Questions about Small Groups
WHAT IS A SMALL GROUP?
Small Groups are groups of married couples or individuals that meet weekly in someone’s home for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. They are for adults of all ages, stages of life, and spiritual maturity.
Who can facilitate a Small Group?
YOU! We encourage you to open your home and facilitate a discussion using our sermon based curriculum. An you press play on the DVD player? Then you’re just about ready to go!
Why lead a Small Group?
- You’ll become an integral part of fulfilling the vision of Water of Life by imparting it to others.
- God will use you to impact the lives of others.
- You’ll connect with old friends and make new friends.
- It’s fun!
What do groups study?
Many groups use our sermon-based curriculum called Perspectives. However, each group can choose their own curriculum to study with the help of their Unit Leader. Groups that form at GroupLink typically study the Six Key Elements.
Is childcare provided for each group meeting?
Childcare is not normally provided, but we do have some groups that offer childcare.
When and where do groups meet?
Groups generally meet Monday through Friday evenings, with some meeting on Saturdays or Sundays. While most groups meet in a consistent location (the home of a group member), some groups prefer to take turns meeting in different members’ homes.
How often do small groups meet?
Most groups meet weekly or every other week. Some groups meet for three weeks out of the month and either take off the fourth week or do a social activity together.
WHAT KINDS OF SMALL GROUPS ARE THERE?
Married Couples
Small groups comprised of married couples in the same stage of life (couples without children, with children, and empty nesters) and area of town.
Men’s and Women’s
Men and women can join same-gender, singles-only groups or various stages of life groups(married, single, divorced, widowed).
Young Adults
Small groups comprised of students from PURE. Most groups are gender specific.
ARE THERE GROUPS THAT HAVE MARRIED COUPLES & SINGLES TOGETHER?
Yes, many groups contain both singles and married couples together. You can discuss the group dynamics with the leader.
I'm single and just want to meet people socially, should I join a small group or go to Lifestream?
The LifeStream ministry at Water of Life Community Church understands the unique needs of single men and women, 30 and over. For us single is defined as those who have never been married, or are widowed or divorced. LifeStream provides a place for people to encounter God, and connect with other singles who want to create community and impact the world for Christ.
WHAT ARE THE DETAILS OF A SMALL GROUP MEETING?
How long does a small group last?
Small Groups initially commit to meet for eight weeks as a Starter Group. After those first eight weeks, the group members decide if they want to continue meeting together for an indefinite time.
How long does each group meeting last?
Each Small Group picks the length of time they will meet. However, most group meetings last for about two hours.
What goes on at a group meeting?
Though each group differs in how they do things a typical meeting will include some worship and prayer, then they transition to a time where they discuss the book they are studying and pray for each other. Finally, groups have a fellowship time where they share some dessert or snacks. At the very beginning of the group, the whole group decides how much time they will spend on social, discussion, and prayer time (as well as the order in which they take place).
What does it mean when a group "ends" or "multiplies"?
During the term of the group, the group leader will train an apprentice to be the leader of the next group. At the end of the group, the leader often will take half the current group, and the apprentice (after becoming an approved leader) will take the other half of the group. Then they will both add more members to their respective new groups, therefore allowing others to join groups with seasoned leaders.
