Frequently Asked Questions From Leaders
What is a biblical vision for the role of a community group?
Living in community isn’t a new idea. It’s God’s idea. In Genesis 2:18, God said it isn’t good for man to be alone. When you examine the Scriptures it’s easy to see why. The benefits of living in community are many (Hebrews 10:24-25; Galatians 6:2; Proverbs 27:17), and so are the dangers of living in isolation (Proverbs 18:1).
True community doesn’t develop over night, but if you’re dedicated, your Community Group will soon begin to accept one another, encourage each other to grow spiritually, begin to be accountable to and for each other and feel cared for in a way that should push us to love others and tell them about Christ’s love. Click for more info…
What’s on the agenda at a Community Group meeting? Is there a suggested format?
The Bible provides excellent examples of what living in community could and should look like. God lives in eternal community (Genesis 1:26), Jesus lived in community with his 12 disciples, and the early church lived in community (Acts 2:42-47). Now it’s your turn.
There isn’t a set agenda or format for meetings. Whenever the group is together, there should be a good mix of fun, fellowship, vulnerability, and accountability. During meetings, it’s important for members to inquire about each other’s weeks and actively pray for each other’s needs. Daily struggles should be openly shared and encouragement offered. Scripture should be shared and used to provide insight and wisdom as members learn to apply God’s word to every-day situations and challenges.
What happens between Community Group meetings is equally important. Group members need to make time for each other outside of their “group time” so that deeper friendships can develop. True community doesn’t develop over night, but if you’re dedicated, your Community Group will soon begin to accept one another, encourage each other to grow spiritually, begin to be accountable to and for each other and feel cared for in a way that should push us to love others and tell them about Christ’s love. Click for more info…
What if our Community Group is stuck in a rut, what can we do to reenergize our group?
Once you’ve been in a group for a while, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. If you think your group isn’t reaching its full potential, be sure to talk it over with the other members of your group to see how they feel and to determine a way forward.
We’re here to help. Watermark offers a wide range of small group studies that could re-energize your group. Please go to the community blog for helpful next steps and a list of suggested curriculum.
If you need additional assistance, please remember that the Community Team is available to help. See the contact information at the top of this page. Click for more info…
Does Watermark suggest any studies or offer any curriculum for Community Groups?
Yes, look at the “Resources” tab on the community blog for a list of suggested books, or Click for more info…
How do we add new members to our Community Group?
If everyone in the group is in agreement that you should add members, we have five suggestions:
- Ask people you know if they’d like to join your Community Group.
- Ask an existing Community Group if they’d like to merge with your group.
- Ask people from your area of service, life-stage group, recovery group, or Bible study discussion group if they’d like to join your group. If you’re not currently participating in one of these areas, contact the community team for a complete list of opportunities.
- Contact the Community Team to inform them that you are interested in adding new members. We’ll let you know if we’re aware of anyone who would be a good fit for your group. Be sure to notify us once you’ve added members.
- Or attend Grouplink, a periodic gathering where you can meet people who are interested in starting new Community Groups.
We realize there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula for adding members, so if the ideas above don’t work for you, feel free to think outside of the box. And remember that the Community Team is standing by to support your efforts. Click for more info…
What if our Community Group is struggling with conflict or communication?
Conflict isn’t necessarily bad or destructive. At Watermark, we’re committed to resolving conflict in a way that glorifies the Lord, edifies the body of Christ and reflects the principles outlined in Scripture. Everyone will face disagreement at one time or another. It’s important to handle these situations well. Go to the community blog to review Watermark’s Peace Maker’s Pledge.
If you need additional assistance, please remember that the Community Team is available to help. Click for more info…
How do I handle individuals/couples that are not “committed” to group time or the function of community?
If a group covenant has not been established that covers the agreed upon time commitment and expectorations of the group then go to the community blog for help with this. Have an honest group discussion on what the group feels are the issue at hand and keep in mind that a community director is available if a neutral facilitator is needed. Click for more info…
How can our group serve together for external focus?
This is a great way to build group unity. See the Service Hot Sheet on the community blog for ideas. Click for more info…
How do you build trust or be authentic when everyone is not sharing?
As a leader, you need to be the one that leads out in this department. If this does not help, then a one on one discussion with the person that is not sharing may need to be had. Realize that Time leads to Trust that leads to Open and Authentic Sharing. Be patient with the process, but remember to foster trust and model authenticity. Click for more info…
What should be the next steps before leaving if I feel I am not being pursued or challenged spiritually the way I need?
Make sure that this is being discussed directly with those that are either part of the problem or part of the solution. Make sure expectations and desires are clear, reasonable and that there is an adequate time table in place. If changes still have not been made, contact your community director to discuss next steps or to have them available for your next group discussion. Look at “Transitioning a Group” portion of this document. Click for more info…
What should be confidential in the group or between men and women in married groups?
Trust within a group is crucial so protecting that is critical, but confidentiality should never be at the “expense” of someone’s spiritual health or growth. This may mean seeking counsel from others in the church. If this needs to happen, everyone involved must know in advance that others outside the group will be consulted. In general, the sharing of personal information should be with people that are part of the problem or part of the solution. Click for more info…
What do we do if our group doesn’t seem equipped or qualified to handle a serious issue that a member or couple is having?
As Christians you can depend on the Great Counselor through prayer, God’s Word that leads to truth and the Body that is the Church to handle any issue that your group may face. Click here to contact the Community Team for next steps.
We have been dealing with a heavy issue in our group and the members are becoming tired. It seems to dominate every meeting, how do we balance our time to help this individual or couple and not allow this to dominate our time?
Issues in groups can sometimes take front and center and may require the attention of all members of the group. Healthy boundaries should still be observed and the spiritual health of each member should still be a priority. Contact your community director for help along the way and for direction to ministries at Watermark that may be able to offer support.
