Frequently Asked Questions:
About Pointe Small Groups:
What is the definition of a small group?
A small group can be defined as a "Small Group Bible Study". The Pointe is a church made up of Small Groups, which meet weekly, outside of the Sunday services. Small groups meet in non-church locations such as homes, restaurants, coffee shops, businesses or any location that is convenient for the attendees. They meet morning, noon or night, any day of the week. This follows the pattern of the early church in Acts 5:42 "Day after day, in the temple courts (weekend celebration) and from house to house (small group fellowships), they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. [NIV]. At The Pointe, we ask small groups to do more than study the Bible. We ask them to accomplish all five of the purposes that Jesus gave us in the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37-38): Love God (Worship) and love our neighbor (Ministry) and in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20) Go and Make Disciples (Evangelism), Baptize them (Fellowship) and Teach them (Discipleship). We believe that as we balance the purposes we grow a healthy church, healthy small groups, and healthy followers of Christ.
What is the format for small groups?
People connect in new small groups consisting of 6 to 16 people who provide love, support, friendship, connection and spiritual strength. The format is an informal and comfortable 1½-2 hour gathering at the home of a Host for 6-12 weeks. Participants are comprised of people from our church, as well as friends, neighbors, relatives and coworkers who are invited to join in the adventure. Many groups are guided through the study series using DVD programs and study guides.
Do people move from one group to another?
Yes, we have found over time that people do move from one group to another. It is important that you have the ability and the flexibility to move to another group. This is one of the benefits of offering small groups on a quarterly basis. The quarter system allows you to finish a study with one group. When that quarter is finished, you may choose to stay in that group, or you may choose to try another group. People grow at different rates and have different needs over time. It is healthy for people to seek a group that meets their needs at the time.
How do small groups handle childcare?
The Pointe does not organize or provide childcare for participation in Small Groups. However, if childcare is desired by the members of the group, it is at the discretion of the members of the group to select, obtain, and finance the childcare. Some groups may be able to get a sitter to watch the kids in one part of the house while the group meets in another room. Other groups may have one person who can watch the children in another home while the group meets. Still other groups may rotate people out of the group to take care of the children.
How do I get into a group?
It's easy. Go to www.thepointega.com and hover over the box that says “Small Groups.” Select the option “Find A Group.” When you find a group that looks promising, feel free to call or email the appropriate group leader for more information. Feel free to try more than one group. You are also welcome to contact Director of Small Group Ministries, Joan-Marie Barcus at joanmarie@thepointega.com.
About The Semester System:
Every May, August, and January, we have a FILL month, when Small Groups are not meeting. During each FILL month, we publish a Small Group Directory, listing all of the Small Groups to choose from. Each Small Group is assigned a Group # to make sign up easy. The FILL months also allow group leaders and hosts to rest in between quarters. During FILL months, there will be a section on the Connection Cards, where each person can sign up for a specific group. See details below...
April- Groups will do an Easter Study.
May- Groups will not meet. This will be a FILL month! SIGN UP for a Summer Semester Small Group! This will be a FILL month! SIGN UP for a Small Group! You can sign up by using the space provided on your connection card at church, or you can sign up online! The Leader of the group you choose will contact you with more information! Even though groups will not be meeting during FILL months, there will be many church-wide events to meet people, have fun, and learn more!
June- Groups begin meeting! Summer Semester Small Groups will meet for June and July!
August- Groups will not meet. This will be a FILL month! SIGN UP for a Fall Semester Small Group! This will be a FILL month! SIGN UP for a Small Group!
About Becoming a Successful Small Group Leader:
What are the requirements for becoming a group leader?
A. Leader must have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
B. Leader must be recommended by a current Small Group Leader.
C. Leader must complete Class 101 and be a member of The Pointe.
D. Leader must complete The Pointe’s Small Group Leadership Covenant and attend Small Group Leader Training Meetings.
For more information about becoming a small group leader, contact Joan-Marie Barcus, Director of Small Group Ministries at joanmarie@thepointega.com.
Do I need to be a "Bible Expert" to become a Small Group Host?
Definitely not! The most important things that you need are 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 Host. The Pointe has a list of many video curriculums available that provide expert teaching to your small group. Your host responsibility is to facilitate the discussion around that teaching using provided resources.
How do I choose a study to lead?
We have a list of recommended studies for Small Group Ministry. Many of these studies are DVD based, to allow group leaders to be facilitators of the discussion. If a group would like to study a book that is not listed on our recommended list, the group leader should have the curriculum approved by the Director of Small Group Ministries or the Lead Pastor.
How does my group purchase the study materials?
Each person in the group is responsible for purchasing his/her own study materials. Each group leader should provide his/her group with the title of the study in advance so that each participant can have time to order a book. Some books can be ordered on-line, and others can be purchased at a local Christian bookstore. Many times, LifeWay Christian Bookstore in
Albany will order several copies of a book, if you call them in advance. Some group leaders may even purchase several books in advance and allow group members to reimburse them. Other leaders empower each individual to obtain a copy of the book. Click here for a current listing of study materials.
How long should the average small group meeting last?
If you are starting a new group, you should choose the time and place that is convenient to you the leader, then people who can meet your schedule will be attracted to your group. A typical small group meeting is one and a half to two 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 of developing the Small Group Covenant that covers what will be done and how it will be done in your small group.
How should I handle it if someone wants to try another group?
Be understanding and encouraging! We have found over time that people do move from one group to another. It is important that you let people have the ability and the flexibility to move to another group. It's important that the leaders understand that meeting the members' needs is the primary concern, even if it means they find another group. We encourage leaders to remember that not all people grow at the same rate, or have the same needs over time. It is healthy for people to seek a group that meets their needs at the time.
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 a sub group. You can even choose a Group Coordinator, who can take prayer requests, email the group, and occasionally facilitate the discussions. Hopefully, they will feel comfortable to facilitate their own group in the future, should they choose. Encourage your Small Group Coordinator to attend one of The Pointe Small Group Leader Trainings so they can more effectively develop as leaders.
