FAQ
What is a Community Group?
A Community Group (some churches call them "small groups") is a gathering of people who connect with one another on a deeper level than Sunday morning "hellos." Groups are composed of 10-16 people, and they meet every week to hang out, study the Bible, and support one another through life's good and bad times.
Why should I be in a Community Group?
1. You need it - whether you think so or not! We are designed to seek friendships and crave relationships in which we feel supported and loved. Human beings work best in community, surrounded by people we trust and can rely on.
2. Community Groups are one of the cornerstones of who WordServe is. We trust that when we study God's Word (the Bible) together, really cool things happen, and we begin to understand more about what God wants for our 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, "hanging out time," Bible study, and prayer time.
How long do the Groups last?
Groups meet in 10 week sessions and take a few weeks off between sessions. There is a session in the Fall and two sessions in the Spring.
What is the required commitment?
Joining a Community Group requires a 10 week commitment to attend weekly meetings and answer the homework questions ahead of time. Obviously, allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts, and other special events, but not much more. Your commitment is the key to a strong Group. You have the first three weeks to make sure it works for you.
What if I want to try another Group?
We ask that you remain committed to the group you sign up for for 10 weeks. If, after that, you still 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 friendships begin to develop.
What goes on at a Community Group?
After the secret induction ceremony when we drink the special Kool-Aid...
JUST KIDDING!
Community Groups are all about food, fellowship, friendship, and a great discussion and Bible study related to the past Sunday's message. Once every session, Groups are expected to serve together in the community as well.
What do we study in the Group?
Each week a set of study questions based on the pastor's sermon are made available (both at church and on the website). Group members are expected to spend 20-30 minutes working through the questions before the Group meets. These questions form the basis for the discussion.
What if I've never done this "Group" thing before?
Community Groups are PERFECT for you! Because our discussions are based on the topic from Sunday's message, you don't need any special knowledge or experience to love being in a Group.
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 do I do with my kids?
WordServe loves kids! Because WordServe values kids, we want to help you be the best parent you can be. To do that, groups work best when each family arranges childcare for their own children. Not having your children at the group meetings (with the exception of nursing infants) means you can engage more fully, grow more, and in turn go home a better person to care for your family. Your leader and host can help you examine a wide range of possibilities for arranging childcare.
How do I choose a Group? How do I sign up?
Before the beginning of each 10 week session, there will be an opportunity to meet the Community Group leaders and to sign up online. Every session will introduce new Groups for new people. The Group you pick will be up to you, though we encourage people to join groups based on a common station-in-life rather than convenience of location.
Group size is limited, so sign up as soon as you know which Group you wish to be a part of.
If you have any questions (especially if you are new to WordServe), please don't hesitate to call us or email us (), 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!
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.