Small Groups / Mustard Seed Groups

BPC's congregation is relatively large - more than 750 active members and growing - but we are also small, thanks to the intimate experience found in what we call "Mustard Seed Groups" - or in BPC shorthand, "MSGs."

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.

Matthew 13:31-32

"Building the element of trust in the Mustard Seed process is neither simple nor does it happen overnight. But it works. I'm living proof. I'm a changed person."

BPC Member Bill Thacker

Frequently Asked Questions about Mustard Seed Groups

What exactly is a Mustard Seed Group? MSGs are small groups of 8-12 people who get together to worship, pray, read and study the Bible, do missional service, and share and support one another with a focus on exploring our belief in God. An advantage of joining a Mustard Seed Group is that it’s a great place for new members to get to know people in the congregation. Each group, led by a trained leader, becomes a space for sharing life experiences, caring for each other during life's ups and downs, and growing in faith and in Christian spirituality.

What is a typical Mustard Seed Group like? Each group has its own unique style. However, each group also has similar elements. Each group usually meets 2-4 times a month and lasts from 1 1/2-2 hours. The meetings usually include prayer, sharing, worship, reading from the Bible or other Biblically based book, discussion of the topic at hand, and then close in prayer. Some groups do 1 or 2 missional service projects each year. Others groups do missional service as often as once a month. Some groups include music or meditation.

Do I have to be a member of BPC to join? No. All are welcome.

Will I feel intimidated if I don't know the Bible, at all? No. Mustard Seed Groups are welcoming to everyone regardless of where they are in their journey of faith or knowledge of the Bible.

Will any one preach at me to accept a certain doctrine or way of believing? Absolutely not. We all agree to come with an open and non-judgmental heart. We sign a covenant of agreement that binds us all to be open and accepting of every one in the group, regardless of different points of view or opinions.

Is this like counseling? No. This is not the place to give or receive advice. Mustard Seed Groups are a place to simply listen to each other and support one another. The church has other resources available if counseling is needed.

How are the groups arranged? Groups consist of adults of every age. Groups may be targeted for parents of young children, women only, men only, or mixed gender. We've also had groups which focused on themes such as "Women of Grace" or "The Doubting Thomases". New groups form each year with different themes. In the future, we are hoping to start new groups which might focus on living with and surviving cancer, divorce, singles, married, blended families, widows/widowers, parents of children with learning disabilities or other challenges.

Is there a commitment? Yes, as part of the covenant of agreement, group members strive to attend all scheduled meetings, missing only when necessary.

How long is the commitment? Each group abides by their own calendar. However, the majority of the groups commit to meet for 9 months out of the year; September to June.

What if I can’t make that commitment? Sometimes we have short term groups which meet for 6-8 weeks. However, the best experience comes from a long term commitment to the group. When people attend the group for a year or more, the group tends to bond together like a family. They become a strong source of support for one another. Each person’s faith in and personal relationship with God starts to grow.

How can I join a group? Contact Martha Munoz at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Marian Manzer at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).