Small Groups

Small Groups

We’d Love to Help You Find a Small Group! 

Small groups meet on a regular basis throughout the year. A small group may choose to study the sermon guide, books, read Scripture or simply gather for social outings. The goal of a small group is to grow in relationship with one another, and in our relationship with God.

Ankeny Small Groups

10 for 10 Group Study Guides

As we journey together as a church after God’s own heart this year, groups can utilize Hope’s 10 for 10 Vision, and select a goal that interests them. Then, Hope has identified a book that speaks to that goal and created study guides with discussion questions to help facilitate group conversation around the topics. A great resource for new and existing small groups!

Frequently Asked Questions

Small groups are groups of 8-12 people who meet regularly to pray together, connect in Christ-centered relationships, grow in their faith and serve the world around them. 

We were made to be in community with one another. The Christian life isn’t an individual journey. Instead, we need each other for spiritual growth and together we form the body of Christ. Hope Groups give us a place where these needs can be met. 

Every group is different, and some decide to continue to meet. All of our small groups will begin with a formal start and end, usually between 6-8 weeks. If you’re in a group that wants to continue meeting, you can sure do that!


Look for small group registrations throughout the year. Pick a group that works for you and sign up! If you don’t see registration open, email [email protected] and we can get you plugged in!

Each small group can decide what they study on their own. We have a library of resources available for groups to borrow from (email [email protected] for the list) and from time to time, we do all-church group studies that your group can join. 

Small Groups typically start by meeting on-site at Hope Ankeny, but once the group is comfortable with one another, they may decide to move offsite to a local coffee shop or someone’s home.

Check Out Our Weekly Discussion Guides that Follow the Sermon 

Each week, we release a study guide that follows the sermon for the weekend. You can pick this up in-person at worship or download it here

You Are Always Invited to Check Out the On-Demand Classes!

Each week, we release a study guide that follows the sermon for the weekend. You can pick this up in-person at worship or download it here! If coming to an in-person class doesn’t fit your schedule, we have fantastic online, at-your-own pace, courses! These are also great to send to a friend or family member who might be curious!  

Intro to the Bible is an overview of the story of the Bible, taking a 30,000-foot view from Genesis to Revelation. We’ll focus on the major events, characters and themes of the Bible to help you gain an understanding of the overarching story of God working in the world. Download the free printable study guide here. 

Intro to Prayer is designed as a review of the basics of prayer. We’ll discuss questions such as why we pray and the problem of unanswered prayer, and also introduce several new prayer patterns to expand your personal vocabulary of prayer. Download the free printable study guide here. 

We know that to stay healthy, we need to care for our bodies by moving, fueling and resting. Habits like good sleep, healthy eating and regular exercise help us to function at our best. It’s the same with our spiritual lives! Spiritual disciplines are habits Christians have practiced through the centuries to keep our spiritual lives healthy and help us grow closer to God. In this class, we will explore several spiritual disciplines to follow to help us stay in step with Jesus and grow deeper in love with our heavenly Father. Download the free printable study guide here. 

We know that “if it’s in the Bible, it’s Lutheran,” but how do Lutherans understand doctrines like baptism and communion? This class will explore how Lutherans understand several basic Christian beliefs. Download the free printable study guide here. 

David is one of the most interesting and complex characters in the Bible. Shepherd boy and king, poet and warrior, faithful and flawed, deeply human and a man after God’s own heart. In this study, we will explore David’s story to discover how God uses our everyday lives to develop women and men with an authentic spirituality. This is the first study in a series of three. Download the free printable study guide here. 



David is one of the most interesting and complex characters in the Bible. Shepherd boy and king, poet and warrior, faithful and flawed, deeply human and a man after God’s own heart. In this study, we will explore David’s story to discover how God uses our everyday lives to develop women and men with an authentic spirituality. This is the second study in a series of three. In Part 2, participants will continue to trace David as he rises from simple shepherd boy to the throne over all Israel. David will encounter foolishness, disaster and grief along the way, and provide a model for how we can grow in authentic faith in our everyday lives. Download the free printable study guide here. 


David is one of the most interesting and complex characters in the Bible. Shepherd boy and king, poet and warrior, faithful and flawed, deeply human and a man after God’s own heart. In this study, we will explore David’s story to discover how God uses our everyday lives to develop women and men with an authentic spirituality.  
 
In Part 3, participants will continue to trace David during his reign over the nation of Israel. David will encounter sin, love and suffering along the way, and we will see how his life’s story provides a model for how we can grow in authentic faith in our everyday lives. This is the third study in a series of three. Download the free printable study guide here.