Small Groups >
Bible Study >
Starting Point >
Accelerate >

1.  Live a godly lifestyle that is an example to others.
2. Build a team of leadership in your group consisting of yourself, an apprentice, a host, a food coordinator, and a prayer leader.
3. Care and pray for the people in your group.
4. Develop the community in your group.
5. Multiply you group when it grows too large.
6. Support the vision and plan for small groups.
7. Support the leadership of our church.
8. Support the ministry of our church with your time, talents and tithe.
9. Stay in touch with your coach.
10. Use the teaching plan we give you.
11. Strive to do your best in leading your group.

*Childcare Reimbursement Form (pdf)
*Group Covenant (pdf)
*Leader Covenant (pdf)
Recommended reading:
Creating Community by Andy Stanley and Bill Willits
Destination: Community by Rick Howerton
Activate by Nelson Searcy and Kerrick Thomas
Leading Life Changing Small Groups by Bill Donahue

1.  Does a small group leader need to be a good Bible teacher?  No!  A small group leader is more of a facilitator than a teacher.  In fact, we don’t want you to do most of the talking.  We want you to use the 70/30 rule; you share 30% of the content and the group shares remaining 70%.
2. Why do we use the sermon notes for our small group content?  We believe there is great value in aligning our small group discussion with the content of Sunday’s message.  Most of the people in your group have heard the message on Sunday and they come to the group meeting prepared to talk about insights or in many cases they have questions.  This always greatly increases group discussion.  We also see value in applying the message.  Taking time in our groups to discuss the message allows us to focus on application and not just information.  Another benefit is the fact that all of our groups are aligned and growing together from the same material. 
3. What is the ideal group size?  We have found that the ideal group size is from 10 to 15 adults.
4. If our group gets too big, do we have to form another group?  One of the core values of our small group ministry is multiplication.  That’s because something that’s alive always reproduces.  If your group is alive and growing then my nature it should reproduce itself.  We have found that if a group gets too big the group dynamics begin to change and the group becomes unhealthy.  With that said, we never make a group reproduce, but we certainly encourage the process.
5. Who do I call if I need help?  First, call your small group coach.  He or she is there to help you through problems.  You can also call or email the small group staff for help as well.  We are here for you!
6. Are there additional resources that can help me as a leader?  Yes, there are several resources that we can make available for you to grow as a leader.  Ask your coach or call the church office for those resources.
7. How do we keep our meetings within the right time frame?  First, make sure that you start on time, even if there are only a few people there!  Secondly, have someone be the time-keeper for your group and alert you when it is time to stop.  Thirdly, always make sure you have the time you need to pray as a group!  Try beginning your group with prayer requests…it never hurts to change things up a bit.
8. Do we have to finish all the questions on the discussion guide?  No, Pastor  Mark always gives us more questions than we can use.

1.  Has there been anyone in your group who has experienced a crisis or special need in the past month?  How has your group responded to that need?
2. Have there been any additions or losses to your group this month?
3. What type of outreach to the community is your group planning or performing?
4. Who in your group does not have a specific place of ministry in the church?
5. Who in your group has not yet made a profession of faith, and who has not yet been baptized?
6. What are the strengths and weaknesses of your group right now?