Sevier Heights Baptist Church

Small Groups FAQ

How long does a Small Group last?
Each small group will commit to meet for a twelve month period. Groups will not meet as frequently during the summer and holiday months. Each group is encouraged to divide and create a new group after the twelve month period. The church will help in this process.

When do Small Groups meet?
Each group decides when and where it wants to meet. Most groups meet at least 3 times a month. As individuals seek to join a small group, we help them find people that are meeting on a particular night and in a certain area of the city. Most of our small groups meet in group members' homes. Some groups will choose to meet at the church campus.

When should my group meet?
Groups meet at the time, place, and day of the week that best ministers to the needs of the group member- whether it's 6am on Fridays for a men's group, Wednesday night for a couples group, or Tuesday night for a ladies group. If you are starting a new group, you should choose the time and place that is convenient for you the leader, then people who can meet your schedule will be attracted to your group.

How long should the average small group meeting last?
A typical small group meeting is 1-1.5 hours. However, it is unique for each group, depending on the type of group, and should be worked out by agreement of the group members in the process developing the Small Group Agreement that covers what will be done and how it will be done in your small group.

How should time be divided in the group?
We recommend Fellowship Time (5-10 minutes), Opening Prayer and Announcements (5 minutes), Bible Study Discussion (20 minutes), Smaller pairings (10-15 minutes), Closing prayers in smaller pairings. Of course, this is only a recommended schedule.

How can we get people into our group?
You and the members of your group should invite unconnected people you meet at church, your friends, neighbors, coworkers and family to join the group. This is the best way to get new members in your group. Pray before you invite someone new. Ask God to soften his or her heart and then step out in faith and make the invitation.

Can I invite people who don't attend our church?
Absolutely! Inform your friends, neighbors, family members, coworkers and casual acquaintances about your small group study. Most of our study materials are appropriate for both believers and the unchurched. Pray for God's guidance as you can make an eternal difference in the lives of others.

How should our group handle childcare?
First, make childcare a top priority in order to make it happen. If there are people who can't afford childcare, others need to step up to help out. Another thing is that you want to rally together. You might be able to get a sitter to watch the kids in one part of the house while the group meets in another room. If there's home nearby, one person can watch the kids there while the group meets in another house. You may even try to rotate people out of the group to take care of the children.

Do I need to be a "Bible Expert" to become a Small Group Leader?
Definitely not! The most important things that you need is a desire to serve the members of your group and to grow in your own personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When you take this step of faith, through prayer, God's Holy Spirit will give you what you need to be an effective leader.

What are the requirements to lead a small group at Sevier Heights?
A leader:

• must have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
• must be, or have been, baptized by immersion.
• must be a member of Sevier Heights.
• A leader must not have current habitual struggles or moral issues (drugs, alcohol, cohabitation, etc.) that would bring shame on the name of Jesus Christ or on Sevier Heights. In addition, there must not be any current marital struggles (i.e. infidelity, separation, divorce in process, etc.)

What small group studies are recommended and where can I get materials?
Sevier Heights has a wide range of small group studies. You can find information on available studies by clicking Curriculum or email us at rebecca.reasor@sevierheights.org.

Are all of the groups required to study the same material?
Once or twice a year we ask all groups to study the same material associated with a church wide focus. Otherwise, we ask each group to select what they want to study based on the interest of its members and their spiritual maturity. For available small group studies click Small Group Curriculum or contact us.

What do we do when we finish a study?
Have a fun night and celebrate the time you have shared together as a small group. Decide on the study that you will do next, and move on ahead. We recommend at least one fun night every few months. We also recommend that your group participates in a ministry project twice a year. Contact us for ideas or recommendations.

How do I raise up leaders?
This is a process where your group members can help and do small tasks and functions of your small group. Based on their giftedness, rotate leadership and have members lead for an evening. They can host when you are out of town and then they can be released to do their own group should they choose.

How do I get into a group?
It's easy. Fill out the form and return it to the church or contact us (rebecca.reasor@sevierheights.org, or 865-577-4222).

Do you have a Small Group Question not answered here?
Please email rebecca.reasor@sevierheights.org.