Small Groups

It is the heartbeat of Vanguard Church that you grow deeper in your relationship with God, be used by God for the calling He has placed on your life, and develop long lasting friendships with others here. Vanguard also desires to be a community of people that engage the culture we live in and live out the mission of our church, to love others into a REAL relationship with Jesus Christ. In an attempt for this to take place, Vanguard has created several different types of small groups and gatherings. We believe that growth and discipleship happen over a long period of time through the exposure of God’s word and the experiences of others living life together. It is Vanguard’s desire that people walk with God for the rest of their life, even if they no longer live here in the Springs.

Vanguard’s small groups, small gatherings, and Life groups are offered throughout the week so that you may connect with other people and grow in your REAL relationship with Jesus Christ. Below is a description of each type of group and gathering that is offered:

Small Groups – Vanguard’s small groups are groups that last anywhere from 11 weeks to a year depending on the group and the group leader. The content of small groups can be a book of the bible, a preferred book of the leader, or TV series, etc. The groups can be co-ed, men’s, or women’s depending on the purpose and nature of the group. The intent of small groups is to provide environments where people can grow in their understanding and relationship with God and with others, develop lasting friendships, and live out their calling God has on their life.

Small Gatherings – Small Gatherings are usually larger groups of people that are mostly too large for a small group, but gather over a common topic or purpose. Small Gatherings sometimes birth into new ministries at Vanguard. Small Gatherings are often compared to the “Sunday School” model with a few exceptions. Small Gatherings usually have a few components: Large group interaction & teaching, breaking into small groups & interaction, and outside the group interaction or special events. Small Gatherings provide an environment for those wanting to learn, grow, or ask questions in a larger group setting with possibly a little less focus on the individual.

Life Groups – Life groups are designed for a smaller community of people who would like to meet together on a regular basis for as long as they are living in the Springs. These groups may meet weekly, bi-weekly but provide care and connection for individuals and families. Life groups may also include some type of study or discussion sometimes over the previous weekend’s message. Life groups provide personal care and community to individuals and families that are in the group.

R-Groups – The “R” in R-Group stands for Recreational & Relational. These groups are designed to create an environment of recreation where relationships can be built. These groups can range anywhere from mountain biking & fly fishing, to a mom’s play group, guitar, or golf. The R-Group leader creates an environment for people to meet others and to invite their friends. R-Groups are often the forum in which others experience the love of Jesus Christ and meet others who have a real relationship with Christ while enjoying some of their life hobbies together.

X-Groups – X-Groups are the foundation of Vanguard church and how Vanguard got started. X-Groups are groups designed for those who do not have a real relationship with Jesus Christ, but may be asking spiritual questions or just interested in dialoging about God or life, etc. X-Groups may meet at a person’s house, coffee shop, or here on Vanguard’s campus. X-Groups are usually small in nature and have a variety of ways that they are led depending on the leader. X-Groups are offered periodically and can last as long as the leader desires to lead it.