What are small groups?

Small groups at Northminster are groups of 8-12 people who meet once a week for 8 weeks.  Each group meeting consists of a time of discussion of the previous Sunday’s sermon, a time of sharing and getting to know each other, and praying for each other.

Who are these small groups for?

They’re for anyone who wants to grow in their faith together with other people.  Because the groups will be both practical and relational in nature, they work well for both new and long-time Christians.  They’ll also work as an excellent introduction to Christianity for anyone who is still unsure about God and Jesus Christ.

Why should I join a small group?

Small groups at Northminster offer several benefits:

1. You’ll get to know some great people and develop some meaningful relationships.
2. You’ll get a chance to discuss and ask questions about the sermon from that Sunday.
3. You’ll have at least 7-11 other people who are praying for you every week!

How long will these groups last?

Eight weeks; the week of October 5 through the week of November 23.

Where will the groups meet?

Some of the groups will meet in homes; some will meet at the church.  Location information is on each sign up sheet on the patio.

When will the groups meet?

At various times during the week.  See the group schedule or sign-up sheets on the patio for more details.

Will I have to “teach”?

No, you won’t have to teach.  In fact, no one in the group will have to teach, not even the group facilitator.  The group is intended for discussion, for questions, and for getting to know one another.

Will I have homework?

No.  The only “homework” you’ll have will be to listen to the sermon on Sunday or on our web site.

Do I have to know a lot?

Knowledge is not a requirement!  These groups are for learning, not for showing others how much we already know!

Will I have to pray out loud?

No one will be forced to pray out loud.  But you’re certainly welcome to give it a shot if you’d like!

Do I have to go every week?

We’d like you to commit to going every week.  Of course, we also understand that sometimes things come up or you may already have something on your calendar on a particular week.  Not a problem.  But in order for you to get the most out of these groups, it would be great for you to miss as few meetings as possible.

What if I need transportation?

Don’t worry about transportation.  If you need a ride, your group facilitator will help you work that out.

Do I have to go to church in order to be in a group?

Since the groups will be sermon-based—that is, that week’s sermon will be the starting point for the group’s discussion—it would be helpful to you if you were in church on Sunday.  However, if you do miss a Sunday, you can always listen to the sermon online at www.northminstersandiego.com, or through iTunes (search the iTunes store for “Northminster San Diego” and subscribe to our sermon podcast).

Do I have to be a member of Northminster to be in a group?

Nope.  Anyone can be in a group.

Do I have to be a Presbyterian to be in a group?

Again, nope.  Anyone can be in a group.

How many people will be in a group?

Anywhere from about 8-12 people.  We don’t want the groups to get so big that it’s difficult to have a conversation.  On the other hand, we don’t want the groups to be so small that it feels like no one is there.

How do I join a small group?

1. Sign up on the patio after the worship service on September 14, 21, or 28.
2. E-mail or call the church office (church@northminstersandiego.com, 858-499-3995) and tell them which group you’d like to join.

How will I find out where my group meets?

Your small group facilitator will call you prior to your first meeting to let you know where you’ll be meeting and how to get there.