At SBPC, we believe community is vital to discipleship. That’s why we’re committed to facilitating sermon-based small groups. Life is a whole lot better when you have healthy connections to God and others. Joining a small group is a great opportunity for discipleship and connection.
Sermon-based small groups consist of up to 14 people who meet weekly to connect, have fun and grow in their relationship with Jesus. Groups are led by volunteer facilitators who are SBPC members. We have a variety of groups that meet on and off campus, on different days throughout the week.
We have four small group sessions each year: Fall, Winter and Spring for sermon-based groups, and Summer Studies, which break form and invite SBPC members to propose their own topics or books for summer groups.
GETTING STARTED WITH A SMALL GROUP
- Fill out the form below to let us know you are interested in joining a group and to define the times and days that you are free to meet with a group.
- Next, the small group coordinator will reach out to discuss what you are looking for and options for open groups.
- Once we find an option that works, a facilitator from the small group will reach out with an invitation and meeting details.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
- Let us help you start your own new group (scroll down for details)
- Ask someone you know if you can join their group
Join a Small Group
Small Group FAQs
Why Small Groups at SBPC?
We believe a small group ministry is vital to build a community of fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. God calls us to be in community and fellowship with other believers to encourage, support and challenge one another toward spiritual maturity. Sermon-based small groups are a primary vehicle for discipleship at SBPC.
What is a Sermon-based Small Group?
A small group consists of up to 14 people who meet weekly in homes to study, to share, and to support one another in their Christian lives. These groups are led by trained volunteer facilitators who are all SBPC members and are accountable to the Small Group Ministry. The studies are based on the previous weekend's sermon text using a curriculum designed from the sermon outline with additional supporting passages. A typical meeting lasts approximately two hours including light refreshments, discussion, spiritual practices and prayer. No homework is required. Groups can choose to be open to new people, or are considered full once they have enough people.
Why Use the Sermon-Based Model?
This model enhances the effectiveness of the large group worship experience by building a discussion around application of the weekly message. Imagine this as a “lecture-lab” style that encourages people to personalize their insights, get feedback from group members, discover how to apply scripture to real life, and experience a deeper relationship with God through spiritual practices. By making the sermon text the core content for spiritual growth, the discipleship of individuals is unified under a single theme, relationships become much more significant, and the group accountability promotes personal application.
How Long Does a Group Last?
We have four small group sessions each year: Fall, Winter, and Spring, for sermon-based groups, and Summer Studies, which break form and invite SBPC members to propose their own topics or books for summer groups. Each sermon-based small group session lasts approximately 6-10 weeks with a brief break between sessions. The Summer Studies vary in length and timing. With each break, participants have the choice of staying in the same group, trying a new group, or taking a break.
What is the Required Commitment?
Joining a small group requires a 6-10 week commitment to attend the weekly meetings. This commitment is the key to strong relationships and healthy groups.
When and Where Do Small Groups Meet?
Small Groups meet on various days and nights of the week in homes throughout the community. Some groups choose to rotate homes between members.
How Do I Sign Up?
Church-wide registration coincides with the start of each Small Groups Session in the Fall, Winter & Spring. We will often have a sign up table on the Church patio a few weeks before these sessions begin, but sign-ups are also taken through the Small Group Interest Form on the SBPC website, and linked above. Though we encourage sign ups at the start of each session, individuals can sign up at any time without waiting for the start of a new session.
We do our best to connect every interested party with a small group, however, scheduling constraints and capacity restrictions may require patience as we wait for new groups to form, or new spots to open in existing groups.
How Can I Become a Small Group Leader or Host a Group at my Home?
Leadership is both a calling and a process. In order to begin the process you must be participating in a sermon-based small group, be a member of SBPC, and have a personal conversation with the ministry leadership. A person may be invited into leadership through another leader's recommendation or a personal sense of call. If you are interested in starting a Small Group or becoming a Small Group Leader, please read the information below and reach out to us at smallgroups@solanapres.org.
Starting a Small Group
WHY START A SMALL GROUP?
Current open groups do not work for your schedule
You'd like to meet new people
You'd like to serve and feel called to lead a small group
HOW DO YOU START A SMALL GROUP?
Dream
- What would your ideal group look like?
- What is the best day, time, and place?
- Who would you like to invite to join you?
Pray
Ask God to identify a facilitator (you or someone else) who will use the weekly curriculum provided by SBPC.
A good facilitator:
- desires to grow in Christ
- is a member of the church
- can facilitate not teach
- is reliable and responsible
Contact
Send an email to Small Groups to begin forming your group.
