Small Groups FAQ

Q: Why would I want to be in a group?

A: Our question would be, “Why not?”  We have seen hundreds of people whose lives have been changed by being part of a group.  One of the greatest gifts that God has given to his church is “each other.”  Being part of a group helps our bigger church feel more like a smaller church.

Q: How many people at Shepherd of the Valley are in small groups?

A: The number of adults in small groups is constantly growing.  At last count, over 550 people were part of regularly meeting small groups at Shepherd.

Q: Do I have to join a group if I am a member of Shepherd of the Valley?

A: No.  However, you are strongly encouraged to join a small group so that you can become fully connected into the community and more strongly connected to Jesus.

Q: Do I have to be a member of Shepherd of the Valley to join a group?

A: No.  Anyone is welcome to be part of a group.

Q: How do I get into a group?

A: All of our groups have an open enrollment period.  You can sign-up for a group during each of these periods.   Most of the groups also practice the “open chair” which means that they may have people joining them at other times too.  A staff person will be happy to help you find the right group for you.

Q: How long do groups last?

A: Group sessions vary throughout the year.  Most groups follow a three session/year calendar.  In the fall, the groups meet for 10-12 weeks.  During the winter and spring, the groups meet for 5-7 weeks.  Some groups meet October – May using a longer curriculum.  A few groups meet year-round.

Q: What do the groups study?

A: Each group chooses its own materials.  Some groups use study guides that are topical.  Others use guides that cover a certain book of the Bible.  Some groups use Christian books as the basis of their study.  And many groups use Study Bibles such as the Serendipity Bible as the basis of their study.  Once per year the pastors and staff at Shepherd of the Valley prepare a sermon and small group series that is used by many of the groups.

Q: What kind of group is best for me?

A: That depends.  The richest type of group will be diverse in age, gender, life-stage, etc.  However, personal schedules and needs sometimes dictate the best group.  Shepherd of the Valley has groups that differ by age groupings, life-stage, gender, time, location, etc.

Q: Why does Shepherd have small groups?

A: We feel strongly that small groups are encouraged throughout the Bible.  It was the method that was modeled by Jesus.  Our experience has shown that a large congregation can maintain a “small” feel if its people are regularly connecting in small groups.  Great friendships and spiritual growth are two great outcomes of being part of a small group.

Q: What is the difference between a small group and a class?

A: Small groups are not just about content.  The main focus is on relationships.  One quick way to tell the difference is the amount of talking that is done by the leader.  In a class the leader does about 90% of the talking and in a small group the leader does about 10% of the talking.

Q: How does one become a leader of a small group?

A: There are many avenues to leadership.  One way is to be a member of a group for a period of time and then attend our new leader training class.  Another way is to be part of a “turbo” group that teaches how to be a leader coupled with on-the-job training.  A third way is to be an apprentice to another leader, and then go through our new leader training.

Q: Why don’t small groups meet in the summer?

A: Actually, there are several groups that do meet year-round.  The usual reason that groups don’t meet in the summer is because of all of the interruptions of family vacations and activities.

Q: What is the difference between a small group and a task group?

A: Both types of groups are fundamental to building relationships.  The small group has more of a nurturing feel centered around God’s Word, while a task group has service as its central focus.

Q: What is the difference between a small group and a support group?

A: Small groups are a great place to be nurtured and supported through the general ups and downs of life.  Sometimes circumstances such as divorce, death, chemical dependency, etc. require special nurturing.  Shepherd of the Valley has some support groups which support people facing these kinds of situations.

Q: What is a H.O.M.E. Group?

A: For many years our small groups were called “H.O.M.E. Groups” which is an acronym for Homes Offering Ministry and Encouragement.  In recent years many of our groups have met in places other than homes.  Therefore, we now call our groups “Small Groups”.