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As we have launched our small group ministry, we have heard some different questions. As we have been answering those questions, we realized, “Hey, I bet someone else has the same question.” What we will try to do is answer some of the most Frequently Asked Questions that we have received so far. If you have a particular question that is not answered here, please e-mail us with the question. Trust me, if it’s a question you have, someone else probably has it too.
1. What is the purpose of small groups?
There are many different purposes for our small groups. One reason that we have them is because they are biblical. In the New Testament church, believers gathered together in small groups in people’s homes. They gathered together and performed the five functions of the church (worship, fellowship, ministry, discipleship, and evangelism). NorthStar having small groups is being like the early church. Jesus had a small group too. He taught and preached to the crowds, but He invested His time with His small group, the twelve disciples. Having small groups helps us within the church develop relationships with other people. At NorthStar, we are growing larger through our worship time, but we desire to grow smaller through our small groups. People will study the Bible together, they will minister together, and they will do life together. God commands us to spend time with other believers. This is a way we can do that.
2. How often do the small groups meet?
The groups meet once a week. This helps establish continuity among the group members. Also, if the groups only meet every other week and someone had to miss a week, it would be one month before they would be able to meet again with their group. It’s hard to establish good relationships that way.
3. How long do the meetings last?
4. Who leads the group?
The group leader and/or host leads the small group. They are members of NorthStar who have gone through our Small Group Leader/Host Training. That is a requirement to lead a NorthStar small group.
5. What will we be studying?
6. How much does it cost?
It does not “cost” anything to attend a small group, but there will be some expenses. We will ask small group members to purchase their student books for each study they do. For that reason, we will seek to offer studies where the pupil book costs $5 - $7. Group members may share “bringing snacks” responsibilities. The biggest “cost” will be your time, but you will soon find out it is a worthwhile investment.
7. Which small group do I go to?
Our small groups are affinity based. That means that you are a puzzle piece, and you find a place where you fit. The majority of our groups are based on age. That’s one affinity. We have a couple of ladies groups. That’s another. Eventually we will have small groups based upon certain interests (bikers, divorce recovery, stay-at-home moms, etc.).
8. What if I don’t quite fit anywhere?
If you don’t “fit” somewhere, that’s okay. For the most part, we have more in common with people who are like us, whether that is a similar interest or being at the same stage of life. Other times, diversity is great. We realize that for some, especially now that we are just launching our small groups, the biggest factor in whether you can be a part of a small group or not is when it meets. Your “perfect” group might meet Thursday night, but if you work then, it won’t work. Most of all, we want people to be involved in a small group. As we grow, you will eventually be able to find a group that will meet your affinity and your schedule.
9. “I’m in my 30s and my spouse is in his 40s. Which group do we go to?”
You choose. You can go to a 30s group or a 40s group. You can even go to a 50s groups if the scheduled time works better for you. The only thing we ask is that only women attend “ladies” groups and only men attend “mens” groups.
10. Will I have to teach or pray out loud in front of a bunch of people?
No, not if you don’t want to. We don’t ever want anyone to feel put on the spot. At times, group members may help share teaching/leading responsibilities, but no one will ever be forced to lead. At times within your small group you may be divided into a smaller group of just two or three people. That would be the largest group you might pray in front of. If you don’t feel comfortable to pray there, that’s fine too, just let the other person know.
11. “I have young children. What am I supposed to do about childcare?”
We realize many of our attenders have children, so childcare is definitely an issue for many. Each small group will handle the “childcare dilemma” within their small group. Our group leaders have been trained with several different solutions to answer the childcare needs of each group.
12. Who can come to a small group?
Our small groups are open to anyone at any time, not just people who attend NorthStar. Our desire is to reach those who are not attending church anywhere. We just want to help people connect.
13. Will we still be meeting on Wednesday nights?
Our small group ministry is completely independant from our Wednesday night services. Our small groups will not conflict with this important time for our church body to come together in the middle of the week. We will still have activities/worship/Bible study for children, students, and adults on Wednesday nights.
14. When can I join a small group?
There will be times when we have a "launch" for several small groups. That will be a great time to join, but you don't have to wait until then. You can join a small group whenever you want to. All of our small groups are "open groups," which means that they are "open" for you to come at any time. Find a group that fits your schedule or is close to where you live, and just come.
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Discovering NorthStar 101 
NorthStar Church of Saltillo MS, A Southern Baptist Congregation | 2819 Highway 145 MS 38866 Saltillo, MS | Site by My Church Website Design