Welcome to Groups at Cornerstone
Apprentice Groups
At Cornerstone, our purpose is to be a community shaped by the gospel for the renewal of all things. One of the ways we live that out is through Apprentice Groups.
What is an Apprentice Group?
Apprentice Groups are spaces for spiritual friendship. They’re places where people gather to share life, grow in faith, and walk with Jesus together. Whether through conversation, shared meals, or time in Scripture, these groups create room for connection, reflection, and belonging.
Some groups are multigenerational. Others gather around a shared stage of life. Some meet weekly, others twice a month. But every group offers a space to be known, to listen well, and to follow Jesus in community.
How do I join an Apprentice Group?
You can join an Apprentice Group at any time by browsing open groups and requesting to join one that fits your schedule and season of life. If you’re signing up with someone else, you can let us know in the message box when you request to join. If you have a special request or can’t find a group that works for you, reach out to zwallace@cornerstonetulsa.org or fill out this form.
Who is an Apprentice Group Leader?
Apprentice Group leaders help cultivate communities of spiritual friendship. They offer hospitality, care, and spiritual attentiveness, creating environments where people can show up, share life, and grow together. Leaders don’t need to have all the answers. They lead by being hospitable, being present, by listening, and by helping others pay attention to what God might be doing in their lives.
We are always looking for new Apprentice Group Leaders!
If you’re a passionate gatherer of people, if you long to nurture biblical friendships, and if you’re willing to humbly learn alongside others, let us know!
Welcome to Circle Groups
Circles
A Circle is a group of three or four men or women who meet regularly to share openly about their lives, pray for one another, and grow into the likeness of Jesus.
While Apprentice Groups are larger (10-20 people) and focus on building friendships and studying Scripture, Circles are smaller by design and focused on integrating or applying Scripture in the details of our lives.
Because Circles are built on honesty and vulnerability, they are made up of either men or women. This creates a context where people can speak freely, confess sin openly, and care for one another well.
Every Circle is built around three simple practices:
Tell the truth.
Ask good questions.
Pray for one another.
Some weeks, one member may need more time than others. Be attentive to the Spirit and the needs of your group.
Circles can grow naturally from an Apprentice Group, a few friends who share a hobby or interest, or any group of people willing to commit to these practices. The goal isn't simply to spend time together, it's to invite the Holy Spirit to transform us as we follow Jesus together.
Circles aren't assigned or organized by the church staff. Any three or four people who commit to these practices can begin meeting together. Sometimes an existing Circle will invite a few others to join them for a season before multiplying into a new Circle.
Wondering how to get started? Consider taking the following steps:
Prayerfully consider ONE person you could ask to start a Circle with you.
Share this document with that person and ask if they would consider starting a Circle with you.
Together, prayerfully consider 1-2 people you could ask to join you.
Once you have 3-4 people, agree to a meeting cadence (weekly is recommended) and an initial commitment (we recommend 3-6 months).
Get started. Feel free to modify methods along the way, but keep the goal in mind: Open sharing, faithful prayer and movement toward Christlikeness.
After your initial commitment is complete, assess whether you want to continue. If so, great. If not, reflect on the experience and see if you want to re-tool or invite others.