Grace Groups are small communities of six to eight people who meet weekly for one hour to grow deeper in faith and watch over each other in love. Whoever you are, long-time member, first-time visitor, or someone still figuring out what you believe, you're welcome to come and see.

Grace Groups are a place to be honest about your faith journey. Not a Bible study. Not a therapy group. Not a place to fix each other's problems. No homework. No curriculum to buy. No preparation required. Just an hour of honest conversation around three simple questions.

The Three Questions

  1. How is your faith journey going? (Soul Tending)
  2. Where do you see God at work in your life? (God Sightings)
  3. What challenge are you giving to God? (Growing in Grace)

The format is rooted in John Wesley's class meeting tradition. In 1739, Wesley gathered people who asked each other one honest question: "How is it with your soul?" The classes, not the preaching or theology, drove the Methodist movement's growth. We are recovering that pattern.

The Five-Part Meeting Rhythm

Each Grace Group meeting follows the same five-part rhythm:

  • Center (5 minutes). Open with prayer or silence. Settle in.
  • Soul Tending (15 minutes). How is your faith journey going?
  • God Sightings (20 minutes). Where do you see God at work in your life?
  • Growing in Grace (15 minutes). What challenge are you giving to God?
  • Close (5 minutes). Pray for each other before you leave.

The three questions are the spine. Center and Close are prayer bookends.

Find a Grace Group

Grace Groups at McPherson First run on a three-season rhythm: fall, spring, and summer, each about twelve weeks. New groups form each season, and people can join for one season, take a break, and try again later.

Join a Grace Group →

Browse forming and active groups, or fill out the interest form, and we'll help match you with a group that fits your schedule.

Start a Grace Group

If you're considering leading a Grace Group, you don't need to be an expert. The questions do the heavy lifting. The Grace Group Coach walks new facilitators through the on-ramp.

Interested in Facilitating →

Read the Grace Group Quick Start Guide to see what leadership looks like, then fill out the interest form. The Grace Group Coach will reach out for a conversation.

This Week's Grace Group Guide

Each week, Pastor Andrew prepares a Grace Group Guide tied to the Sunday worship series. The Guide gives groups a scripture passage, a few discussion prompts, and a closing prayer. Active groups can download the current week's Guide from the Downloads section at the bottom of this page.

The Twenty-Five Practices

Grace Groups grow deeper when paired with intentional spiritual practice. McPherson First names twenty-five practices, organized under the five membership promises, that have shaped Christian formation for centuries. Many Grace Groups choose a practice or a promise to explore together across a season.

  • Prayers: daily conversation with God
  • Presence: showing up to worship, communion, Sabbath, Grace Groups, and others
  • Gifts: giving financially in trust and joy
  • Service: finding where you're called to serve
  • Witness: sharing your faith through words and actions

Questions?

Contact Pastor Andrew Conard at 620-241-3626 or andrew.conard@mcphersonfirst.org.