H2O Groups - Spending time with jesus, learning to be like him

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An H2O group is a two or three person  group of the same gender that is committed to building each other up through prayer and encouragement.

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Where two or three are gathered, there I am with them. - Matthew 18:20

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H2O is the chemical formula of water. Each molecule of water is made up of three atoms - two hydrogen, and one oxygen. Just as a body of water is made up of many 3 atom molecules, our church body is made up of many three person groups. H2O groups are formatted to help each person drink deeply from the Living Water, Jesus Christ.

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Each H2O group commits to the following for 8-12 weeks:

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1. A weekly meeting or phone call.

2. Daily praying for the other group members and 2 unsaved friends/family.

3. Daily praying through and meditating on the group designated portion of Scripture.

4. Daily setting aside quiet time to work through one personal struggle.

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You can sign up for an H2O group at any time. Once you’re placed with a group, you will meet for 8-12 weeks, then take a 2-4 week break. Then you can register again - either requesting the same group, or branching out to a new one.

A weekly meeting/phone call consists of the following agenda:

1. How has God shown up in your life this week? Open with this question and take turns answering. (Something he spoke to you or taught you, a miracle you witnessed, something you learned about God, a scripture verse, or song, or quote from a book, a vision, or dream, or revelation from God) 1 Cor. 14:26

2. Share and prayer. Each person takes turns sharing about their one area of struggle. Any roadblocks or hardships this week? Any growth moments? The other group members listen and then pray for that person. (Refrain from giving advice. Goal is to connect the struggle to the Living Water).  Gal 6:1-5, Ps 55:22, Isa 41:13, Matt 6:8&25, Matt 11:28-30, Phil 4:6-7, 1 Pet 5:7, James 5:16

3. Pray through Scripture. Take turns praying through your group’s designated Scripture portion. You can each take turns doing a phrase or a verse, or divide portions equally (Example: Psalm 23 has 6 verses. The first person can read verses 1-2 and then pray, the second person can read verses 3-4 and then pray, etc.) Isa 26:3, Jos 1:8, Ps 1, Ps 119:15,78, 97-99,148, Ps 143:5, Ps 77:10-12, Pr 4:20-22

4. Prayer for the lost. At the start of the H20 group, each person should pick two people they want to pray for salvation. Every week, pray for those two people together. Acts 26:18, Romans 10:1, 1 Timothy 2:4, Matthew 9:37-38, 2 Timothy 2:26, Luke 10:2

5. Optional: a "get to know you" question (Can be done at the beginning or end)

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An H2O group is not:

1. A place to ask for money or other help

2. A place to give or receive counseling/advice.

3. A place to gossip or spread stories

4. A place to emotionally dump, vent, or rant about current events.

5. A place for judgment or condemnation.

6. A place to sell or market your business.

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Let’s put it this way: Problems are not the problem. We will always have them (John 16:33, 1 Cor 7:28). The goal is for each of us to learn how to carry our problems under the easy yoke of Jesus as he teaches us how to walk as he walks (Matt 11:28-30). An H2O group exists to support each other in prayer and encouragement. Misusing the group can hurt others, cause discouragement, and burn people out. If these things become an issue, members of the H2O group should gently and kindly remind each other of what the H2O group is for. If things remain an issue, members can contact the pastors for help.

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H2O Ground Rules

 

In order to make this the best experience for everyone, please adhere to the following ground rules. 

 

1. Stick to Scripture and Spiritual Growth. Don’t bring up pet political or theological viewpoints, your current favorite TV show, your feud with your neighbor, etc. 

2. Let everyone take a turn talking before you speak twice. Everyone should have an opportunity to be heard. 

3. Allow people to “pass” if they don’t feel comfortable sharing (but continue to encourage them to share when they are ready and feel safe). 

4. Maintain strict confidentiality. Everything shared in the group, stays in the group. 

5. Do not give counseling or advice. Listen, pray, and support each other. 

 

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FAQ:

 

Who can sign up to be part of an H2O group?

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    Anyone who considers Deeper Church their home church. We know there are many people across the world who watch our services online. If you want to start your own H2O group, but aren’t currently attending Deeper Church, we are happy to send you instructions. They’re very simple, anyone can do it! Email us at connect@deeperchurch.org. 

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Can I invite a friend who doesn’t currently attend Deeper Church to be part of my H2O group?

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    Yes! Have them sign up online and request to be in your group. When you sign up, you should request them as well. Being in an H20 Group is a great way to introduce someone to Deeper Church and help them in their walk with God.

 

What if I don’t know the people in my group?

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    You don’t have to know a person to be open with them. We’re all disciples of Christ growing closer to him. Vulnerability can be hard, but it’s an important part of our discipleship. While you may not have much in common at first, growing closer to Jesus will help create deeper relationship. We are all God's beloved children and part of the same family! However, you can request to be placed with someone you already know in the sign-up process.

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How do we know what Scripture to read every day and pray through together?

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    After registering and being placed in a group, we will email you detailed instructions along with a list of Scripture portions. Your group can choose from the list, or find your own that’s not listed! We recommend choosing one passage to focus on for the entire 8-12 weeks of your H20 group. The goal is not breadth but depth. Go Deeper!

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What else do H2O groups do?

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    There is a lot of freedom with an H2O group! Some groups may want to stick to the 3 commitments, while others may want to do more together to build even deeper friendships. Having fun together is a great way to guard your joy and rest, which is an important part of discipleship. Serving and volunteering together is also a great way to build friendship. 

    Jesus sent his disciples out in small groups to preach the gospel, heal the sick, cast out demons, and manifest his presence. Make it a goal that when you go out together, you’ll bring the light of Jesus with you! Bring encouragement cards to hand out, ask people if you can pray with them.