Karis Groups

Karis Groups are teams of believers who are committed to growth and mutual accountability. Groups composed of 2-3 people of the same gender for the purpose of fellowship in the Word of Christ as well as accountability to one another. Through these small groups we hope to foster relationships that allow for not only confession of sin, but encouragement to grow in godliness.

Take care, Brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, falling away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our confidence firm until the end. (Heb 3:12-14)

Karis Groups should plan to meet once a week for approximately one hour (times and dates will be set by group members). Groups do not need a designated, however some groups may choose to designate a mentor/leader. Each group will be working through portions of the Bible but there is no set curriculum. Bible reading may also be supplemented with Christian books dealing with practical godliness in the believer (see below for suggested books)

Each Karis Groups should do three things each time it meets:

Accountability questions: Always begin with these questions to ensure that there is ample time to make it through the whole list.
Focused prayer: This time should begin with intercessory prayer for specific non-believers, followed by special needs and concerns within the group.
Discussion of weekly reading: use this time to discuss scripture readings for the past week as well as any supplemental materials you may be using. Use these questions to encourage discussion about the weeks reading:

-What are the main themes of the chapters we read?

-What do these passages teach about the nature of God?

-How do these truths direct our personal lives?

Suggested Books for Mentoring

Finding a Mentor, Being a Mentor (Donna Otto)

Disciplines of a Godly Man (R. Kent Hughes)

Spiritual Mothering (Susan Hunt)

Thoughts for Young Men (J.C. Ryle)

Suggested Books for Supplementing Scripture Study

The Discipline of Grace (Jerry Bridges)

Pilgrim’s Progress (John Bunyan)

The Life of Reverend David Brainerd (Jonathan Edwards)