Small Groups Home
January 10, 2013
Small groups play an integral role in the culture of Faith Baptist Church. There are currently 20 groups with over 200 members.
The purpose of small groups at Faith is, “to lead people to faith and maturity in Jesus Christ by creating authentic small communities made up of people who are committed to standing alongside one another in life and faith.”
Our desire is that every person in our church would be a part of a small group. Each person would be interconnected with others that can support them and their family in life and faith.
Check out the links below for easy steps to explore our small groups.
If you have any questions at all or if I can help you connect to a group, please call me at 705.789.2492 or email me directly at terry@faithhuntsville.ca.
Tied together we do far better!
Pastor Terry Dorey
Sr. Associate Pastor, Small Groups & Seniors
Small Group Resources
January 11, 2012
The following downloads will hopefully help you in your small group planning. If there any additional resources that you would find helpful with your group or that you would like to share with other groups, let Pastor Matt know at matt@faithhuntsville.ca. Thanks!
- How To Set Up Your Group Online (video)
- Group Planning Form
- My Group Info Form
- My Group Prayer Diary
- List of Resources available to Small Groups in the small group library (Pastor Matt’s office) (pdf)
Below are some links to online Small Group resources that are available on the web:
- SmallGroups.com
- SmallGroupResources.org
- BuildingSmallGroups.com
- Christianity Today (Small Groups)
- Serendipity House
- Life Together
- North Point Resources Online
- Saddleback Small Group Life
- Article on the Saddleback Small Group Strategy
Small Group FAQ
January 9, 2012
What’s a small group?
A small group is a band of individuals who meet on a regular basis to study God’s Word, fellowship, and pray. In the process, life-changing relationships are formed. This community provides encouragement for its members through the ups and downs of life.
What a small group is not!
Watch this fun video and learn what small groups are not.
How often do small groups meet?
Each small group decides how often they are going to meet. Many of the groups at Faith meet on a bi-weekly schedule, although others meet weekly
Where do small groups meet?
Small groups typically gather in a host home. Some groups always meet in the same home, other groups rotate around to different homes. There are a few groups who find it easier to meet in one of the classrooms at the church. Geographically, small groups meet throughout Muskoka.
Do the small groups follow a set curriculum laid out by the church?
No. Each group operates autonomously from one another with regard to choosing what they study. There are occasions during the year when we invite groups to join together in church-wide studies, such as the 2005 Purpose-Driven Life and 2007 God is Closer Than You Think campaigns.
Who pays for any costs associated with study guides, leaders guides, teaching DVDs, and other related resources?
Each group is responsible for the cost of the studies. If following the study your group would like to donate the materials to our small group library, that would be a great way to share resources. The small group library is currently in Pastor Matt’s office. Stop by during the week and have a look. We have a lot of studies. Resources can be ordered from any distributor you find. If you’re looking for a local contact, The Bookstore At MBC has a lot of small group resources in stock as well as being able to order in material. They can be reached at 705-789-0123 (ext 230). Of course, there are many online stores where you can also research available studies and order them. If you find any useful links, let me know and we’ll get those up on this site.
What are some titles in the small group library?
We have a number of studies available to borrow from our small group library. If your group is looking for a new study, before you purchase the study, take a look through this list to see if we already own the study or if there’s another study of interest to your group. If you do end up purchasing a new study for your group and are interested in donating it to the small group library when your group is finished with it, just pass the material on to Pastor Matt. Click here to download the list of resources available in the small group library.
How many people make up a small group?
Each group decides how many people will be in that particular group. We recommend, in order to maintain a healthy small group environment, that groups include no more than 12 people. Some groups are larger, many groups are smaller.
How many small groups are there currently at Faith?
The last count of groups was 20, representing approx 220 people.
What does a small group meeting involve?
Each group follows their own version of a similar, simple schedule. Typically, groups arrive and have a time of visiting with one another and enjoying a snack and beverages. There’s a brief time of Bible study followed by some time in prayer. Sometimes groups get together for special events like a Christmas party or Summer BBQ.
What is the leadership structure of the small group ministry at Faith?
Matt Kerr is the associate pastor of small groups. Assisting him currently are two coaching teams. Each coaching team is responsible for a number of small groups.
Is there any criteria for being a small group leader?
Small group leaders play a key role in the health and relevance of our small groups. We certainly are looking for Christian individuals who have a heart for people. Small group leaders don’t have to be great Bible teachers although they should have a willingness to be stretched by God within the leader role. Each small group leader must be approved by the Associate Pastor of Small Groups. The only requirement beyond pastoral approval is that the person must be a member of Faith Baptist Church in good standing.
Are Small group leaders and hosts the same thing?
No. Small group leaders have responsibility to lead their group. Hosts have the responsibility of hosting the group in their home. We encourage these roles to be independent of each other. That is, we ask that group leaders not take on the responsibility of hosting. This is to help our groups have a healthy balance of responsibility. We don’t want any one person or couple carrying the majority of weight in a group.
How do I get involved in a small group?
It’s easy! Talk to Pastor Matt ( matt@faithhuntsville.ca) or call the church office at 705-789-2492. You can also fill in an online “sign up” form on the small groups home page. Follow this link
