What is a small group?  Where does a group meet?  How often do groups meet?  What happens in a small group?  These are typical questions that are asked about our small group ministry, when people are first introduced to it.  You will find in-depth answers to those questions below.-Pastor Russ

What is a small group?
A small group is a group of approximately 8-12 people that gets together on a regular basis in order to build relationships with one another, and for the purpose of spiritual growth and life change.  At HCLC we believe that discipleship and spiritual transformation happens best within the context of community.  In fact there are some ways in which you simply can't grow on your own, or within a large group setting.  Small groups provide this optimal environment, and furthermore ensure that no one slips through the cracks.  It is not absolutely essential that the size of the group remains around 8-12.  However, most groups lose certain important dynamics when they get to a size beyond 15.

Where does a small group meet?
Small groups meet in a variety of places.  Some small groups meet at church.  Most groups meet within homes.  Many of our groups rotate homes, so that no one person is burdened with the task of hosting, and so that everyone gets the enjoyment in hosting.  Groups could meet in the park.  At a coffee shop.   In a restaurant.  The options are limitless.  The most important aspect is to make a group decision that everyone is pleased with, and to find an environment that is comfortable, and conducive to spiritual and relational growth.

How often do groups meet?
Again all of our groups are different.  Some groups meet once a month.  Some meet twice a month.  Some meet weekly.  The important thing to recognize is that you cannot build the kind of community that a weekly small group is building, if you are only getting together once a month.  With that said, we encourage your group to meet at least twice a month.

What happens in a typical small group?
To borrow from another church leader, Bill Hybels, a small group is a place "to love and be loved, to know and be known, to care and be cared for, and to celebrate and be celebrated."  We hope that a small group is a place to live out the "one another" exhortations of the New Testament.  Love one another (1 John 3:11).  Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18).  Accept one another (Romans 15:7).  Confess your sins to each other (James 5:16).  Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32).  Instruct one another (Romans 15:14).

Does the leader have to do everything?
No.  Your job as a leader is to lead the way (and to lead people who in turn will lead).  Your job is to facilitate.  You do not have to be the expert.  You should not take on all of the burdens for your group.  You need to do some things yourself, but also hand other tasks off and delegate to other group members.  This will ensure that you do not become burned out and stressed out.  It also will ensure that your group members have a chance to use their gifts and abilities, and perhaps lead their own group at some point.

Roles within a group
There are a number of possible roles within a group.  These roles are not exhaustive.  We simply are highlighting the key responsibilities within each group, in order to give your group a healthy structure to follow.

• The small group leader/administrator: holds primary responsibility for the growth of the group.  This person is the "point person" for the group, the one that the church will communicate with concerning a variety of issues.  They are the one to make sure all of the other tasks get done.
• The small group apprentice: is looking forward to leading their own group at some point, and has the opportunity in the present to practice leading the group.
• The small group teacher: holds primary responsibility for leading group discussion and for finding curriculum choices.
• The small group care liaison: holds primary responsibility for the caring that happens within a group.  They may make calls in between meetings to follow up on hurts and needs that group members have.
• The small group hospitality person:  hold primary responsibility for providing the proper environment for the group to meet within.

Click on the names for a detailed job description of the above roles.