SPRING 2026
SMALL GROUPS
REGISTRATION BEGINS SUNDAY, JANUARY 18
SEMESTER KICKS OFF FEBRUARY 1
We are so excited about the many opportunities there are this semester for making great connections, growing spiritually, and finding community through our Small Groups. Small groups are a great way to be individually seen and heard and make new and lasting friendships.
There are groups specifically for men, for women and some co-ed, too. Check out the list below and join a group (or two).
Enlarge your circle of friends by joining a group today!
MEN'S GROUPS
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HOST: Ps. Philip Pimlott
DAY: Thursdays
TIME: 12pm - 1 pm
LOCATION: Various restaurants in local area
Life gets busy, but connection still matters. This spring, we’re inviting the men of Encounter Church to gather once a week for a relaxed Men’s Lunch Meetup — a simple space to connect, be encouraged, and grow together.
We’ll meet at various lunch spots close to the church, making it easy to step away from work for a meaningful hour. Each gathering will include a short, practical devotion; time for prayer; real conversation; and encouragement with other men. Nothing formal. No pressure. Just men doing life together and strengthening their walk with Jesus.
Dutch treat (pay your own way), so just bring yourself—and maybe a friend. If you’re looking for community, encouragement, and a mid-week spiritual boost, this group is for you.
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HOST: Billy Mercer & Arnold Howard & Coaches
DAY: Saturdays
TIME: 8 AM - 9 AM
LOCATION: Golden Corral & ZOOM
E-3 Men’s Ministry is back and better than ever! Join us for our spirited accountability and breakfast gatherings happening every other Saturday at 8 am.
Kick off the month at Golden Corral, then connect on Zoom for an engaging accountability session with a coach on the second Saturday.
Together, we unite weekly in fellowship and support in Christ—don’t miss out on the energy and community!
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HOST: Cory Brown
DAY: Thursdays
TIME: 6 PM
LOCATION: ZOOM
Prayer! It's a connection between God and His children! Daily, we get to talk to the Creator Himself in the gracious act of prayer!
I hope you join me as we dive into the Lord’s Prayer. We will break this cherished prayer down and get a clear understanding of the prayer Jesus modeled for us.
Let’s dive into the New Year together on a firm foundation! Hope to see you on Zoom!
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HOST: Joseph Ojea
DAY: Mondays
TIME: 7 PM - 9 PM
LOCATION: Super Fitness (3107 Monterey Dr. BR, LA 70814)
Strength and Spirit is designed and dedicated to the growth of our spiritual well-being, alongside building strength and fitness as men of God.
I carry a passion and a fire for building up and equipping men of God with their gifting of the Spirit and help lead people into their calling of evangelism and spreading the gospel.
Weight training is the medium in which we will draw together, building our commitment to the LORD, to ourselves and each other -- which is the necessary ingredient for walking out our calling. I hope to see you there!
WOMEN'S GROUPS
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HOSTS: Cathy Clifford & Proverbs 31 Team
DAY: Wednesdays
TIME: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
LOCATION: EC Lobby
CALLING ALL WOMEN! Whether you're a teen, a young adult, or someone with years of wisdom, come join us as we dive into the inspiring portrait of a Woman of God as described in Proverbs 31!
She is virtuous, capable, precious, trustworthy, a businesswoman, and full of strength. From the wisdom of youth to the experience of age, she leads her home well and offers a helping hand to those in need. She worships God, extends compassion to the broken, and is a beacon of grace and strength.
We are all daughters of God, no matter our age or stage in life, and He is calling us to rise up and embrace the incredible women He has designed us to be. Let's come together, encourage each other, and challenge ourselves to live out the calling God has placed on each of our lives.
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HOSTS: Judy Zito & Nancy Byrd
DAY: Tuesdays
TIME: 11 AM - 12:30 PM
LOCATION: EC Classroom
This study, on the Names and Titles of God, will help you experience Him in a fresh and deeper way, revealing many surprising connections between the Old and New Testaments.
As you explore His names, you will come face-to-face with the God of Scripture. A God who is both the greatest of all Kings, and the most loving of all Fathers. A God enthroned on high who bends low so that we can come to know Him. Hope to see you soon!
MEN & WOMEN GROUPS
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HOSTS: Cathy Clifford
DAY: Sundays
TIME: 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM
LOCATION: EC Classroom
"AND YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE" - John 8:32
God wants a relationship with you, and He sent His Son, Jesus, to bridge the gap between earth and heaven so you could know Him. This life is not easy, but it can be rewarding by following Christ.
In this Small Group study, you will be the one who decides how far you are willing to go to find FREEDOM. God never changes and His promises are true. His Word promises in Jeremiah 29:13, "If you seek Him with your whole heart, you will find Him."
Join us in the pursuit of FREEDOM through Christ.
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HOSTS: Laura Simon & ER Team
DAY: Sundays
TIME: 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM
LOCATION: EC Sanctuary
"AND YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE" - John 8:32
God wants a relationship with you, and He sent His Son, Jesus, to bridge the gap between earth and heaven so you could know Him. This life is not easy, but it can be rewarding by following Christ.
In this Small Group study, you will be the one who decides how far you are willing to go to find FREEDOM. God never changes and His promises are true. His Word promises in Jeremiah 29:13, "If you seek Him with your whole heart, you will find Him."
Join us in the pursuit of FREEDOM through Christ.
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HOST: Cathy Clifford
DAY: Mondays (every other week)
TIME: 6:30 PM - 8 PM
LOCATION: Clifford Home
Jesus said, “It’s impossible that no offense should come.” - Luke 17:1 NKJV Offenses come in all types of packages. From something small to very hurtful situations. This study teaches us how to deal with offense when they do come. It exposes satan’s deceptive snare used to get believers caught in a trap and out of the will of GOD.
It’s our choice to choose to catch an offense or let it fall. This study will empower you to stay free from the snare of offense, enabling you to have an unhindered relationship with God and others.
Can’t wait to dive in together!
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HOSTS: Arnold & Dee Howard
DAY: Wednesdays (every other week)
TIME: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
LOCATION: EC Classroom
The word Exodus means leave. The book of Exodus tells how the nation of Israel left Egypt. It chronicles the story of their deliverance from four hundred years of bondage and how God sent Moses as an instrument of deliverance. We also get to see how the Lord made Pharaoh release His people.
God is still in the delivering business. Join us as we stroll down ‘God’s Yellow Brick Road’ to deliverance. Can’t wait to see you here!
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HOST: Pastor Philip & Kelly Pimlott
DAY: Thursdays (every other week)
TIME: 5:30 PM - 7 PM
LOCATION: Livingston
Looking for a fun way to connect, move a little, and grow in your faith? Our Pickleball Small Group is for you!
Whether you’ve never played before or you’re already a pickleball pro, everyone is welcome. This group is all about community, laughter, and encouragement—on and off the court.
We’ll meet bi-weekly at our home in Livingston. Don’t worry about gear—we’ve got all the equipment covered. Just show up ready to play and connect. Each night will include:
- Pickleball games for all skill levels
- A short devotional
- Time for prayer and encouragement
It’s relaxed, fun, and a great way to build relationships while keeping Jesus at the center. Come ready to play, laugh, and grow together—we’d love to have you!
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HOST: Tomara Evans
DAY: Thursdays (every other week)
TIME: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
LOCATION: Various area restaurants
Join us for good food, good fellowship and faith-focused discussions.
We’ll meet at different restaurants around our area to enjoy a nice meal with good friends. Then we’ll dive a little deeper into Sunday’s message for morsels of wisdom and life applications. We cannot wait to see you there!
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HOSTS: Ps. Alan & Ann Pimlott
DAY: Saturdays (every other week)
TIME: 8 AM - 9 AM
LOCATION: Various area restaurants
We are so excited you are joining us as we gather and enjoy a wonderful breakfast with family and friends.
There is nothing like getting together with the Body of Christ and sharing a meal. We will talk and share about the previous Sunday message to hear your insights and thoughts.
This is the best way to begin your Saturday mornings. Hope to see you there. Be sure to register to know which restaurant we will meet. Hope to see you soon!
MARRIAGE & FAMILY
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HOSTS: Ps. Philip & Kelly Pimlott
DAY: Thursdays (every other week)
TIME: 6 PM - 7:30 PM
LOCATION: Pimlott Home
Great marriages don’t happen by accident — they’re built on purpose. This spring, we’re opening our home for a Married Couples Small Group designed to help you strengthen, refresh, and invest in your marriage. Whether you’ve been married a few years or many, this group is for couples who want to grow together and build a healthy, God-centered relationship.
We’ll meet in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Each gathering will include: Practical, real-life topics that help develop and strengthen your marriage; Biblical encouragement and discussion; time to connect with other couples walking a similar journey.
Food provided each week, so come ready to enjoy and connect. This isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress, connection, and choosing to invest in what matters most.
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HOSTS: Arnold & Dee Howard
DAYS: Friday, March 6 & Saturday, March 7
TIMES: Friday: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM & Saturday, 9 AM - 3 PM
LOCATION: EC Classroom
RESERVATIONS: Due by 2/14/26
COST: Assessment $35/couple (Must be completed by 2/23/26 to participate)
Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS for short) has become the gold standard for helping today's engaged and newlywed couples enjoy lifelong love. If you’re engaged, this is where you start. SYMBIS is the prerequisite for those planning to marry at Encounter Church.
Preparing for a strong and passionate marriage is one of the most important things you’ll ever do. If you’ve already started your marriage, give it a boost by renewing the joys that brought you together. You will: 1) Uncover the misbeliefs of marriage; 2) Learn to communicate with instant understanding; and 3) Discover the secret to resolving conflict.
PRAYER
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HOST: Sherry Hale
DAY: Mondays
TIME: 6:30 PM - 7:30 AM
LOCATION: EC Sanctuary & Zoom
Why not join us each week for an hour of power as we take time out from our busy lives to pray. This will be Zoom and In-person! It’s a great opportunity to quiet your life and to hear from God. Each week, we will have a short devotion on Prayer to help encourage you in your Prayer Life.
Make plans to be with us weekly from 6:30-7:30 pm! When we pray, GREAT THINGS WILL HAPPEN!
STUDENT LIFE
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HOST: Luke Gautreaux
DAY: Sundays
TIME: 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM
LOCATION: Vertical Youth Room
CALLING ALL YOUTH! If you are from 6th to 12th grade, join us each Sunday morning for a time of fellowship, just plain fun and games with Bible study mixed in.
This is a fantastic way to begin your Sunday morning! Be sure to invite all your friends to join us in the Vertical Youth Room! Hope to see you soon!
RECOVERY
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HOST: Laura Simon & the ER Team
DAY: Fridays
TIME: 6:30 PM - 8 PM
LOCATION: Encounter Church
Join us Friday nights at 6:30 pm for the support and encouragement needed to see people’s lives healed and restored. No matter what you are struggling with, we believe all are set free at the Cross where God’s heart can heal yours.
“Create in me a clean heart O God. Renew a steadfast spirit within me.” -- Psalm 51:10
Life altering decisions can be made, hearts changed, and lives transformed through the love of Christ. We are not a ‘program’, we promote a relationship with Jesus.
Doors open at 6:00 pm, break-out groups after service. ER . . . where freedom is one heartbeat away!
OUTREACH
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HOST: Terry Potts
DAY: Thursdays
TIME: 11 AM - 12:30 PM
LOCATION: Belaire High School
Do you have a heart for OUTREACH? Would you like to shine the love of JESUS to the lost? Touch the younger generation and point them to JESUS?
This is the group for you! Join Terry as he and the team serve pizzas, and just plain love on the kids at Belaire School!
Meet us here at Encounter Church as we go into the world and share the Good News!
Come join us!
GROWTH TRACK INTENSIVE
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HOST: Dee Howard & the Growth Track Team
DAY: Saturday, March 28, 2026
TIME: 9 AM - 2 PM
LOCATION: EC Classroom
Growth Track Intensive allows you to take the entire 4-week course in one day. For some of individuals, it’s a challenge to be attend this course for 4 consecutive weeks. Intensive allows you to take the entire course in one day! If you’ve begun the course and have not been able to complete it, just attend the sessions missed:
Step One: Connecting (9:00-10:00 am)
Step Two: Relationships (10:15-11:15 am)
Step Three: Identifying your Design (11:30-12:30 pm)
Step Four: Joining the Team (12:45- 1:45 pm)
We will have a 15-minute break between classes and have snacks available for you.
If you’d like to get it all completed in one day, register so you can begin your next step of serving on a Dream Team!
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
ECCLESIASTES 4:9