FAQs
What is required of a person to become a leader/host of a small group?
- A leader/host must have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
- A leader/host must complete the necessary training and agree to implement the values of small group ministry.
- A leader/host must be able to answer that there are no problems with the following areas.
- Leader/host must not have current habitual struggles or moral issues (drugs, alcohol, cohabitation, etc.)
- In addition, there must not be any current marital struggles (infidelity, separation, divorce in process, etc.)
- Finally, the Leader/host must support the Evangelical Covenants Statement of Faith without any reservation or addition.
What do I need to do to become a member of the Bemidji Evangelical Covenant Church?
You need to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and must have completed membership class Covenant 101.
What if I can no longer be a leader/host?
You can recommend a new leader/host from within the group if there is someone that is qualified. Your group can determine the Leader/host as long as they meet our Leader/host requirements. Please read the answers to the questions related to leader/host requirements.
Is the curriculum selected by the church leadership?
If you want help in selecting curriculum for your group our Small Group Ministry leadership team will be glad to help guide you in the selection process. If you want to find your own curriculum please contact us at 218-751-3699 for final approval.
How can I bring about growth in our new or established group?
You and the members of your group should invite your friends, neighbors, coworkers, family, and unconnected people you meet at church to join your group.
How do I get help?
The Small Group Ministry Leadership team is here to help you. We want to be your source of help, information and resources to help you. Please e-mail info@bemidjicovenant.com or call the church office at 218-751-3699.
What Small Group Studies are available?
We have a wide range of small group studies available. Each of these studies are available to small group leaders.
What do we do when we finish a study?
Have a party and celebrate the time you have shared together as a small group. Affirm those that leave and assure them of your prayers. Invite them to return to the group at any time. Schedule your next meeting with those that will be continuing, decide on the study that you will do next, and enjoy your next study! Please be sure to bring your selection to the small group ministry team for approval.
How should we handle childcare?
Each group is responsible to cover this area as needed. Make childcare a top priority in order to make it happen. If there are people who can’t afford childcare, others need to step up to help out. Another idea that might work for some groups is to get a sitter to watch the kids in one part of the house while the group meets in another room. You may even try to rotate people out of the group to take care of the children.
Do we use husband and wife leadership/host teams?
Yes, we do. It can be very beneficial to have both the husband and wife lead in couples small groups. Each person brings different gifts to the leadership position. They each fill in and compliment the other.
How often should small groups meet?
This is a decision to be made by each group. We recommend once a week as the ideal frequency for a small group to meet. But, we also acknowledge that groups that meet every other week or monthly can still be effective as long as they use other mediums to provide ongoing care, nurturing.
My group is dying what do I do?
This is where connecting with the Small Group Leadership team is important. This team will help you diagnose what is happening and recommend changes or training that could help you as a leader, and help your members as well. Feel free to contact the Small Group Leadership team.
How do people move from one group to another, or do they?
Yes, people need to know that it is ok to move to another group. It is important that you let people have the ability and the flexibility to move to another group. It’s important that the leaders understand that meeting the needs of people is the primary concern, even if it means they find another group.
When should my group meet?
Groups meet at the time, place and day of the week that best ministers to the needs of the group members.
How long should and average small group meeting last?
We would recommend small group meeting to last one and a half to two hours. However, it is unique for each group, depending on the type of group and should be worked out by agreement of the group members.
How should time be divided up in the group?
This is up to the group Leader/host and will be decided based on the type of group. The format should be an informal and comfortable 1 ½ to 2 hour gathering. Time should be allowed for people to make connections, build relationships, spend time caring for and serving each other, and spend time in your chosen study (if applicable).
I would like to lead/host a group what do I need to do?
Call the church office 218-751-3699.
Can we lead/host a group if we do not have a home, condo or an apartment that can accommodate a small group?
Yes! Ask someone else in your group to house the group or limit the size of your group that could fit in your home.
Can I invite people who don’t attend our church?
Absolutely! Inform your friends, neighbors, family members, coworkers and casual acquaintances about your small group study. All are welcome!