God created us to live in relationship with Him and with others. Small groups create space for us to care for others and to be cared for. They launch us into learning and growth – all in the context of community. It’s part of our design!
As the new year begins, we’re excited to invite you into fresh opportunities to grow in faith, community, and perseverance. This season, our church-wide focus is Walk This Way, a series exploring how we follow Jesus step by step, guided by His Spirit and rooted in His Word.
In Community Bible Class (CBC), we’ll dive deep into the book of Hebrews, in a study called Jesus Is Better. This rich and challenging letter calls us to hold fast to Christ above all else, reminding us that Jesus is better than the law, better than religious systems, and better than anything or anyone we might rely on for security or righteousness.
Through Hebrews, you’ll be invited to:
Root your hope in Christ’s supremacy
Grow in perseverance and endurance
Resist the pull of lesser loves and distractions
Walk in confidence and grace alongside other believers
No matter your stage of life or Bible study experience, CBC is a place to encounter God’s Word, share life with others, and be encouraged in your faith journey.
Morning and Evening Options:
Led by Pam Dodge
Location: Northville Chapel
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Childcare available on-site
Led by Sarah de Jong
Location: Northville Conference Center
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
No childcare on site; reimbursement help available
Each week includes:
Personal Bible reading and reflection questions
Teaching time
Small group discussion (men’s, women’s, and co-ed options available)
Alongside CBC, we’re inviting our entire church family to join in a season of spiritual growth through our church-wide series, Walk This Way—a journey through Paul’s letter to the Colossians.
Paul wrote to encourage the Colossians to fix their eyes on Jesus, to root their hope in His total supremacy, and to live faithfully in the midst of distractions, competing philosophies, and everyday relationships. As we follow this “Way,” we’ll explore what it looks like to walk in Christ day by day—growing in courage, unity, and confidence in Him.
Along the way, we’ll be reminded that the Christian life is a shared journey: we were never meant to walk alone. As we study, reflect, and discuss in small groups, we’ll discover what Paul longed for the Colossians to experience: hearts rooted in Christ, lives shaped by grace, and courage to follow Him faithfully.
We’ll have the following available to your small group this season:
Ward-produced Colossians workbook for personal study and small group discussion (available in the Media Center, $10 – or download PDF below)
Weekly sermon videos from the Walk This Way series, available on Ward’s YouTube and podcast venues (links below)
Small group host briefings to set leaders up for success. Please attend one host briefing, on January 11 or January 18 at 11:45am in the Conference Center at Northville. (Farmington Hills hosts: See Pastor Sean!)
A Small Group Social to connect as we prepare to set out on our journey. Join us in Knox Hall after services on January 25 for food and fellowship.
Attend one of the Small Group Host briefings listed below.
Are you a small group host looking for new members? Our Connection Events are a great opportunity for you to find those connections! Upcoming dates will be posted below as they are scheduled.
So how do I join a small group?
We host two Connections Events each year (fall and early spring) where you can physically meet hosts with groups openings before a new curriculum is launched. However, you can join a small group anytime throughout the year! Our Director of Small Groups, Sarah de Jong, would be happy to help find a good fit after learning more about your availability and preferences. Complete the form at the bottom of this page to learn more.
Small groups allow us to connect with others through a common activity or purpose. They give space for life-giving conversations and relationships. They can be a catalyst to a supportive community, through prayer and the sharing and meeting of practical needs. Small groups allow us to know others and be known.
Twice a year, Ward provides a curriculum that generally aligns with the church-wide sermon series. During these semester, usually 6-8 weeks long, we encourage groups to meet weekly. Outside of this rhythm, your small group may decide to meet once every other week.
Childcare varies from group to group. Some groups chose to arrange childcare individually, others “pitch in” for a babysitter to supervise all children at the host home. There are many options here, as each group dynamic is different. Together, discuss what works best for your group.
We’re here to help! Our Director of Small Groups, Sarah de Jong, would like to learn more about your season of life, location and schedule to help you explore groups that may be of most interest to you. Let Sean know you’re interested by completing the opportunity at the bottom of this webpage. While not everyone will find a perfect fit in the first group they try, the Fall and Spring semesters are great opportunities to try out a short-term group for a set number of weeks.
Being a group host isn’t about being perfect, it’s about serving others by making space for these connections. We’ll give you the tools you need to start a successful small group. You can start a group around existing friendships, you can open your home to individuals at Ward looking for a group – or a little bit of both! Contact Director of Small Groups, Sarah at sarah.dejong@ward.church with questions or fill out the “Hosting a Small Group” opportunity at the bottom of this webpage to get started.
During the spring/fall semesters, we will make curriculums available right here on our small groups page, and through our on-demand media. Sign up to receive our weekly, sermon-based small group questions by emailing sarah.dejong@ward.church. If you’re looking for an alternate study throughout the year, Director of Small Groups, Sarah de Jong can help you find something for your group. As part of the Ward Family, you have free access to RightNow Media, which has quality curriculum for small groups and more.
Training/host meetings are being done individually. If you have any questions before signing up, you can email sarah.dejong@ward.church. After signing up, Sarah will contact you to set up a training time.
Someone who is excited to gather people together and to help facilitate conversations. You don’t need any experience in leading a small group. You just need a willingness to learn, access to a quiet room with a tv, and seven weeks!
It’s up to you! You can gather together with an existing group of friends and/or neighbors. If you are excited to host and open to welcoming new faces to join you, we can help! We’ll match you with people who are looking to join a group like yours.
Access our past curriculum
WATCH ONLINE
ward.church/live
SUNDAY SERVICES
Traditional: 9 a.m. + 2 p.m.
Contemporary: 10:30 a.m.
+ 4 p.m.
40000 Six Mile Rd
Northville, MI 48168
Phone: 248-374-7400
Fax: 248-374-3322
SUNDAY SERVICES
Traditional: 9 a.m.
Contemporary: 10:30 a.m.
27996 Halsted Rd
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
Phone: 248-482-7500
SUNDAY SERVICES
Contemporary: 10:30 a.m.
