Small Groups

Introduction

OCF has long found the great benefit of biblically focused small groups for mutual encouragement of Christians and reaching out to neighbors and fellow service members. Whether deployed or aboard ship, living on base, or in one of the communities surrounding our bases, there are others sharing the military experience. Some may be believers but shy or unsure of themselves in a military, secular context. Others may be non-believers whom God is calling. The Lord can use you to gather some believers and neighbors together in some type of Christian group—for fellowship, Bible study and discussion, prayer, service, and mutual encouragement.

Scripture references

Study the following biblical references and consider how they address the questions listed below. If using this outline with a Small Group, consider assigning different Scriptures to different individuals and relating them to one or more of the questions. Then scroll down the page to review our recommended resources for the topic of Small Groups and consider how the various articles or podcasts provide further insights relating to this topic.

Samuel 10:5-6; 19:18-24; 2 Kings 2:3; 4:38; 1 Kings 19; Psalms 95, 107, 133, 134; Matthew 18:19-20; John 15:1-25; Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37; Acts 4:23-31; Acts 17:10-12; Hebrews 10:24-25.

Questions

What were some reasons there were schools of prophets in the OT?
When we are alone, what can happen? How was Elijah encouraged by (or about) others?
How do pronouns here differ than most Psalms? Why is corporate worship vital?
What condition does Jesus give for His presence? Who are your “two or three”?
In addition to a connection with Jesus and the conflict with the world, what other relationship does Jesus address? What admonition does He give us?
Describe characteristics of early Christian fellowship? How is yours like this?
After Peter’s testimony, what do the Christians do? What is their intake and output?
How did Bereans receive what Paul said? How do you assess preaching and teaching?
What does the Hebrew writer warn us not to do? Why?

Recommended Resources

Following are a series of carefully selected resources that provide perspectives and experiences of various authors, most having military experience. These articles and podcasts are intended to stimulate further thinking and reflective application for individuals or to act as the basis of discussion in small groups.

Time, Talent, Treasure: OCF small group fellowships

The heartbeat of OCF is the small group fellowship, over 360 of them occurring throughout our nation and across the globe, including New Zealand, Korea and Norway.

The role of groups in relationships

Most everyone who has ever participated in small groups can bear testimony to a particular small group that was their favorite.

God’s intentions for the small group

While we may be accustomed to defining the essence of our Christian faith in other ways, Christianity involves not only a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, but also an entirely different outlook on life that is grounded in the hope we have for all that God has promised.

55. MIDN Isaiah Walker: Finding community can be challenging

Today, you’re going to hear the story of Midshipman Isaiah Walker, he’s a senior in the ROTC program at Ole Miss who has struggled with isolation and the challenges of integrating faith and profession.

54. Josh and Lindsey Bowen: The importance of small group fellowship

Today you're going to hear the story of Joshua and Lindsey Bowen, both captains in the Army. And, while their story contains a few themes, such as mentoring, leadership, and spiritual growth, the one common thread throughout their story is the small group fellowship and the importance that fellowship has played in their lives...going all the way back to when they first met.

Additional Resources

OCF offers many extra resources as you continue digging into the subdomain of Small Groups.

What ‘Right’ Looks Like

One simple request from a platoon leader in one small group at one location on a single evening. But when multiplied over the weeks and miles of hundreds of Christian fellowships, just consider how the Spirit might work!

Three types of prayer for the small group

“Let us draw near with a sincere heart in

The Heartbeat of OCF

The OCF small group is a safe place where military Christians can gather to support and encourage one another.

OCF Groups and You

You are OCF—not the OCF home office, field staff rep, or your group leaders.

Living the military life together

Small group Bible studies have been part of the DNA of OCF since the ministry began in 1943. Within these small groups, there is spiritual growth, an increased understanding of what it means to be a Christian, and a resilience developed for all of life—especially life within the military.

Is ‘fellowship’ a verb or noun?

This raises a question: “Are we merely in a fellowship or do we ‘fellowship?’”