Community Group FAQ

What is a Community Group?

A Community Group (some churches call them "small groups") is a gathering of people who are joyfully following Jesus together in an atmosphere of loving accountability. Groups are composed of 10-14 people, and they meet every week to hang out, study the Bible, and support one another through life's good and bad times. Groups meet for 3 semesters of 8 to 10 weeks each. There is one semester each for Fall, Winter, and Spring.

Why should I be in a Community Group?

1. You need it! Life is a team sport, and we are designed to seek friendships and crave relationships in which we feel supported and loved. It's true--human beings work best in community.

2. Community Groups are one of the building blocks of connecting at WordServe. We trust that when we study the Bible together, we begin to understand more about how to live out our faith in our daily lives.

When and where do Community Groups meet?

Groups meet in homes of people just like you throughout the greater Fulshear/west Katy area. We meet on different days of the week, and one home in each group is designated as the “Host” home - so you won’t be changing locations every week. Each meeting lasts about 2 hours and includes food, fellowship, Bible study, and prayer time.

What is the required commitment?

Joining a Community Group requires a nine week commitment to attend weekly meetings. You'll also spend around 10 to 30 minutes a week answering the questions on the study guide in advance. Our commitment to being prepared is what makes these groups worth the time and effort to attend with our busy schedules. Obviously, allowances are made for unavoidable circumstances, but your commitment is the key to a strong group.

What if I want to try another Group?

We ask that you remain committed to the group you sign up for for 10 weeks. However, the first three weeks are considered a trial period to see if the group is a good fit. If the group is not a good fit and you want to try something new, feel free to sign up for a different Group in the next session - no hard feelings. The goal is to find the Group that is right for you. Once you find the Group that is right for you, we hope you'll plug in and stay a part of that Group for as long as you can! That way, life-long relationships can develop.

What goes on at a Community Group?

Community Groups are centered on Christ. We enjoy good food, great conversation, and Bible study, all in an effort to learn how to apply our faith to our daily lives. Once per session, groups serve together in a Compassion event, where they joyfully serve others in the Fulshear/west Katy/metro Houston area. There are no strange rituals or required Kool-Aid drinking in Community Groups--just regular folks getting together for dinner and discussion.

What do we study in the Group?

Most groups study a Bible-based curriculum produced by WordServe. These studies mirror the same themes that are heard in the sermons on Sunday. Check with the welcome table or with Bill Hogan (bhogan@wordserve.org) to see if there are additional studies in progress.

What if I've never done this "Group" thing before?

Community Groups are perfect for you! You don't need any special knowledge to participate and there is no cost associated for materials. If you don't own a Bible and would like to know more about what version to use, or how to get a free Bible, please contact Bill Hogan at bhogan@wordserve.org.

What if I'm not even sure about this whole "God" thing?
Can I still be in a Group?

Of course you can. In fact, Community Groups are great places to explore faith and ask tough questions, because it's just a group of people who trust one another and who are trying to figure it all out together. Why the expectations? The path of least resistance is rarely the most rewarding. In other words, you get out of something what you put into it. We know that this Community Group model works, because we've seen the results! We have high expectations of participation and commitment because we know that the quality of your experience in a Group will be directly proportional to your level of commitment.

Does it cost anything to be a part of a Group?

It costs nothing. Each Group member will contribute to the meal as they are able.

What about my kids?

WordServe loves kids! We want the very best for families, and we know what works for one family may not work for another. So the answer is...it depends! Some groups may choose to meet without children so that adults can have more focused study. Other groups may welcome children and families. Your best bet is to let us know your preference, and let us help you find the best available fit for your family and stage of life.

Why is Group size limited?

We limit the size of our Groups to give everyone the chance to share and discuss openly with one another. If Groups become too large, people begin to feel left out of the discussion. If Groups are too small, the level of commitment often goes down.

Are there Community Groups for Youth?

There is a separate program for youth-age students called WordServe Youth. You can read more about WordServe Youth by clicking here.

How do I sign up?

The Spring Community Group Session
 begins the week of March 24 and 
ends the week of May 19, 2013. Sign ups open on March 10.

Click HERE to Register to be 
in a Spring Community Group.

If you have any questions (especially if you are new to WordServe), please don't hesitate to call us or email Bill Hogan (bhogan@wordserve.org), and we will gladly assist you. Keep in mind that it might take two or three tries before you find the perfect Group fit, but don't worry, you'll find it--and you'll be glad you did!