Want to be a Group Leader

We're thrilled that you're interested in leading a small group! At First Baptist, we believe God works through relationships to bring about spiritual growth — and by leading a group, you'll play an important role in that process! Below, you'll find answers to some common questions people have about leading a group.

1. WHAT DOES A LEADER DO?

A leader's number one job is to welcome people into the group and make them feel comfortable! We don't ask small group leaders to be "teachers" -- instead, we you are a facilitator of discussions revolving around your life group's topic. The goal is help other's in your group to discuss ideas, ask questions, and learn from each other.

2. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A LEADER?

There are only a few requirements. That you are in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, that you commit to attending a training event for "new" leaders and you meet/interview with a First Baptist staff member who will help you determine your next steps.

3. DO I NEED TO HAVE EXPERIENCE?

Any experience you've had leading a group in the past is helpful, but we invite you to sign-up even if this is the first time you would be taking on a leadership role.

4. HOW LONG WILL MY GROUP LAST?

Groups at First Baptist last up to 4 months.

5. HOW OFTEN WILL WE MEET?

There are groups that meet weekly as well as bi-weekly.

6. WHERE WILL THE GROUP MEET?

Generally, groups meet wherever the leader lives or at First Baptist. If you don't have space to lead a group where you live, we will do our best to work out a solution by pairing you with someone else who can, or you can plan to hold your group at a coffee shop or other appropriate public place.

7. WHO WILL BE IN MY GROUP?

We encourage diversity in small groups. We think it's best to be linked up with people who are at a different age and stage of life than where you're at. And the greatest limiting factor we've found is the night of the week. So our groups are primarily divided up based on night of the week. We do have a handful of niche groups: single (age-based), women-only, and men-only.

8. HOW WILL PEOPLE JOIN?

There are many ways for people to join a group. The first way is that they are invited by the leader or group members — we believe groups work best when they build on natural relationships that already exist, so if there are people you know (even if they don't go to First Baptist) you can invite them to be in to your group. The second way people join groups is by selecting one that fits their night or is a topic they are interested in. On the Life Groups page there is a sign-up button that allows someone to enter their email and name and it will be sent to the Life Group leader to respond back with location information, times, and details of the group.

9. WILL NEW PEOPLE BE ABLE TO JOIN AT ANY TIME?

People can join at any time but are encouraged to join during the three trimester breaks which occur in January, May, and August.

10. WHAT ABOUT CHILDCARE?

Each individual group is responsible for deciding how to handle childcare needs. Some groups have homes set up where kids can meet in one area of the house and adults can meet in another. Other groups have another home in the same neighborhood that can host the children. Some parents prefer a babysitter come into their home in order to keep their children on the same normal schedule.

If you have additional questions about hosting a group you can email Margareth Valui, life group coordinator, margareth@scfbc.org