FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I recruit people to come to my group?
- Start with people who are already in your sphere of influence (co-workers, friends, and neighbors).
- Find people around you who are new to the church, are new believers, or have shown interest in getting involved.
- Look for people you think you can help realize their potential.
- Ask God to send the right people to your group.
Where can I hold my Small Group?
We encourage Small Groups to meet outside the church building in the places where you like to spend your time. Some of the most common meeting places are homes, restaurants, parks, coffee shops, and office buildings. We also encourage you to consider an online group. They can be very effective.
Where can I find Small Group Curriculum?
We have a variety of curriculum suggestions available to you by contacting our office.
Does my group have to meet weekly?
We encourage meeting weekly each semester in order to build genuine relationships.
Does HISplace Family Church offer childcare during Small Group meetings?
You are welcome to choose to offer childcare at your Small Group.
Also, as a Small Group Facilitator, you may become aware of individuals who would like to attend a Small Group, but do not have the resources to pay for a babysitter each week. At HISplace Family Church, we believe that members should not miss the opportunity to participate in a Small Group due to a financial burden.
However, we have found that people have resources for what is important to them. So encourage them to make the small group a priority. If you have an unusual circumstance, please do not hesitate to discuss it with your Coach.
How do I measure if group members are moving one step?
Ask! Make it part of your discussion whether in a group setting or individually.
Here are some great questions to guide your conversation:
- How did you get connected to this Small Group?
- What are you most looking forward to in the group?
- Do you attend HISplace?
- What brought you to HISplace?
- Have you ever been part of a Small Group before?
- What do you feel like God has been doing in your life lately?
- Are you familiar with 21 Days of Prayer?
- What areas of your faith are you hoping to grow in the coming months?
- What are you focused on in your life right now?
- Have you been through the HISplace Growth Track?
- Do you remember your personality type from the class?
- Do you remember what your spiritual gifts are?
- Have you ever served on the HISplace Dream Team?
- How can I pray for you?
Everyone in your group will be at different places spiritually. The vision of helping them “move one step” is not to get them to do everything at once, it’s to help identify where they currently are spiritually and offer a practical next step to help them grow.
Here are some examples of next steps you can share depending where a group member is spiritually:
- Invite them to attend a Sunday service with you.
- Share your personal story and what God has been teaching you.
- Tell them about the HISplace website (hpfc.org), Bible reading plans, devotional, and other resources available.
- If they are ready to receive Christ, offer to pray with them.
- Invite them to a 21 Days of Prayer service with you.
- Share how the Growth Track can help them discover their purpose and invite them to attend. Consider attending with them.
- Invite them to consider being water baptized. Invite your Small Group to be there to celebrate anyone getting baptized.
- Share how you find time regularly to pray, worship, and read God’s Word and encourage them to make their own plan for time with God.
- Encourage them to learn more about areas like tithing, the Holy Spirit, prayer, and spiritual warfare by attending Growth Track or watching past messages at hpfc.org/messages.
What should I do if someone asks a question I can’t answer?
It’s okay to not have all the answers. Thankfully, we can find guidance through prayer, God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit. Encourage them to spend time reading the Bible and praying. Also, let them know that you will do your best to get some information and get back with them at your next Small Group meeting. Do some personal research and call your coach to get advice.
What should I do if someone in my group shares something with me (or the group) that requires attention beyond what I (or we) can provide?
If you encounter a difficult situation within your Small Group, please know that you are not alone. If a member is going through a crisis, you can rally the group around them to provide prayer, encouragement, and support. Use wisdom and be sensitive to the situation. If you are unsure of what to do, don’t hesitate to ask your Coach. If they cannot assist you, they will contact church staff.
How can I share stories of life change from the Small Group semester?
We love hearing about lives that are changed through Small Groups. You can share your stories via email to info@hpfc.org.