Small Groups at First City Church

Find Your People. Grow Your Faith. Practice Hospitality.

Small Groups are one of the primary ways we live out hospitality at First City Church. They are spaces where people are welcomed, known, supported, and encouraged to grow in faith together. Because people connect in different ways, our Small Groups are organized into three hubs to help you find the right fit for this season of life.

There’s no “better” group — just the right next step.

Our Small Group Hubs

Grow Groups: Centered on studying God's Word together

Grow Groups focus on Scripture, biblical discussion, and spiritual formation. These groups are ideal for those who enjoy learning, asking questions, and growing deeper in their understanding of God’s Word.

You might enjoy a Grow Group if you’re looking for:

Bible or book studies
Guided discussion around Scripture
Prayer, accountability, and spiritual growth

Life Groups: Focused on community, connection, and share activities

Life Groups emphasize relationships and belonging through shared experiences. These groups often gather around meals, hobbies, or activities, creating natural space for connection and spiritual encouragement.

You might enjoy a Life Group if you’re looking for:

Community and friendship
Shared interests or activities
A relational environment with spiritual moments

Stage Groups: Bringing people together in similar seasons of life

Stage Groups gather people who are walking through similar life stages or seasons. These groups provide encouragement, support, and faith-centered conversation rooted in real-life experiences.

You might enjoy a Stage Group if you’re looking for:

People who understand your current season
Encouragement, prayer, and support
Scripture applied to everyday life

Different Environments. Same heart.

READY TO FIND A GROUP?

Browse available Small Groups, talk with a leader, and take a step toward community. You don’t have to have it all figured out — just be willing to show up.

Small Groups at First City Church are not defined by format, but by faithfulness to biblical community.

Small Group leaders

Leading a small group isn’t about being perfect; it’s about serving others by giving them a place to connect. Hosting a group is simple—choose a topic that interests you and select a time and location to meet with others to share it. We give you essential tools to make your small group successful through Leadership Training and a directory where you can register your group so others can find it easily. We believe people’s lives are changed one semester at a time by moving one step toward Christ, and as a small group leader you get to play an important role in that process.

SMALL GROUPS OVERVIEW

What happens at a small group meeting?

You’ve probably seen small groups meeting and not even realized it. A small group looks like friends at lunch, teams playing basketball, or people studying a book or topic of interest. At its core, a small group is a small gathering of people, and it is less about what you do and more about who you do it with. By participating in small groups, you can expect to connect with others through a common activity, engage in life giving conversation and request prayer.

How often does a small group meet?

Where do small groups meet?

Small groups meet in places like homes, parks, restaurants, coffee shops and office buildings. The leader of the group selects a meeting spot that best fits the purpose of the group. Small groups happen throughout the greater Pensacola area.

How long does a typical small group stay together?

Most small groups meet for a semester. This way, new people can join groups easily and regularly. Also, the semester format allows you to try multiple groups each year. As relationships form, some groups choose to stay together for consecutive semesters, but new members are always welcome.

Is there child care available?

Childcare varies from group to group. When you search our directory for a group, the group profile will indicate if childcare is available.

What if I don’t like the first group I try?

The truth is, not everyone will find the best fit with the first group they try. This is why we encourage you to select a few groups that interest you, contact the leaders and try out a couple different groups before choosing the best one for you. The simple strategy to finding success in small groups is to not give up. We believe there is a group that is right for everyone—including you!