Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a "Family of Twelve" small group?

A Family of Twelve small group is a home fellowship made up of 10-12 people who meet weekly to share, study and support one another. A trained leader and host lead each group. An average meeting lasts for an hour followed by light refreshments.

How Important Are Family of Twelve Small Groups?

Here at Covenant Family Chapel, small groups are the hub of our ministry. They're the place where real ministry of the church takes place as we study God's Word, while supporting and sharing our lives with one another. We believe that meeting together on a regular basis is time well spent. Our goal each year is to have at least 70% of our adults involved on a weekly basis.

When and Where Do They Meet?

Growth Groups meet on various nights of the week in homes throughout Frederick and Montgomery counties and beyond. Meeting times depend on the group. This could be an evening groups meeting or morning meetings.

How Long Do They Last?

Yearly session lasts 9 to 10 weeks. We have Fall, Winter & Spring sessions. At the end of each session, you will have the choice of staying in the same group, or try a new group or even take a break. Most groups stay together throughout the entire year. Family of twelve small groups do not meet from June through August.

What is the Required Commitment?

Joining a family of twelve small group requires a 9 to 10 week commitment to attend weekly meetings and do the homework ahead of time. Obviously, allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts and other special events, but not much more. This commitment is the key to a strong growth. You have the first three weeks to attend the group to make sure it's a good fit for you.

What Will We Study?

Most of the studies are based on the previous weekend's message. These "sermon-based" small groups are built on what we call a "Lecture-Lab" model. Imagine the weekend message as a lecture on Christian living, and the family of twelve small group as a lab where you get to roll up your sleeves and discuss how the weekend's message works in real life. Each week there will be a series of Bible passages and questions on the back of the sermon note sheet to study before the meeting. It will usually take 20 to 40 minutes per week to complete the homework.

What Does It Cost?

Few things in life are free and Family of Twelve small groups are no exception! The only cost is the cost of commitment. During the first meeting, each group will complete a "covenant" together. This simple form helps each group discuss their priorities and commitment. Part of that commitment is the promise to attend each week and to complete the homework as well as to attend the quarterly social and do one service project for the year. You have the first three weeks to decide if your group is a good fit for you.
When you join a family of twelve, you're promising to attend and be prepared each week. It's this commitment that makes small groups work. We realize it's a big commitment, but it only lasts for 9 - 10 weeks. At the end of each quarter, you have the choice of recommitting for another quarter, trying a new group.

What About Child Care?

Family of Twelve Small Groups are for adults only. (Exceptions can be made for nursing newborns, up to six months.) We leave it up to each family to work out their own child care. Sometimes it works best for families to share a sitter or to swap child care with another family whose group meets on a different evening.

How Do I Choose A Group?

When selecting a group, we strongly recommend you choose a group based on its leader-host team and station-in-life, rather than its location. Over the years, it is been found that people do flow together when they share a common station-in-life and other interests with their leaders, hosts, and other group members. In the end, you'll find it's worth the drive!

Groups will be divided in the following Station-in-Life groupings: Singles, Young Marrieds & Young Families, Parents of Children K-6, Parents of Teens, Senior Adults, 30-Something, College students, Inter-generational groups, 20 & 30something (General), etc. Remember, these station-in-life groupings are intentionally kept fuzzy and are meant to help you self-select an appropriate group for you. They are not intended to box you in.

If you have any questions (especially if you are new to Covenant Family Chapel), please don't hesitate to call the church, and we will gladly assist you. Keep in mind that it might take two or three groups before you find the perfect fit, but don't worry, you'll find it!

How Do I Sign Up For A Growth Group?

We offer sign-ups for Family of Twelve small groups during the weekend services and online before each group quarters begin. There are Family of Twelve Staff members available at the sign-up booths to help you choose a group and answer any questions. During our sign-up weekends we have “Quick Guide” inside the weekend bulletin. There are three sign-up weekends before the beginning of our Fall Quarter in September, and two sign-up weekends before our Winter Quarter in January and our Spring Quarter in April. We will also offer “Intro Family of Twelve Small Groups” in August, November and May. These groups are designed for people new to our church who would like to find out how our groups work and what they are all about, or anyone who has not been in a group before and wants to try one out. Also, you can call our church line for information: 301 696 8555

Are There Growth Groups for Teenagers?

Yes, our high school and junior high ministries offer small groups for students. The junior high ministry will offer small groups available for 7th and 8th grade students. For more information about junior high or high school groups, please contact our youth/teen Ministry Office at (301) 696 8555.