Christianity can't be lived in a vacuum.  Once we turn to Him, Christ calls us to spend time and be united with other Christians.  It is through this unity that we become the Church.  Here at Island Youth, we use small groups to focus on this unity and build community. 

What's a small group?  It's a group of up to 10 students of about the same age, led by one or two youth workers, who meet together from week to week to study the Bible, discuss, question, speculate, talk about problems, doubts, fears, and concerns... but small group time is not limited to sharing.  Together, the members of a small group look for answers that are ultimately found uniquely in our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  We often describe this community as communion, community with our Creator in our midst.

We recognise that true community doesn't simply happen because a programme has been put into place, because we meet once a week, nor just because we want it to happen.  True community is life-on-life, whole life, eating together, sharing journeys, working through difficulties, wrestling with praxis (theology in practice), accountability, safety, openness, serving side-by-side, cultivating shared passion and holy discontent, mutuality, and a host of other variables.  We are confident that small groups can serve as a facilitator in the development of true community among the young people of Island ECC.

Small groups happen Friday nights at the Edge.  Doors open with pizza at 7:00pm.  Worship begins at 7:30pm and we split into our small groups shortly afterward.  Small groups are led by our amazing staff and volunteers and are open to students aged 11-18.  Occasionally, special events (e.g. RESOUND, camps, etc.) take precedent over weekly small group meetings.  To keep up-to-date, check out the youth calendar.