Small Group FAQ

Why should I be in a small group?

The Christian life is not intended to be lived alone...but in community. In a highly relational way, small groups will help you experience the joy of genuine Christian love and support, as well as discovering the lifetransforming truths of Scripture. To see 8 Great Reasons to join a small group, click here.

How do I get connected to a group?

Finding your place in a group is not difficult, but it will take a little effort on your part. Any of the following will help you quickly find your way into a group:

• Indicate your interest by checking the “small groups” box on the Friendship Card in the Sunday worship brochure and drop it in the offering bag. A group leader will contact you.
• Call any of the small group leaders listed on the website. Groups are always open to newcomers. For a listing of all the current groups, click here.
• Ask a few people sitting around you on Sunday morning. It won’t take long to find someone in a group. They’d be glad you asked.
• Call or talk to Tim Weems and tell him your interest. Visit the Small Groups table on Sunday morning or give him a call (835-4673 ext. 101).

When & where do the groups meet?

We usually have at least one group meeting every day of the week. Groups meet at a variety of times in homes all over Tracy. Group info is usually listed in the worship brochure on Sundays or in a brochure at the Connect Table. Also visit our “Group Finder” on SouthWinds website here.

Do all the groups study the same material?

No, each group selects what they want to study based on the interest of its members and their spiritual maturity. Occasionally we do have a churchwide focus where all the groups are studing the same thing.

When is a good time to join a group?

Groups do not have a designated starting or stopping time. Anytime is a good time to join - the sooner the better. We do have designated "Now is a great time to join a group" times at SouthWinds - usually in the fall, new year, and in the spring.

Are all the groups open to newcomers?

All of SouthWinds small groups should be open to newcomers and will warmly welcome you. Sometimes groups get so large they don’t fit comfortably in a room. Usually when a group gets like this it is close for that group to birth a new group.

What if I go to a group and don’t like it?

Try another group. You are not committing to anything by visiting a group.

Can I attend more than one group?

Yes.

What happens at a typical small group meeting?

Of course every group is different, but generally there is a time of fellowship (sometimes with a meal), study, discussion, and prayer. They usually last 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Why small groups at SouthWinds and not “Sunday school?”

Beside the fact that Jesus chose to use a small group environment to develop his key followers, small groups offer options and flexibility for busy schedules, multiply our leadership development, bring the church into the community, allow us to be good stewards of our resources, a better environment for developing relationships, and offer unlimited expandability.

Can anyone host/lead a group?

Yes, but we do have a few minimum requirements: 1. Completed the membership class (Discovery 101) and is a member of SouthWinds Church. 2. Commit to completing all remaining Discovery classes within a reasonable period of time. 3. Completed Host/Leader Training and agree to implement the Values. 4. Must be able to answer that their “house is in order.”

Do I need to be a “Bible expert” to continue to host/lead a group?

Definitely not! You just need a desire to serve the members of your group and to grow in your own personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We have a growing number of video curriculum for small groups that make Hosting/Leading easier, especially at first.

How are group hosts/leaders trained?

We have a 3 hour Host/Leader Training session that provides a strong foundation. We also like our group leaders to gain experience as a co-leader before leading a group alone.

How do I start a new small group?

Talk with Pastor Tim. Attend the Host/Leader Training meeting. Choose a Co- Leader. Determine the day, time, and place. Invite people.

How do I get people to be involved in a new group?

Some people will express an interest to be in a new group on a card and we will give you names. But generally speaking, people are most responsive to a personal invitation. Just talk to people you see or sit by on Sunday and you will quickly grow a group. People are waiting to be asked.

What if I have a question that you didn’t answer here?

Ask Tim Weems at 209-835-HOPE (4673), ext. 101.