Why Small Groups?

Blue Ridge is a church of small groups because we believe that’s where real life change happens best. A small group is where people help each other move toward God while sharing their lives, their prayers, and their encouragement – basically, where they do life together. It’s where the truths of the Bible get put into action as people help each other apply scriptural principles to daily experiences.

One kind of small group is made up of people who serve in ministry together. These task groups consist of staff and/or volunteers who have authentic community while accomplishing the tasks necessary to keep our services and ministries operating efficiently.

The majority of our small groups are designed around the stage of life people are in, which helps ensure the group members have common goals and life situations.

We know that all good relationships – whether in your family, with friends, or in small groups – require time and commitment. And that unmet expectations can quickly hinder intimacy. That’s why we have a series of steps, a common journey, for people to go through before getting into a small group. It helps ensure that everyone in the group is “on the same page” in terms of what they expect to give to and get from the group.

Steps to a Small Group

1 – Intro to Blue Ridge
The first step, Intro to Blue Ridge, is a 2-hour event led by our senior pastor, Woody Torrence. Intro will help you understand more about Blue Ridge, our values and purposes, and why we do what we do so you can make sure this is the place for you.

2 – Imprints
The next step of the journey is an 8-week (two hours, one evening a week) session called Imprints. Each week, the group views a carefully selected DVD by a well-known pastor or teacher that gives a fresh perspective on what a fully devoted follower of Christ looks like. Then you spend time in a small group discussing the difference it could make in your life and ways to apply the lesson to everyday living.

The group you meet with during Imprints may be a good fit and become an ongoing small group for you. But, even if it doesn’t, the eight weeks of meeting together are a great introduction to small groups.

Depending on availability, we have groups in the following life stages:
      ♦ Community Groups – any age or stage of life
      ♦ Single Life – late 20s (post-college) to late 30s
      ♦ Single Life – 40 to late 50s
      ♦ Women – any age or stage of life
      ♦ Empty Nesters

What are my options?
There may be times when this process just isn’t feasible for one reason or another. In that case, there are some options. One option is through midsize groups (such as TruthWorks) which are designed to help you in your spiritual development. Like Imprints, these midsize groups include time together in a small group setting which provides an opportunity to get to know people and get connected while moving forward in your spiritual journey. For more options and information, contact Don Tordoff, 434.525.7481 x106, or dtordoff@blue-ridge.org.