Small groups are important at Duluth Vineyard for the simple reason that fellowship is important. Many christians today, however, feel fellowship or small group participation is optional—something they do only when they have free time after work, family errands, friends, and leisure.

We in the Vineyard believe fellowship is basic to what it means to be a christian. The Bible teaches that once we accept Christ, we are not only reconciled to God, but we are also relationally united with other believers in what’s called the body of Christ. “Just as each of us has one body with many members…so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:4,5).

There are countless verses telling us how to relate to each other and the phrase “one another” alone appears over 60 times:

• “…love one another…” (1 John 4:7)
• “honor one another…” (Romans 12:10)
• “…agree with one another…” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
• “be patient, bearing with one another…” (Ephesians 4:2)

It seems obvious that the christian life is meant to be lived in the context of fellowship. Unfortunately, it’s hard to experience real fellowship at our weekend worship gatherings. Meeting “face-to-back-of-head” once a week for an hour with several hundred people is not what the writers of the New Testament had in mind when they wrote about fellowship. While our worship gatherings are a very important part of our church life, it’s at our small group meetings during the week that we can experience fellowship.

Fellowship with other christians is vital to your spiritual health and growth. If you are not yet involved in a small group, we would urge you to make time for this in your life.

How do I choose a group that’s right for me?

Consider what your greatest need is and then look for a group you think will best meet that need from the display of group cards on the information wall in the lobby. Each card contains information about a different small group, such as when and where they meet, who the group leader is, and what the focus of the group is. Vineyard’s small groups meet throughout the week at various times and all around the Twin Ports area. You should be able to find something that fits your need and situation.

What goes on at a small group meeting and how long is it?

The average small group meeting lasts about two hours. For part of that time, the group is focused on their relationship with God. There will be worship, group discussion over a passage from the Bible, and then members will pray for each other. The rest of the time is spent in “fellowship”—coffee, cake, conversation, and just getting to know each other.

Do I have to be invited first before I can attend a small group meeting?

Absolutely not! All of our groups are open to anyone who would like to visit and “check them out."

What will happen if I just “show up” at a small group meeting?

Our small groups love visitors! You will be warmly welcomed and invited to participate to the degree you feel comfortable. All of our groups are accustomed to visitors and new people. We do advise, however, that you call the leader in advance to make sure the group is still meeting at the same time and place. Leaders’ phone numbers are listed on the information cards in the lobby and on our website.

Do I have to make a long-term commitment to a particular small group?

No. You are free to visit as many groups as you like and to attend a group for as short or long a period of time as you want. We do recommend, however, you select a group and stick with it for a while. That will give you a chance to really get a feel for the group as well as to form meaningful relationships
with others.

Church and christianity are both very new to me. Should I wait until I become more familiar with the Bible before going to a small group?

Absolutely not! Small group involvement is the best way to grow in your knowledge and understanding of spiritual things. If you think you may feel out of place in a group with “old-timers” or “Bible experts,” you may want to check out one of our disciple-ship groups. These groups are made up of folks who are both new to Vineyard and new to christianity.

Can I bring my kids with me to the small group meeting?

Some groups do provide supervision for children either at the place of meeting or nearby, but some do not. It is best to check in advance by calling the leader or host of the group you are interested in. Their phone numbers are listed on the group card in the church lobby. 

Additional Information

Please feel free to contact the church at 218-525-3462, or email us if you have any other questions or concerns about small groups.