Small Groups

Small groups are a critical way through which we fulfil our biblical purpose as a local church, as stated in our Declaration of Faith, that we exist “for the purpose of exalting God through evangelising the lost and edifying and equipping the saints for service” (Eph. 4:7-16; Col. 1:28-29; Acts 2:42-47; Rom. 11:36; 1 Thess. 2:7-8; Heb 13:17)

WHY do our small groups exist?

Antioch small groups exist for the following six biblical purposes:

(a) For Deacons in assisting the Elders in shepherding the flock through member care and counsel in their small groups (Acts 6:1-7; 20:28; 1 Thess. 2:7-8; Heb. 13:17)

(b) For practicing the biblical one-anothers and living out our Church Covenant by loving and encouraging one another, bearing one another’s burdens, praying together, and building godly friendships (Acts 2:42-47; Gal. 6:2; Heb. 3:13; 10:24-25; Prov. 7:5-6, 9-10, 17; 1 Pet. 4:7-11). Small groups are also a crucial way to display our true Gospel unity across the barriers of age and culture, to experience inter-generational and cross-cultural fellowship in Christ that only God’s Spirit can produce and that displays to the world the Gospel’s power (Eph. 2:14-16; Jn. 13:34-35).

(c) For further teaching in sound doctrine and in helping our people apply biblical truths (Ps. 19:7-11; Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 5:14; Jam. 1:22-25)

(d) For discipling newcomers and younger believers at Antioch into membership and maturity, and for being discipled by more mature believers (Phil. 2:12-13; Eph. 4:11-16; Col. 1:28-29; Heb. 5:12; Matt. 28:19)

(e) For equipping future leaders for the Church and to start new small groups to reach more members and newcomers (1 Tim. 3:10; 1 Tim. 5:22; 2 Tim. 2:2)

(f) For evangelising the lost (Matt. 4:19; 28:19; Acts 1:8)

For further information about our Small Groups, including meeting locations and other details, please contact the church office at office@antioch.org.za or 065 807 3689.