G2s are a group of 2-3 people who get together weekly to encourage each other in their faith journey by discussing how their past week's Bible reading impacted their life. 

What are G2s?

Two or three people getting together weekly to encourage each other in their faith journey by discussing how their past week's Bible reading impacted their life.

Can you tell me what a G2 IS NOT?

It is not a place to have all the “right Bible answers.”  It is not a place to meet and “just chat” about life.  It is not a counseling session. 

How often do we meet? And if I start a G2, do I have to stay in it for eighteen years?

We encourage people to meet once a week or so for about an hour. Most G2s are designed to last from 3 months to a year but your group can make that decision. We encourage you to set a start/end date and go from there.

What do we do when we meet?

Time can be best spent talking about how the Scripture you read the past week intersected with your life. How did God speak through it?  Where did you feel convicted? Encouraged?  Confused? Then time can be spent talking together through a short and specific list of questions designed to help you examine your life and stay on a path toward growth.  With the time you have left, you can talk through your prayer requests, or even pray for each other. Because this time together each week is so short, we encourage you stay focused. It often helps to have one person appointed as a “facilitator” to keep things going.

What DON’T we do when we meet?

We don’t just let the conversation wander.  We don’t make each other feel guilty.  We don’t make our life sound better than it really is. We don’t think we have all the answers.  We don’t hijack the conversation.  We don’t gossip. We don’t preach.

Now I’m interested. How do I start?

Find one or two people who you could ask to join you to start a G2. They could be people you are already in a small group with, people you already know from work, church, your neighborhood, or friends. Find a weekly time and place you can meet. Set a start/end date for the G2. Decide on a Bible reading plan. If you have questions as you are getting started, talk to either Alice Shirey This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or Kris Hoskinson This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

What parts of the Bible should we read?

This is completely up to your group! Many groups have done 5 days of reading, a chapter a day. We do have some specific reading plan ideas if that would be helpful. See below. You could also do the Daily Scripture (sign up on the OHC website to receive daily emails) for your reading, especially for those newer to reading the Bible.

Click here for Bible Reading Plan

How do we know what kind of “accountability” questions to ask each other?

We like to call these “Growth Questions.” You could personally or as a group work on writing questions that are specifically helpful to you.  Or choose some from the ideas below.

Click here for question ideas.

Do we have to pray together?

G2s are not meant to make people do anything they don’t want to do. However, this can be a very great time of growing together and personally in your prayer walk with God. You could take turns praying or have the facilitator lead the prayer. If people are truly uncomfortable with any of these options, you could take prayer requests and ask people to pray on their own.

Who do I contact if I have questions or if we get stuck?

Either This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   would love to be a resource if you have questions along the way.

Where/how do I find someone to be in a G2 with me?

We encourage you to think about the natural relationships around you- through your friendship groups, small group, church, work, neighborhood, etc. There are often many great options but sometimes it just takes a small step outside of your comfort zone to ask someone to join you.

Do I need to let someone know I’m starting a G2?

Once you get started, we’d love if you’d let us know by dropping an email or phone call to Kris Hoskinson. We would love to be aware of the G2s that are happening so we can be a resource to you and your group. Thanks!

How are G2s already impacting people at Orchard?

“Being in a G2 spiritual growth group during the past year has helped me grow in the area of daily spiritual disciplines.  Instead of "studying" the Bible and looking up verses and answers to questions, this is daily time for me to spend with God in His word. When our group meets, we each share what God is teaching us and how He is working in our lives.  Growth Questions keep us honest and real with each other and striving to grow.  Going through one book of the Bible at a time, just one verse a day has been something I can commit to even when life is extremely busy.  The G2 format is very simple- just 2 to 3 people who are reading the same scripture and praying for each other on a daily basis.  Although the focus of the group is spiritual growth, I feel like I've been blessed by friendship and a greater sense of community as well.”  ~Amy Smith~

“Often G2’s are formed with people of the same age and place in life.  But not always.  Our G2 consists of Carl Bakker, who is in his 20’s, Matt Strayer, who is in his 30’s, and myself, Ed Baker, who is… older.  Carl is single, Matt is the father of young children, and I am a grandfather.  We have found that our differences help us to bring unique perspectives to our times together and maybe to be more honest with each other, since there is no temptation to compare ourselves to each other.  All three of us are finding our weekly time together to be a motivation in our spiritual lives and a time of encouragement and growth.”  ~Ed Baker~