Adult Small Group Opportunities

Share, Learn, Love…Join a Small Group!

We at the Church of the Big Wood believe that as important as anything in our lives as followers of Jesus is getting involved in a small group. God did not design us to go through life alone, but to build relationships with others who can encourage us in our faith, support us in our trials, and pray with us through it all.  

In this section you will find listed every small group in our church that has room for new participants. There’s a group for everyone: women, couples, men, all of the above! We encourage you to look through the list, call or email the contact, and try one out - or start your own! (We can help.) And if you have any questions or need any help in getting involved, please don’t hesitate to call the church at 208-726-5123.


Volunteer Need

Looking for one or two small group leaders for a men’s or women’s or couples group.  Small group leaders coordinate time and location, a contact list, content (which is the easiest part with Right Now Media), some sharing time making sure everyone has a chance to participate and an opening and closing prayer. In time, all these roles may be shared within the group. If there are any “training” concerns up-front, this can be provided. Small group leaders and participants are blessed by the adventure and form new close relationships.   “Faith grows better in circles than rows” – quote from the book Deep and Wide.  

Contact Brian Kotara for more information.


Open to All

Tuesday evenings, 6-7:30 pm

Location changes weekly in Hailey.
Contact: Chris Neely

The study format will be a Biblically based topical study.

Open to Couples

If you would like to host a group, please let us know!


Open to Women

Tuesday mornings, 8:15 am
Meets at The Commons, 131 N. Main St., Hailey

Contact: Carrie Kotara, 208-720-0905

This is a fun-loving, multigenerational group of women committed to growing in faith, sharing in authentic community and supporting each other in prayer. They also enjoy occasional summer hikes and social gatherings.

Tuesday afternoons, 2-3:30 pm, Ketchum
Meets in the conference room at the Church of the Big Wood
Contact: Leona Anthony, 808-277-3003, or Frances Davis,925-989-5613

This group is open to women of all ages and denominations. The group studies a book of the Bible or books written by Christian authors. They meet regularly year-round in person at the church and online via Zoom.

Wednesday mornings, 10-11:30 am
Wednesday mornings, 10-11:30 am, Ketchum
Meets throughout the school year in the lobby sofa area at the Church of the Big Wood.
Contact: Abigail McAllister, 828-342-6413 or Katie Comstock, 208-818-9363

This is our MOMS group. Here’s what you can expect: Remarkable things happen when moms come together because mothering is so much easier when shared with other moms. Join other moms as they share their lives and parenting journeys together. Childcare is provided.

Wednesday evenings, 6:15pm-7:15pm
Meets at Melissa Thompson’s Home in Hailey (call for address)
Contact Melissa Thompson, 208-290-2316

Join us for an uplifting hour of friendship, faith, and encouragement during the school year. This is a space for women to connect, share life, and lift one another up in prayer. Whether you’re looking for meaningful conversation, a deeper sense of community, or a place to simply pause and be encouraged, you are welcome here. If you have young children, you might consider enrolling them in Awanas that’s hosted at Calvary Bible Church from 6pm - 7:30pm, giving you a chance to connect while they enjoy their own fun and faith-filled activities. Come as you are—let’s grow in faith and friendship together.


Open to Men

Tuesdays from 6-7:30 am
Meets seasonally at The Commons in Hailey
Contact: Chris Neely

This group is for young men and dads. We're utilizing RightNow Media and most of our studies will be Bible studies/Christian Living series geared towards men.

Tuesday afternoons, 4-5:30 pm
Meets in the conference room at the Church of the Big Wood
Contact: Gary Peterson, 415-990-6005

Our Men's Bible Study has been meeting since the 1990's and consists of a balance of Church members, Affiliates (part time residents) and Locals. Our Group meets year-round with the higher attendance in the warmer months. We are a highly interactive discussion group who invites everyone who desires to start, maintain and grow in their journey with our Lord Jesus Christ. And we really enjoy our relationship with everyone that joins us in our Bible Study.

Wednesday mornings, 7-8 am
Meets at the Church of the Big Wood, Conference Room
Contact: Jim Figge, 208-720-0479

We meet for about an hour. Several get breakfast together after the meeting. This group features a mix of men, some Church of the Big Wood attendees and some from other local churches.  The men are primarily fathers of high school or college-age kids and/or young adults. Their studies include books beyond the Bible, but primarily the Bible itself.

Wednesday mornings, 8-10 am
Meets at the Commons in Hailey
Contact: Ed Northen, 949-246-9372

This group currently consists of men from different Christian faith backgrounds who want to strengthen their friendships and study the Scripture. They seek to learn from one another, encourage one another, pursue God and live in oneness with Him.

Wednesday afternoons, 4-5:30 pm, Starweather
Meets weekly in the Starweather subdivision in mid-valley.
Contact: George Kirk, 208-309-6560, or gkirk@kirk-group.com for weekly location.

George Kirk and Andy Allen are co-leading a group of young men and reading through the harmony of the gospels.

Thursday mornings, 7:30-9 am
Meets in the conference room at the Church of the Big Wood
Contact: Dave Bjerke, 208-720-3095, or George Kirk, 208-309-6560

This group is at its maximum size. However, one or more members of the group may be willing to start another group if there is sufficient interest. A new group likely would be similar to the original: very seasonal with several Affiliate members who are not always in town, and local members who spend some seasons away. 

Thursday mornings, 8:30-10 am
Meets at The Commons, 131 N. Main St., Hailey
Contact: Mick Halverson, 208-309-0481

Open to any men that wish to attend.