small groups

Better together.

Don't do life alone! We were created to live in community and not in isolation. We may physically live in a community, but spiritually, socially, and relationally we often live our lives in isolation. We find ourselves with no one to turn to when a major issue surfaces in our lives.

Being part of a Small Group helps us to more wholly experience God through close relationships as we play and pray together, as we encourage and help one another, and as we study and live out God’s Word together.

Find a place to belong! With 3 Small Group semesters, you can jump in any time of the year. (12-week semesters in SPRING and FALL; 6-week semester in the SUMMER).

For more details, contact Cathy Clifford, our Spiritual Development Leader.

SPRING SMALL GROUPS

join a group and find your family!

The Spring semester is right around the corner! It kicks off on February 4 with a wide range of groups to choose from. There are groups for women, men and couples -- there's even a pickleball group! Groups meet all around our area and on different days (or evenings), so there's sure to be one that fits your schedule.

Check out the list below and register for the group(s) you'd like to be a part of. The Group host will contact you with all the details .

Don't do life alone ... join a group and find your family!

MARRIAGE & FAMILY

Hosts: Arnold & Dee Howard
Location: Encounter Dream Team Room
Day: Saturday, 3/23/2024
Time: 9am - 3pm
Cost: Assessment $35

ONE DAY INTENSIVE this semester!
Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS for short) has become the gold standard for helping today's engaged and newlywed couples enjoy lifelong love. If you’re engaged, this is where you start. SYMBIS is the prerequisite for those planning to marry at Encounter Church. Preparing for a strong and passionate marriage is one of the most important things you’ll ever do. If you’ve already started your marriage, give it a boost by renewing the joys that brought you together. Topics to be covered: 1) Uncover the misbeliefs of marriage; 2) Learn to communicate with instant understanding; 3) Discover the secret to resolving conflict; as well as other various topics that will help prepare for life-long love.

REGISTER HERE

MEN'S GROUPS

Host: Ps. Blake Melancon
Location: Zoom meeting
Day: Saturdays
Time: 8-9 am

“Man Stuff” small groups will help you grow in faith, build camaraderie with like-minded men and find significance. Join us Saturday mornings for a great time of encouragement and support. We need to stay ‘connected’ with other men and be able to have an avenue where we can share and grow together. Our mission is Equipping, Empowering, Engaging Men ... Join us!

REGISTER HERE
Host: Arnold Howard
Location: Zoom meeting
Day: Thursdays
Time: 7:30-8:30 pm

“Man Stuff” small groups will help you grow in faith, build camaraderie with like-minded men and find significance. Join us Thursday evenings for a great time of encouragement and support. We need to stay ‘connected’ with other men and be able to have an avenue where we can share and grow together. Our mission is Equipping, Empowering, Engaging Men ... Join us!

REGISTER HERE
Host: David Stott
Location: Zoom meeting
Day: Saturdays
Time: 8-9 am

“Man Stuff” small groups will help you grow in faith, build camaraderie with like-minded men and find significance. Join us Saturday mornings for a great time of encouragement and support. We need to stay ‘connected’ with other men and be able to have an avenue where we can share and grow together. Our mission is Equipping, Empowering, Engaging Men ... Join us!

REGISTER HERE
Host: Ps. Philip Pimlott
Location: Raising Cane's @ 8899 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70815
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 12 pm - 1 pm

Why not drop in for a chat, encouragement and share lunch each week @ Rasing Canes in front of the Amazon building on Florida (Cortana). It will be nothing heavy, just a word of encouragement and fellowship which we ALL need.

No one needs to do life alone. I hope you will join me during your lunch break. It’s going to be awesome.

REGISTER HERE
Hosts: David Laurie & George Crooks
Location: EC Classroom
Day: Thursdays
Time: 6 - 7:30 pm

Mark 11: 23 TPT says, “Listen to the truth I speak to you: Whoever says to this mountain with great faith and does not doubt, “Mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the midst of the sea” and believes that what he says will happen, it will be done.”

This small group is a men’s Bible study focusing on Peter and John’s epistles. This group will empower men to grow in understanding and to help fulfill the purpose God has given us to be men who can move mountains.

REGISTER HERE

MEN & WOMEN GROUPS

Hosts: ALPHA Team
Location: EC Classroom
Day: Sundays
Time: 8:45am - 9:45am

What is ALPHA? That's a great question!

Ever have questions like, “Why am I here? What’s next?” In his international bestseller, Alpha pioneer Nicky Gumbel addresses some of the foundational questions that challenge us all.

We will explore key themes, questions and objectives of faith, leading us on an engaging personal journey of discovery. We hope you can join us for this journey.

REGISTER HERE
Hosts: Ray & Nina Goodrich
Location: Encounter Church Family Room
Day: Sundays
Time: 12:15pm -1:15 pm

Griefshare is a Bible based program established for people grieving the death of a loved one. This amazing program points to God’s Word for healing in times of grief. Our GriefShare group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. Through this 13-week group, you’ll discover what to expect in the days ahead and what’s “normal” in grief. Since there are no neat, orderly stages of grief, you’ll learn helpful ways of coping, in all its unpredictability—and gain solid support each step of the way.

GriefShare is for everyone who is grieving the death of a loved one—whether you’ve experienced the loss of a spouse, parent, child (infant, young child, teen, adult, unborn), friend, sibling, coworker, or other relative. Each week, will include a video message followed by support group discussion. A Griefshare workbook will further your personal study of the grieving process. You are NOT alone! We will walk this journey with you!

REGISTER HERE
Host: Tara Mercer
Location: EC Classroom
Day: Sundays
Time: 2-4 pm

Technology can unlock a whole new world and it's in the palm of your hand! This fun, interactive class on computers and phones will expand your knowledge and reduce your frustration levels when using technology.

Each week, we will compile a list of topics you are interested in learning for the following Sunday. For example, want to learn how to make great graphics for social media and other projects? Canva is an easy-to-use design app. Other ideas can include basics, like how to check emails on your iPhone, setting up Profile pics, making text bigger, using shopping lists and sharing with friends for a party you’re throwing together. The learning is endless! Hope you'll join in the fun!

REGISTER HERE
Hosts: Sarah Hebert & Sherry Hale
Location: EC Family Room
Day: Mondays
Time: 6:30pm-8 pm

This is a 7-session study on the faithful life of the majestic prophet, Elijah. In this faith-building study, you'll discover how Elijah's obedience to God kept him anchored, sharpened his faith, broadened his impact, and invited heaven's fire to fall. Yahweh is also working in our lives to build a fierce captivating faith for God. With bold faith, you and I will be empowered to share the testimony of Christ with everyone you encounter.

You don't want to miss this chance to learn how to live a faithful live with Elijah and your fellow group!

REGISTER HERE
Host: Cathy Clifford
Location: Clifford Home & Zoom
Day: Mondays
Time: 6:30-8 pm

We will be diving into the BIBLE and learning what it means to have an UNSHAKABLE TRUST in GOD! As we mix a healthy portion of faith with a good measure of trust in GOD, we can walk out our journey without worry, anxiety, fear, human reasoning, or debilitating stress.

Our past experiences with people can hinder the reality that GOD can be trusted with everything and everyone!

Let's grow together as we wait on and trust in GOD through the circumstances!

REGISTER HERE
Hosts: Arnold & Dee Howard
Location: Encounter Classroom
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 10:30am-12 pm

What are Parables? Jesus had the wisdom to simplify the profound spiritual truths he needed to share with us in the form of parables (relatable stories) that are easy to understand.

A parable is a tale about a simple, common subject which illustrates a valuable moral lesson. Sometimes the parable begins with an analogy, as “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard” (Matthew 20:1). Journey with us as we identify parables that relate to our everyday walk with God!!

REGISTER HERE
Host: Norman Thompson
Location: EC Family Room
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 6-7:30 pm
Cost: $100

What would your life be like without credit card payments, car notes, rent or mortgage payments? If every dollar you brought home represented an opportunity for the future, instead of an obligation to the past?

What you will learn at FPU isn’t just about saving money or getting out of debt or building healthy retirement -- it’s about living and giving the way God designed you to. You'll learn the “What” and “How” to all your Why’s!

This is life changing! The cost can be made in payments, so don't let that stop you. Invest in YOU and YOUR future! You won’t regret it!

REGISTER HERE
Hosts: Ps. Philip & Kelly Pimlott
Location: Livingston
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 6-8 pm

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US. Come and see what all the rage is about and get some exercise while having great FUN.
Whether you’re a novice or professional, single or coming as a team … we want you to take part. Ps Philip & Kelly can’t wait to host you each week at their home in Livingston. Time/day will be adjusted for the first few weeks due to the dark nights - more details to follow.

We have all the gear- we’re just waiting to have a great time with you!

REGISTER HERE
Hosts: Ps. Blake & Cris Melancon
Location: Various Restaurants in EBR, Livingston & Ascension area
Day: Thursdays (Bi-weekly)
Time: 6-8 pm

Join us for good food, good fellowship and faith-focused discussions. We’ll meet at different restaurants bi-weekly around our area to enjoy a nice meal with good friends. Then we’ll dive a little deeper into Sunday’s message for morsels of wisdom and life applications. This is a great way to expand your palate, explore our area, and increase your circle of friends.

REGISTER HERE
Hosts: Laura Simon & David Laurie
Location: Encounter Church
Day: Fridays
Time: 7 - 8pm

"And you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free" - John 8:32

God wants a relationship with you, and He sent His Son, Jesus, to bridge the gap between earth and heaven so you could know Him. This life is not easy, but it can be rewarding by following Christ.

In this small group study, you will be the one who decides how far you are willing to go to find FREEDOM. God never changes and His promises are true. His word promises in Jeremiah 29:13, "If you seek Him with your whole heart, you will find Him."

Join us in the pursuit of FREEDOM through Christ.

REGISTER HERE

OUTREACH

Host: Terry Potts
Location: Belaire High School, 12121 Tams Dr., Baton Rouge, LA
Day: Thursdays
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm

Do you have a heart for OUTREACH? Would you like to sine the love of Jesus to the lost? Touch the younger generation and point them to Jesus? Then this is the group for you! Join us as we serve pizzas and love on the kids at Belaire High School. This generation often just needs someone to really see and hear them.

We'll meet up at Encounter Church every week (during the school year) and go to Belaire together to share the Good News!

REGISTER HERE

prayer

Host: Sherry Hale
Location: Encounter Church & Zoom
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm

Why not join with us each week for an hour of power as we take time out from our busy lives to pray. It’s a great opportunity to quiet your life and to hear from God. Each week we will have a short devotion on prayer to help encourage you in your prayer life.

When we pray, GREAT THINGS WILL HAPPEN! Make plans to be with us weekly.

REGISTER HERE

RECOVERY

Host: Laura Simon & ER Team
Location: Encounter Church
Day: Fridays
Time: 6:30-8 pm

Join us Friday nights at 6:30 pm for the support and encouragement needed to see lives healed and restored. No matter what you are struggling with, we believe all are set free at the Cross where God’s heart can heal yours. Life altering decisions can be made, hearts changed, and lives transformed through the love of Christ. We are not a ‘program’, we promote a relationship with Jesus.

“Create in me a clean heart O God. Renew a steadfast spirit within me.” - Psalm 51:10

Doors open at 6 pm; groups meet after worship. ER ...Where freedom is one heartbeat away!

REGISTER HERE

WOMEN

Host: Nancy Byrd
Location: EC Classroom
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 11 am-12:30 pm

Calling all ladies!! Join us as we dig into our Bibles to study various characters in the Scriptures. Each week, one lady will share Bible facts about their favorite character. We are sure to have loads of fun and a few surprises as well!

Mark your calendars, invite a few friends and join us for potluck, fun, fellowship, and study. Can’t wait to see you there!

REGISTER HERE
Host: Laura Simon
Location: Simon Home
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 5:30 -6:30 pm

This is a small group Bible study on TITUS 2., which spells out the character profile of a godly lifestyle for Christian women to strive for in their spiritual growth.

God expects His daughters to grow up. In this generation of distractions, too many female Christians are not maturing. God wants us to desire to grow, develop, and aspire to lead other women into His Kingdom. Your gender and age do not exclude you from changing and transforming.

Join this group and let's learn together how to allow the Spirit of God to raise us up into Titus 2 Women for building God's Kingdom.

REGISTER HERE
Hosts: Roxanne Langston & Lindsey Vindel
Location: EC Family Room
Day: Saturdays
Time: 9:30 -11:30 am

We are so excited about this study and would be honored if you chose to join in. The course has 6 Video Sessions that are powerful jumping off points to continue in a great discussion. Rooted in the timeless truth of Psalm 23, sessions include: The Battle of Our Mind; The Path to Victory; God’s Invitation Always Stands; In the Presence of Our Enemies.

Can’t wait to begin! See you soon!

REGISTER HERE

SPECIAL EVENTS

Host: Dee Howard & Growth Track Team
Location: Encounter Church Classroom
Day: Saturday, March 2
Time: 9 am - 2 pm

Growth Track Intensive allows you to take the entire 4-week course in one day. It's sometimes a challenge to attend Growth Track on 4 consecutive Sundays, so Intensive allows you to take the entire course in one day! If you’ve begun the course and have not been able to complete it, you only need to attend the session(s) missed.
Step One: Connecting (9:00-10:00 am)
Step Two: Relationships (10:15-11:15 am)
Step Three: Identifying your Design (11:30 am-12:30 pm)
Step Four: Joining the Team (12:45- 1:45 pm)
There will be a 15-minute break between classes and snacks will be provided. If you’d like to get it all completed in one day, Intensive is the easiest and fastest way to begin your next step of serving on a Dream Team!

REGISTER HERE

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Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

ECCLESIASTES 4:9