small group faq’s

Here are 10 of our most frequently asked questions about small groups:

1. How much of my time is this going to take?

-When a small group gets together count on hanging out for a few hours. Small groups meet at least 2 times a month for connection & Bible study and we also encourage groups to have a party and to serve at least a few times each semester.

2. What are we going to do with our children during small group?

-Each group determines how to do this. Some groups share a babysitter, some groups rotate doing childcare among the small group members themselves, some groups require each group member to figure out their own childcare. Our Monday Young Married environment at the church offers childcare for $5/family.

3. Will there be homework? If so, how much?

-Most groups choose to dig deeper into the weekly sermons. In this case, the homework is to hear the Sunday message and take some notes. If you miss the service, you can always get a copy of the message or listen to the podcast online. When a group is studying something other than the weekend messages, there is typically a small amount of reading and/or study that each member commits to doing in advance of the group's meeting.

4. Am I going to have to talk or can I just sit and listen during meetings?

-Small group is like family - sometimes you talk, sometimes you listen. No one is forced to talk or to lead the group. We all move at a different pace and you are allowed to do just that.

5. Will I have to pray out loud?

-No. Again, you are allowed to move and grow at your own pace. If the time comes when you want to share a prayer request or pray, that is always welcomed.

6. Who else is going to be in the group?

-In the beginning, small groups are usually formed by the leader. If a leader needs some help filling their group, we utilize different connection pathways at the church to meet their needs such as online sign ups, sign ups at the church, connection events etc. We offer anyone who is NEW to a group to try it out for 3-4 sessions to see if the group is a good fit or if they would like to try a different group. This gives you the assurance that there is a way out of the group if it does not work out for you.

7. How much do I have to know about the Bible?

-None. Small groups are places to learn about the Bible. No matter where you are at on your spiritual journey, small groups are your place to grow in your faith and with others.

8. How many weeks or months is the group going to last?

-Groups at Oakbrook follow a semester type of format. We ask that group members commit for the duration of the semester (~3-4 months). At the end of the semester, you are free to stay with the group or exit.

9. If I don't like it, can I leave without people being mad at me?

-Yes, not a problem but we are confident that in most cases people don't want to leave their group.

10. What are we going to do during the meetings?

-Hang out, share what's going on in your lives, eat, study the Bible through discussion and learning, pray, serve. Every group will also have its own covenant which may or may not identify other things that the group will be about during its meeting times.