We Grow Better, Together
We Grow Better, Together
1. Growth Is Essential to the Christian Life
Growth is not optional in the life of a believer. Salvation is the beginning, not the end, of our walk with God. What follows is a lifelong process of sanctification, where we are intentionally shaped to become more like Jesus. That kind of transformation was never meant to happen in isolation. God designed His people to grow in community.
Large gatherings inspire and teach us, but growth groups create relational space where people are known, supported, and encouraged as God works in their everyday lives.
2. The Old Testament Model for Growth in Community
God’s design for communal growth is clearly modeled in the Old Testament. As Moses led more than a million Israelites, he became the central figure for every dispute, question, and concern. This structure quickly became unsustainable.
A Leadership Bottleneck
When leadership and care are centralized, leaders burn out and people suffer. Needs are delayed, voices go unheard, and spiritual growth stalls. When access to leadership is limited, access to discipleship is limited.
God’s Solution Through Shared Leadership
God used Jethro to reveal a better way. Capable, God-fearing leaders were appointed over smaller groups so care could be personal, timely, and relational. Moses remained responsible for teaching God’s ways, while shared leadership ensured people were known and supported.
Through this model, God’s laws were no longer abstract ideas. They were lived out daily in families and communities. Large gatherings inspired the people, shared leadership empowered them, and smaller groups formed them.
3. The New Testament Model for Growth Groups
The early church followed the same pattern. After Pentecost, thousands came to faith in a single day. The question immediately became how these believers would grow, be cared for, and stay connected.
Worship in Rows and Growth in Circles
The church gathered publicly for worship and teaching, and then met in homes for fellowship, prayer, shared meals, and discipleship. Spiritual growth happened not only in rows, but in circles.
Even when persecution scattered believers, the church continued to grow because faith was lived out in everyday relationships. God’s power was never confined to a building. It moved through homes, tables, and shared life.
4. Why Growth Groups Matter Today
Growth groups are not about adding another commitment to an already busy schedule. They exist to ensure no one walks the Christian life alone.
Growth groups create space where people are:
Seen
Heard
Known
Loved
They are one of the primary ways God forms healthy, Spirit-filled communities where believers grow better together.
5. Pathway’s Vision for Growth Groups
Pathway is committed to expanding and strengthening growth groups so more people can experience biblical community.
The Current Reality
A significant portion of the church is already engaged in groups, which is something to celebrate. Compared to national averages, Pathway is doing well.
The Future Vision
The goal is to double growth group participation, expand home-based groups across the region, and cultivate a mission-minded culture focused on making disciples.
This vision is not about numbers for their own sake. It is about faithfully carrying the gospel into homes, neighborhoods, and everyday spaces so people can encounter Jesus.
6. How We Will Get There
Simplifying the Structure
All groups will be unified under one name: Growth Groups. This clarity helps align the church around worship, growth, and service.
Making Groups Easy to Join
Improved systems make it easier to find, join, and connect with a group based on location, meeting place, and focus.
Expanding Through Home-Based Groups
Home groups provide welcoming environments for those who may be hesitant to attend church but are open to community and conversation.
Supporting Leaders
A healthy ecosystem includes training, resources, sermon-based discussions, Bible studies, and shared serving opportunities.
7. A Call to Participate and Lead
Everyone is encouraged to take a next step by joining a growth group. There is freedom to explore different groups until the right fit is found.
For those sensing a call to lead, God is still choosing faithful, trustworthy people from among His people. Leadership does not require advanced degrees. It requires integrity, faithfulness, and obedience.
8. Growing Better Together
God’s design has always been clear. His people gather to worship, are sent out to serve, and grow together in community. When these rhythms work together, the church reflects the love, peace, and saving grace of Jesus to a broken world.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Ross Owens
Series: Own It
Sermon Title: We Grow Better, Together
Date: Jan 18, 2026
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Exodus 18:13–23
Acts 2:41–47
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