GROUP LIFE AT THE VINE

City Groups are smaller communities of 7-15 that meet throughout the city during the week. They are the place where the vision of the church is lived out in the context of relationships. This means that participation in a City Group is an essential part of being a healthy and growing follower of Jesus. If you would like to sign-up for one of our City Groups, click the group signup button below. 

The following map identifies the location of our various groups. Below the map is a list of our groups, leaders, and the evenings they meet. Please note that most groups do not meet on every week of the month, so please contact the leader before visiting. 

CITY GROUP MAP

Click on the colored points to identify each individual group. 

Jordan City Group 
653 N Pleasant View Road
Middleton WI 53562
Meet: Sunday at 6 pm 

Nielsen City Group 
10 Merlham Dr.
Madison WI 53705
Meet: Thursday at 6 pm 

Hobert City Group 
5812 Monticello Way
Fitchburg WI 53719
Meet: Sunday at 7:30 pm 

Jeske City Group 
4413 Libby Road
Madison,WI,53711
Meet: Monday at 6 pm 

Sterner City Group 
11 Prentice Place
Madison WI 53704
Meet: Monday at 7 pm 

FAQ

The following are some frequently asked questions regarding Group Life at The Vine.

What does the average city group look like?

Our groups embody our values of gospel, community, and mission. The following is how this expresses itself within our regular meetings:

1. GOSPEL: City Groups focus on the gospel by helping people grow in faith through instruction and discussion on both the fundamental practices of Christian living and the Bible passages being taught during our Sunday gatherings.
2. COMMUNITY: City Groups are the place where deeper caring relationships are formed and lived out. This means group life involves praying for one another, eating and celebrating together, shepherding and encouraging one another, confessing areas of weakness and sin, and helping one another in times of sickness and need. 
3. MISSION: City Groups are a place where living on mission is taught and encouraged. We do this in the following ways. 
   
   A. Teaching people how to love, serve, and share with people outside of the faith.
   B. Inviting people far from Christ to participate in group life.
   C. Taking at least one week a month to not meet as a group so that people can minister in their various spheres of influence outside the church.
   D. Participate together on mission. For example, if a co-worker of a group member is fighting cancer, the group would join together to provide meals for that individual. This is one of many ways we can support and encourage one another in mission. 

How can I get involved in a group?

Simply contact the group leader in a group close to your home. They will both answer questions and begin the process of you being formally placed in a group. 

Do I have to be a mature Christian to feel comfortable in a group?

Absolutely not. Group life is for anyone who is interested in simply learning more about Jesus and what it means to live a life on mission with Him. 

Are groups ever organized by affinity (women, men, college kids, etc...)?

The scriptures are clear that discipleship is best accomplished in the context of diversity (Titus 2: older teaches younger). Because of this, the only affinity with our groups is geographic. Beyond this, it is our desire that all of our groups represent diversity in age, race, gender, education, etc...

How can I become a group leader?

Because our groups are much more than a simple Bible study or social club, leaders require intentional training. The training process starts with potential leaders being identified and appointed by the Elder team. Once appointed, the potential leader will become an apprentice under an existing group leader. Their apprenticeship will involve them observing and supporting the group leader during group meetings, meeting regularly with the group leader for mentoring appointments, and attending the monthly SYNC meeting where all leaders meet for training and encouragement. If you have more questions or are interested in eventually leading a group, the first step would involve you connecting with one of the elders.