When you commit to a small group, you commit to not only be committed to the study but you also commit to care for and meet the needs of other group members. The real difference between and LDG and a Bible study happens outside of group time. Our hope is that your small group will become your closest friends and people you will turn to in time of need. Yes, we do groups based on gender - guys with guys and ladies with ladies. We do this in every case except for married couples.
Married couples are free to attend a couples group.
We do gender-based groups because of the high value we place on group life. With gender-based groups, the authenticity and accountability level is higher than mixed groups. The reality is that if a woman is present, a guy will always put his best face forward. We consider small groups a safe place to share life and be held accountable to God's call. There are plenty of opportunites to build relationships with the opposite sex throughout Frontline, but small groups are not one of them.