What is a Core Group?
A Core Group is a small, peer-led group of 3 to 4 same-gender friends who want to follow Jesus together. Core Groups are designed to be simple, relational, and flexible. There is no formal leader and no required curriculum. The goal is to help one another know Jesus, grow in faith, and serve others in everyday life.
Core Groups are meant to be a low-barrier way to step into deeper friendship, discipleship, prayer, and Bible application. They can also be a helpful complement to other ministries, including D-Groups.
The Heart Behind Core Groups
Core Groups are centered around three simple words: Know, Grow, and Serve.
Know
Coming to faith in Jesus and continuing to know Him through Scripture.
Grow
Growing through knowledge, application, encouragement, accountability, and prayer.
Serve
Making a spiritual difference through prayer, mission, and practical acts of love.
How Core Groups Work
Group Size
3 to 4 people
Group Makeup
Same gender
Leadership
Peer-led, everyone participates equally
Meeting Rhythm
Weekly or every other week
Meeting Length
Around 60 to 90 minutes
Location
Home, coffee shop, park, or lunch break
Some groups may choose to commit to an initial 8 to 12 weeks together, then decide whether to continue, multiply, or invite others in.
What Happens in a Core Group Meeting?
Every group can shape its own rhythm, but a simple Core Group gathering often follows the Know, Grow, Serve pattern.
Start with God Stories
Share where you have seen God at work since the last time you met. This helps the group start from a place of gratitude, awareness, and encouragement.
Know
Share what you have been reading in Scripture and talk about how it applies to real life. Some groups read through a book of the Bible together; others follow a reading plan or topical study.
Helpful questions:
- • What did God show you in His Word this week?
- • What stood out to you?
- • How are you applying it?
Grow
Encourage one another, speak honestly about struggles, and pray together. This is where accountability, vulnerability, and spiritual encouragement can deepen.
Helpful questions:
- • Where have you seen God at work in your life?
- • Where are you struggling right now?
- • How can we pray for you?
- • How can we help each other take the next step in following Jesus?
Serve
Pray for others by name and talk about ways to live missionally. Serving may happen inside the church, in your neighborhood, among friends, or anywhere God gives you an opportunity to love others well.
Helpful questions:
- • Who are you praying for to come to know Jesus?
- • How did you serve someone this week?
- • What is one way we can make a spiritual difference in someone else's life?
A Simple Study Option
Some Core Groups may want to use a Discovery Bible Study style approach. In that format, the group reads a passage together and works through a few simple questions, allowing everyone to engage directly with Scripture. The emphasis is not on one person teaching, but on learning, listening, and applying God's Word together.
The goal of discussion is not just information, but Bible application. Core Groups work best when the conversation leads to real obedience, faith, prayer, and action.
Why Join a Core Group?
Build deeper friendships centered on Jesus
Read and apply Scripture with others
Grow through encouragement, prayer, and accountability
Have a simple, flexible path toward discipleship
Serve others and live missionally together
Tips for a Healthy Core Group
Be honest.
Vulnerability helps create real spiritual depth.
Be consistent.
Growth usually happens over time, not all at once.
Be prayerful.
Depend on the Holy Spirit together.
Be practical.
Let your conversations move toward action and obedience.
Be open-handed.
As groups grow, consider inviting others to begin their own Core Group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a leader?
No. Core Groups are peer-led, which means everyone participates equally.
Is there a curriculum?
No. Groups follow the Know, Grow, Serve rhythm, but each group can decide what Scripture to read or what type of study to use.
How long does a Core Group last?
That is up to the group. Some groups may start with an 8 to 12 week commitment, while others may continue longer.
What if I don't already have a group?
You can start by asking 2 to 3 friends to join you. If needed, the ministry can also help connect you with others who are looking for a Core Group.
Do I have to join one?
No. Participation is voluntary. Core Groups are an invitation, not a requirement.
What if someone leaves the group?
Core Groups are flexible. You can invite someone else in, continue with a smaller group for a time, or form a new group.
How to Get Started
Pray about whether this is a good next step for you.
Ask 2 to 3 same-gender friends if they want to form a Core Group.
Choose a time and place that works for everyone.
Start simply with the Know, Grow, Serve rhythm.
Stay consistent and let the group grow naturally over time.
If you are interested but don't have a group yet, let us help you find your Core.