GodFirst Circles

Life together can’t be done in rows, but in Circles.

Sunday meetings are a huge part of church-life, but it is equally important that we as followers of Jesus move from Sundays into regular spaces of community, discipleship and connection throughout the week. This is why we have Circles.

Circles aim to be midweek spaces where church becomes family, discipleship becomes lived, and faith is practiced in everyday life. GodFirst exists to see transformed people who transform the world, and Circles are the relational environments where this vision takes shape week by week.

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To hear more about our heart for Circles,

watch this preach from Jack Spong

  • Circles
  • FAQs

FAQ’s

I am new to the church, how do I start my journey with GodFirst? – if you haven’t done so already, please fill out our Connect Card so one of our team can get in touch with you - Online Connect Card

What is a Circle? - A Circle is a small community where people gather to build relationships and follow Jesus together. Circles meet in different ways and around different activities, but each one is centred on faith, connection, and growing together.

Why is it called a ‘Circle’? – Our heart is to see the church move from sitting in a row on a Sunday into a midweek, life-giving space of community, discipleship and care. Faith isn’t reserved for a Sunday, and it should be lived out throughout the week. We appreciate that people are all in different seasons of life, so our Circles aim to accommodate where people are at by providing lots of variety and opportunities. 

What happens in a Circle? - That depends on the Circle and the leaders who lead. Some meet in homes to read the Bible, pray, or worship together. Others gather around shared interests, hobbies, service, or simply to explore faith and church life in a relaxed setting.

Where do Circles meet? - Circles meet in a variety of places - including homes, church spaces, online, or in local community settings. The location is always shown in the Circle details.

How do I join a Circle? – You can either sign up to a group via your Church Suite log-in, or you can click on the group you’d like to join and fill out the sign-up information. That information will go to the group leader and they’ll be in touch. If you’re struggling with this, reach out to Jack who can help. 

Do I need to be a Christian to join? - No. Many Circles welcome people who are exploring faith or church life. Each Circle clearly describes who it’s best suited for, so you can choose one that feels comfortable. When browsing the Circles, choose the label that best suits what you are looking for. 

Do Circles cost anything? – No. Circles are free to join. Occasionally, a Circle may want to do an activity together which people may be asked to pay for if there is a cost. 

Can I join more than one Circle? – Yes, if it works for you. We do encourage people to commit to their Circle for at least a term. If you feel you have the capacity to commit to multiple Circles, you are welcome to! If you do plan on leaving your Circle, please do let your leaders know and reach out to Jack so we can find you a suitable Circle. 

Can I lead a Circle? - As our Circles continue to grow, we'll need more people who are willing to create spaces where others can belong, grow and follow Jesus together.

If you have an idea for a Circle or sense God may be calling you to lead one, we'd love to have a conversation with you. Whether you're ready to start something new or simply exploring the possibility, we're here to help you discern the next step.

To help every Circle flourish, all Circle leaders complete our Belonging Journey and Circles Leadership Course, where we share the vision, culture and practical foundations of leading a healthy Circle.

If you decide to move forward, you'll be invited to complete a Circle Proposal Form, which is reviewed by the GodFirst Eldership. This forms part of our leadership approval process and helps ensure every Circle is aligned with the vision, values and pastoral oversight of the church.

If you'd like to find out more about leading a Circle, we'd love to chat. Please speak to Jack.

How do I sign up to ChurchSuite? – one of our team will need to email you a link for you to register, please email the office at office(at)godfirst.church

How do I get in touch with the leaders? – sign up to the group and that will notify the group leader who should get in touch. If you see them on a Sunday morning, feel free to grab them for a coffee and a chat to ask more about their group. If you’re struggling to connect with a group leader, please reach out to Jack.  

Not sure where to start? - That’s okay - you don’t have to figure everything out first. Choose a Circle that feels natural right now or get in touch and we’ll help you find one.

Interested in leading a Circle? - If you’re interested in setting up and leading a Circle, contact Jack Spong at jackspong(at)godfirst.church for more information.