When we read about Jesus, we see that he trusted and revealed different things to different disciples. He had the crowds that would follow him, picture the 5,000+ hearing his teachings. Then picture the 72 that he sent out with the authority and power to do the work of his Kingdom in His name. Picture the smaller circle of 12 that he chose to be his disciples that we know today. He shared more of his life with them, explained his teachings in more depth, and shared intimate meals with them like the Last Supper. Yet, even with this group, he did not disclose everything. There was even one more level of trust with an inner circle, the 3 – Peter, James, and John. He trusted them to see His transfiguration, to see him raise Jairus’ daughter from the dead, and to be with him in his most harrowing moments in the Garden of Gethsemane before his trial and death. He had a trusted inner circle.

The idea is to replicate this circle. You may have people that know of you (crowds), people that you’ve worked with (72), and a group of friends (12), but who are those that you trust at a deeper level? Who are people that you could trust that want the best for you? Who are the people you want to be there for you in life’s most challenging moments? You should not let everyone in your inner circle, but if you had a few that you confided in and shared life with in this way, they could be there for you, support you, pray for you, and help transform your life.

What happens in a Circle Group?

Each time a Circle Group gathers, they will ask each other a prescribed list of questions each person will answer. The group could begin with some introductory questions if they want, and then will ask the Circle Group Questions. These are accountability-based questions that you will rarely get asked by others. By answering them each time you gather, you will be held to a higher standard of Christian living.

Introductory Questions (to help people get to know each other more)

1. What was your biggest personal highlight this last week?
2. What blessings are you grateful for today?

Circle Group Questions

1. Where have you seen God work in your life this week? 
2. How many days out of 7 in the last week have you engaged in Bible reading and prayer? 
3. What was the content of those times of Bible reading and prayer? (What have you been reading and how is that been speaking to you? What have you been praying about?)
4. What temptations have you faced in the last week in your thoughts, words, or actions? (How were you delivered or why did you feel like you gave in?)
5. Personal Accountability Question. 
6. What have you not told me this week that you should?
7. How can we specifically pray for you this week?

You’ll notice that question #5 is left open-ended, as each member will also select one question they need to be asked during this time. This is meant to personalize the journey of discipleship to precisely fit what is needed most at that moment. This question will vary from person to person and will change over time. I constantly challenge people to select a question they know they need others to ask, even if it will make them uncomfortable. A list with more ideas can be provided, but here are a few examples of questions that could be selected:

• Where have you been lying to yourself or others this week to make yourself appear better than you are? 
• Have you given in to an addictive behavior this past week? 
• Who or what is getting too much air time in your thought life right now? Why?
• What are the areas in your life that are hindering spiritual growth?

Ultimately, in answering these questions, you will share what God has been saying to you, confess your sins to one another and be healed (James 5:16), answer a question in an area that you know you need to be asked about, and be held accountable to engage with God’s Word and prayer. If you do this regularly, God’s Spirit will use your Circle Group to transform your life.

Who should be in my circle group?

The best way to start a Circle Group is to invite a few people you are already friends with to consider this kind of group with you. See if they would be interested, set a date, and give it a few gatherings to see what you think.

If you want to be in a Circle Group, but don’t have others that want to start a group with you, you can still sign up. If there are others who are looking for a group at the same time, we’ll try to launch a group for you to join.