Start a Small Group

• What type of group is it (Bible Study, Discussion, or Activity)?

Bible Study - Gather to pray and study a passage, topic, or book of the Bible.

Discussion - Gather to pray and discuss Bible-based messages using a discussion guide. 

Activity - Gather to pray and build encouraging relationships through activities, sports, hobbies, or other areas of interest 

• Do you want to target specific demographics, life stage, spiritual maturity, or area of focus

• Build a simple purpose statement:  “To [action verb] through [what means]” 

• Examples:

- To grow new believers in the basics of the Christian life in a 6 week study

- To strengthen families with young children through Bible study and fellowship

- To meet the needs of our church through prayer and service projects

- To build stronger Christ-like relationships through bi-weekly hiking excursions

• The material that you use is a tool to achieve the group’s purpose

• It is not a substitute for the Bible or the working of the Holy Spirit 

• Bible Study Group options 

- Choose a topic or book of the Bible using a study book in the Small Group Materials library

- Ask for guidance if you want to use other Bible focused discipleship material 

• Discussion Group

- Use a discussion guide from our church services in the Discussion Guides library 

• Activity Group

- Plan a primary activity like hiking, biking, crafting, etc. 

- Use a devotional or prayer guide to incorporate a spiritual element to the activity

• Word of mouth - start with your own circle, invite friends, neighbors, co-workers, others at church

• Consider holding an Open House

• Ask the Small Group Coordinator to post your group on the Small Group website with this information:

-  Name of your group (feel free to be creative if you want)

-  Picture that represents your group (or the coordinator will pick a generic photo)

-  Location you will meet (nearest major intersection for privacy reasons)

-  When you will meet (day of week, time, how often)

-  Group description (purpose of the group, desired demographics, life stage, topical focus, and any other details)

-  Preferred method of contact (typically email)

-  Open House information (if you are having one)

-  Start date

• The group leader will get an account on Planning Center to change or update this information anytime.  Click here for instructions. 

• Be patient.  Your group will likely start small and take a while to mature.