WHY SMALL GROUPS EXIST

The purpose of small groups is for people to find freedom in their lives through life giving relationships. We believe God created us to live in community with others and only then can we experience the full life He intends for us.
We believe life change happens in the context of relationships.
Meaningful relationships can be hard to find, and Small Groups exist to make life-changing relationships relevant and accessible to you.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

One Life Church Small Groups Model

At One Life Church, we believe our church must grow larger and smaller at the same time.
We grow larger to reach as many people as possible with the love and life- giving message of Jesus. We gather in Small Groups to build community and care for people.
One Life Church is not a church with Small Groups, but a church of Small Groups
We base our Small Group model on the early church as described in the Bible in the book of Acts. In Acts, you can read about the tremendous growth of the first church in Jerusalem, where small group meetings in homes helped lay the foundation.
Acts 5:42 - Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
Small Groups offer people:

1. A place to connect.
1 Corinthians 9:22 - Yes, whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him.
We were not made to do life alone. God created us for community, and Small Groups provide a place to connect with others, share life, and grow in faith together.

2. A place to protect.
1 John 3:16 - We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.
It is through life together that our problems become smaller, and God uses others to bring support and encouragement to our lives. Small Groups become a place where others don’t just know your name, but care about what is happening in your life and want to support you in your spiritual journey.
3. A place to grow.
Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
We believe every person is created with God-given potential to make a difference in the world. Small Groups are a place you can grow with others to become more like Jesus and reach the potential God has put inside you.

WHAT A SMALL GROUP LOOKS LIKE

Your Life is Your Group
At One Life, we use a free market approach to Small Groups. This means we want people to gather together based on the things they enjoy and are important to them. Essentially, the things you are already doing in your life are the things that can make up your Small Group!
Free market leaders form their group around their gifts or interests.
From sports groups to lunch groups, mom groups to student groups, Bible study groups to creative arts groups, our groups are as varied as we are. All groups fall within one of six hubs.
  • Men
  • Women
  • Marriage & Family
  • Outreach
  • Prayer
  • Finance
Group Structure:
Groups meet throughout the year in three semesters.
  • Spring - 10 Weeks
  • Summer - 6 Weeks
  • Fall - 10 Weeks
 Groups meet in a variety of places like homes, parks, restaurants, coffee shops and office buildings.
New groups start every semester making it easy to build community and enjoy different types of groups.
No matter what your group meets about, each meeting should be made up of four things:
1. Casual Fellowship
Laid back time for group members to talk and get to know each other.
2. Activity/Discussion
This will vary based on what kind of group you’re leading. It could be an activity like Frisbee or outreach or a discussion about a book or Sunday message.

3. Prayer
Ask for prayer requests from group members and pray at the beginning and/or the end of each group meeting.
4. Spiritual Component
Whether it’s through activities or discussion, always find a way to include the Word of God. This can be as simple as sharing something God is teaching you with the group or talking about a verse you read that week.
Small Groups are not a place for:
  • Business
  • Offerings
  • Unapproved materials or speakers
  • Controversial topics

Your Role as a Small Group Leader

God has a part for all of us to play in the church, and Small Group Leaders come alongside the pastors and staff of One Life to help care for people.
Ephesians 4:11-13 - Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
The primary role of a Small Group Leader is to help group members move one step forward in their walk with God.
Proverbs 27:23 - Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;
People in your group will be at different places in their spiritual lives and each person will have different next steps to take. Here is a guide of some next steps you can help people take:
  • Start attending Sunday services
  • Start reading the Bible regularly
  • Start praying regularly
  • Be water baptized
  • Go to Welcome Lunch
  • Join the Dream Team
  • Invite a friend or neighbor to church or a Small Group
  • Attend a Small Group Leadership Training to become a Small Group Leader
How to be a successful Small Group Leader:
1. Pray daily for the members of your group.

2. Partner with a co-leader to help share the responsibility of caring for and leading your group.

3. Connect with group members between weekly meetings through phone, email, text, social media, or face-to-face. Encourage group members to connect with each other throughout the week as well.

4. Have fun through laughter and by creating an enjoyable environment.

5. Respect people’s time by beginning and ending your group on time. 

6. Invite group members to attend church services or outreach opportunities.

7. Rally the group around a member going through a crisis.  Use wisdom and be sensitive.

The Importance of Prayer

Prayer is a foundation of our church, and it is important for your Small Group.
2 Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
How to pray for your group:
  • Pray for any requests group members share.
  • Ask for the presence of the Holy Spirit in your group.
  • Pray that God will open people’s hearts to hear His truth.
  • Pray for authentic community to develop.
  • Pray for wisdom and strength to lead your group well.

Confidence as a Small Group Leader

If you only do what you feel comfortable doing, you don’t need God. God’s best is often found outside your comfort zone.
When you serve God and people by leading a Small Group, He will equip you and give you the strength and wisdom to lead well.
Philippians 4:13 - For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love,  and self-discipline.
When you feel uncertain about leading a group, use Scripture to overcome the lies of the enemy:

1. When you feel like you don’t have the time, remember God has created you for this and His timing is perfect.
Ecclesiastes 11:4 - If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.
2. When you feel unqualified, remember God has equipped you.
2 Corinthians 3:5-6 - It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant.
3. When you feel like your past disqualifies you, remember God uses imperfect people.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Leadership Support:
As a Small Group Leader, you are never alone in creating community. Our team is working alongside you to invest in great Small Groups at One Life. You can reach out to small group leadership directly or through the church center app.
When someone from your group approaches you for help, remember to encourage, point them to Scripture, pray with them, and help them take a next step in their journey. If you are unsure of how to handle a situation please follow these steps and inform the small group leadership of the situation.
How to create good group dynamics:
  • Set expectations.
A key to helping people feel comfortable in your group is to let them know what to expect. Take time to share how the group will flow from week to week. This can include things like explaining the times you will begin and end the group, how discussion or group activities will happen, and how group members can share prayer requests or best engage in the group.
  • Follow the 70-30 rule.
Give the members of your group room to speak up instead of doing all the talking yourself. About 70% of talking should come from members and 30% from the leader.
  • Keep discussion positive.
If conversation takes a negative or destructive turn, guide it back to a healthy place. If someone needs to talk about a sensitive or complex issue, you can follow up with them after the group or call your coach to help you respond well.
  • Keep the conversation relevant to everyone.
Remember people in your group will be at different places in their spiritual journey. Be thoughtful when you talk about spiritual concepts or church terms that might be unfamiliar to new Christians or new church-goers.
  • Respect boundaries.
Men should minister to men and women should minister to women. A couple may minister to a single person. We want to maintain integrity and purity in our Small Groups. These boundaries will help protect the leaders and group members from entering into an uncomfortable or inappropriate situation.
Stay Connected
Throughout the semester, respond to the Small Groups Team about group attendance, potential new Small Group Leaders, and how members are moving one step.
Preparing to Lead
All Small Group Leaders complete the following steps before leading:
  • Become a member of One Life Church
  • Attend Welcome Lunch and follow up Coffee with a Leader (Or completed Discover in the past).
  • Attend a Small Group Leadership Training
  • Complete the Small Group Leadership Application at www.olc.church/groups

HOW TO START YOUR SMALL GROUP

  1. Ask God for direction about what group to lead and who to invite.
  2. Once you decide on a topic or activity for your group, choose a place and time to meet.
  3. Register your group in the online Small Groups Directory at www.olc.church/groups so people can find it and contact you to attend.
  4. Invite people you know or meet to come check out your group and share the registration QR code.
  5. Pray for God to do great things through your Small Group.
Preparing for your group meetings:
  • Send a message to group members reminding them about the first meeting.
  • Arrive early to set up a welcoming environment.
  • Consider having name tags available to help everyone learn names for the first few weeks.
Conversation
Here are a couple conversation starters to help get people talking as your group gets to know each other:
  • How did you learn about our group?
  • What are your hobbies?
  • What are you looking forward to this year?
  • What brought you here?
  • What are you hoping to get out of this Small Group?
Thank you for being an important part of Small Groups at One Life!

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.
  • Ask God to send the right people to your group
  • Look for people you think you can help to realize their potential.
Where can I hold my Small Group?
We encourage Small Groups to meet in places where you like to spend your time. Some of the most common meeting places are homes, restaurants, parks, coffee shops, and office buildings. Curriculum groups will have first priority for using the church office.
Where can I find Small Group curriculums?
We will be offering a limited amount of curriculum and will be asking specific leaders to teach these courses. Curriculum available for all groups include “The Way” and Discussion groups based around weekly sermons.
Does my group have to meet weekly?
We encourage meeting weekly each semester in order to build genuine relationships.
Does One Life Church offer childcare during Small Group meetings?
You are welcome to choose to offer childcare at your Small Group. Our suggestion is to have two adults for accountability.
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 One Life?
  • What brought you to One Life?
  • Have you ever been part of a Small Group before?
  • What do you feel like God has been doing in your life lately?
  • Have you ever been to a One Life event?
  • 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 Welcome Lunch?
  • Do you remember what your personality type is or what your spiritual gifts are?
  • Have you ever served on the One Life 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.
  • Invite them to a One Life 21 Days of Prayer service.
  • Share how Welcome Lunch can help them get connected to relationships and to get to know the heart of One Life Church.
  • 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.
  • Tell them about the One Year Bible reading plan.
  • If they are ready to receive Christ, offer to pray with them.
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 reach out to small group leadership.
How can I share stories of life change from the Small Group semester?

Click the "submit a prayer request" button on the home screen of the Church Center app and select "Praise Report" and send us the testimony.

SMALL GROUP AGREEMENT

As an under-shepherd of One Life Church, in agreement with my Biblical responsibility to care for and nurture my small group, I make the following commitment:
1. I will remain submitted to God by:
  • Remaining in accountability to our elders and leadership team.
  • Living a Godly life.
  • Refusing to gossip.
James 4:7 - Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Timothy - Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:16 - But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,
2. I will lead in humility before God and my small group by:
  • Hearing before being heard.
  • Letting no unwholesome talk come from my mouth.
  • Bringing challenge with gentleness.
James 1:19 - Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

2 Timothy 2:24-25 - And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.
3. I will serve the family of One Life Church by:
  • Continuing to develop my servant’s heart.
  • Using my God-given gifts to make a difference in the lives of others.
  • Continually pursuing God for His direction for my life and my small group.
1 Timothy 4:6 - If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed.

2 Timothy 1:6 - This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.
4. I will remain committed to nurture my small group by:
  • Actively studying the Word of God for myself first and then my small group.
  • Praying for the individuals of my small group.
Psalm 1:2 - But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.

1 Timothy 2:1 - I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.

1 Timothy 1:3 - As I urged you on my departure to Macedonia, you should stay on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines.

ABUSE POLICY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I understand that One Life Church is a safe place for children and vulnerable adults and that One Life complies with all Federal and State laws regarding reporting suspected child abuse. As a Small Group Leader, I understand that suspected abuse is to be reported to the staff member who oversees the area in which I serve. I also understand the four types of abuse defined below:
Physical: A physical act directed at a child or vulnerable adult that causes injury;
Sexual: Contact or interactions between a child and an adult, or another child, when the child is being used for sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or another person. This includes exploitation through photographs, videos, or other communication methods;
Emotional: Acts or omissions by the parent or other caregivers that have caused, or could cause, serious behavioral, cognitive, emotional, or mental disorders;
Neglect: Failure to provide for the child or vulnerable adult’s basic needs. This includes adequate adult supervision, medical attention, housing, food, and clothing. Most cases of physical neglect involve inadequate adult supervision that has caused harm to the child or vulnerable adult, or places them in danger of such harm.
I understand it is not my responsibility to investigate and in no instance will I confront a parent or care giver if abuse is suspected. As a Small Group Leader, I agree to comply with this policy and report any suspected abuse to the staff person who oversees the area in which I serve.

HELPFUL SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

At One Life Church we believe ministering through the Word of God is the most powerful way to care for people.  As you pray over a Small Group member, try inserting that member’s name in the Scripture to make it more personalized.
As a leader, we encourage you to find and memorize at least three Scriptures which will equip you when you are walking someone through a tough situation, as well as give you strength as a leader throughout the semester.
Here is a list of powerful Scriptures that you can apply to any situation:
Mark 12:30-31 - And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 55:8-9 - My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

1 John 5:14-15 - This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon formed against   you  shall  prosper,  and  every   tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.

Ephesians 6:10-28 - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Matthew 5:14-16 - You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Romans 8:39No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hebrews 14:5-6 - Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.” That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, “The Lord is my Helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.”

Isaiah 41:10 - Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Romans 10:17 - So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Luke 17:5-6 - One day the apostles said to the Lord, “We need more faith; tell us how to get it.” “If your faith were only the size of a mustard seed,” Jesus answered, “it would be large enough to uproot that mulberry tree over there and send it hurtling into the sea! Your command would bring immediate results!”

Hebrew 11:1 - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Proverbs 11:14 - Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Romans 8:1-2 - So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to  Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

Isaiah 1:18 - “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 - Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.