We believe that becoming a disciples of Christ takes three things: Knowledge, Practice, and Community.

First, we need to learn about God, ourselves, the world, and how they relate to each other. We have discipleship classes and Bible studies are are intended to give people the knowledge they need to grow.

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." -- 2 Peter 3:18

The book of James makes it clear that faith (or belief) without works is dead. That's why we put a premium on practicing our faith. If we only hear the Word of God, but don't actually do it, we will soon forget anyway. An intellectual thought doesn't make anyone a Christian. But true belief is proved out in our actions. So we have determined we will teach nothing --whether by sermon, class, or Bible study -- without giving people practical opportunities to live it out in their lives.

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does."
-- James 1:22-25

People need each other. It's the way we grow. Too many people try to do it alone, saying faith is a private matter. But that runs contrary to the teachings of the Bible. When we join in the community of believers, we receive support, encouragement, and accountability to become like Christ. St. Augustine said, "He can not have God for his Father who will not have the Church for his mother." We need each other. That's why we seek to put people in community with each other through small groups, ABF's and mentoring relationships.

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." -- Hebrews 10:25

These three elements are essential if we want to grow in Christ.

Adult Bible Fellowships are the first step most people take to getting involved at Hillside. They meet during the Sunday school hour on Sundays (9:40 am).

The purpose of an ABF is to provide a number of things:

• A place to share with each other and pray for each other.
  
• A learning environment where discussion is encouraged and learning is put into practice in different ways.
  
• A community where you can get to know people better than if you were to simply attend worship service. As churches get bigger, it becomes more important for its members to become a part of a smaller group where people can develop close relationships.
  
• A natural avenue for service. ABF's frequently do local mission projects together. The ABF setting is perfect for developing the relationships needed to excel in the Christian life.
  

It seems like small groups have become the current savior of Evangelical churches. Their popularity is such that many churches see them as THE Biblical way to do discipleship.

Well, we don't know if that's necessarily the case, but we've found that small groups do a number of things for people in the church.

• They give people a chance to talk in a more intimate setting with people they have learned to trust. This allows people to be more open about their struggles, feelings, and shortcomings.
  

• They give people a social outlet with other Christians. It's another opportunity to fellowship and pray with other Christians.
  

• Because they meet in homes they're a non-threatening entry-point into the church for people who haven't been to church in a while and are still a little apprehensive about the church.