What is a Impact Group?
An Impact Group is a home group made up of 10-14 people who meet weekly to share, study and support one another. A Host and Apprentice Host lead each group. An average meeting lasts for an hour and a half, followed by light refreshments.
How Important Are Impact Groups?
In The Catholic Guy Impact Centres, Impact Groups are the hub of our ministry. They’re the place where the real ministry of the Church family takes place as we study God’s Word, the teaching of the Church while supporting and sharing our lives with one another. We believe that meeting together on a regular basis is time well spent. Our goal each year is to have as many people as possible in our Impact Groups from toddlers to the elderly.
When and Where Do They Meet?
Impact Groups meet usually on various nights of the week in people’s homes. Most evening groups meet 7-9 pm. The daytime groups meeting times vary.
How Long Do They Last?
Each Impact Group session lasts 11 to 12 weeks. We have Autumn, Winter & Spring sessions. At the end of each session, you will have the choice of staying in the same group, trying a new group or even taking a break. Most groups stay together throughout the entire year. Impact Groups do not meet between December and mid February.
What is the Required Commitment?
Joining a Impact Group requires a 11 to 12 week commitment to attend weekly meetings and do the homework ahead of time. Obviously, allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts and other special events, but not much more. This commitment is the key to a strong Impact Group. You have the first three weeks to attend the group to make sure it’s a good fit for you.
What Will We Study?
Most of the studies are based on the previous weekend’s message. These “message-based” Impact Groups are built on what we call a “Lecture-Lab” model. Imagine the weekend message as a lecture on Christian living and spiritual growth, and the Impact Group as a lab where you get to roll up your sleeves and discuss how the weekend’s message works in real life. Each week there will be a series of Bible passages, small passages from the Church teaching and questions on the back of the Message note sheet to study before the meeting. It will usually take 20 to 40 minutes per week to complete the homework.
What Does It Cost?
Few things in life are free and Impact Groups are no exception! The cost of Impact Groups is the cost of commitment. During the first meeting, each group will complete an “agreement” together. This simple form helps each group discuss their priorities and commitment. Part of that commitment is the promise to attend each week and to complete the homework as well as to attend the social and do one service project for the year. You have the first three weeks to decide if your group is a good fit for you.
When you join a Impact Group, you’re promising to attend and be prepared each week. It’s this commitment that makes Impact Groups work. We realize it’s a big commitment, but it only lasts for 11- 12 weeks. At the end of this time, you have the choice of recommitting for another season, trying a new group, or taking a break from Impact Groups altogether.
How Do I Choose A Group?
When selecting a group, we strongly recommend you choose a group based on its Leader and Apprentice Host team and station-in-life, rather than its location. Many Churches have found that groups do best when members share a common Station-in-Life and other interests with their Hosts, and other group members. In the end, you’ll find it’s worth the drive!
Impact Groups can be divided in the following Station-in-Life groupings: Singles, Young Marrieds, Young Families, Parents of Primary School Children, Parents of Teens, Empty Nest, Senior Adults, Young Adults, Inter-generational groups (General), etc.
Remember, these Station-in-Life groupings are intentionally kept fuzzy and are meant to help you self-select an appropriate group for you. They are not intended to box you in.
If you have any questions (especially if you are new The Catholic Guy Impact Centre), please don’t hesitate to call our office, and we will gladly assist you. Keep in mind that it might take two or three groups before you find the perfect fit, but don’t worry, you’ll find it!
How Do I Sign Up For An Impact Group?
Before each Impact Group season (11-12 weeks) begins there are three ways to sign up for a group – online, at our weekend services, or by calling the office during the week before each of our Impact Group Sessions.
During the weekend services, Impact Group Hosts will be available to help you choose a group and answer any questions.
In locations where The Catholic Guy Impact Centres are small Hosts may approach you about joining an Impact Group. You are under no obligation to do so however.