Frequently Asked Questions

What is a small group?
A small group is a gathering of individuals or couples to experience Christian community. The purpose of a small group is to provde fellowship among believers. to study the Bible together and apply it to daily life, to pray together for each other, and to serve together as a group.

When and where do small groups meet?
Small groups meet throughout the week on various days, times and locations. The group leader and members decide on a regular time to meet. Some groups rotate locations where they meet. There are many groups to choose from based on your personal schedule.

How do I get into a group?
It's easy. Submit our Finding a Small Group form or call the church office at 317.773.2233 to get connected.

QUESTIONS FOR A SMALL GROUP LEADER:

Do I need to be a "Bible Expert" to become a Small Group Host or Leader?
Definitely not! The most important thing you need is a desire to serve the members of your group in your own personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When you take this step of faith through prayer, God's Holy Spirit will give you what you need to be an effective Host. White River has several video curriculums available that provide expert teaching to your small group. Your host responsibility is to facilitate the discussion around that teaching using provided resources. As a leader, your responsibility is to provide direction and leadership to the group on an ongoing basis. Training is available for both roles.

How should our group handle childcare?
First, 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 thing is to rally together. You might be able to get a sitter to watch the kids in one part of the house while the group meets in another room. If there's a home nearby, one person can watch the kids there while the group meets in another house. You may even try to rotate people out of the group to take care of the children. Don't let childcare be a barrier that keeps someone from connecting with God and your group.

Do you suggest a Small Group meet once per week?
The short answer is yes. We recommend once a week as the ideal frequency for a small group to meet. But, we also acknowledge groups meeting every other week or monthly can still be effective as long as they use other mediums to provide ongoing care, nurturing and leadership development of the group.

Where do you find study material for a Small Group?
We empower and encourage this to happen through group members giving adequate input to where the group needs to go but encourage group leaders to lead this selection process. We have a list of the top curriculum that White River suggests on our web site.

When should a group meet?
Groups meet at the time, place, and day of the week that best ministers to the needs of the group; whether it's 5 am on Fridays for a men's group, Sunday night for a couples group, or Tuesday night for a ladies group. If you are starting a new group, you should choose the time and place that is convenient to you the leader, then people who have similar schedules will be attracted to your group or make necessary adjustments according to their needs.

How long should the average Small Group meeting last?
A typical small group meeting is one and a half to two hours. However, meeting length is unique for each group, depending on the type of group. Leaders and group members should reach an agreement in the process of developing their small group covenant that covers what will be done and how it will be done in the group.

How can I form a group with people who are similar to me?
If you would like to form a small group as a certain affinity (like Couples, Singles, Women, Men, Single Parents, etc.) let us know when you fill out the Small Group Leader Registration (see Becoming a Leader). However, in most cases your geographic community will provide a potential group affinity. Be sure to invite your own friends you enjoy hanging out with as a starting place.

What is the format for a Small Group?
People connect in new small groups consisting of 6 to 16 people who provide love, support, friendship, connection and spiritual strength. The format is an informal and comfortable one and a half to two hour gathering at the home of a host for approximately six weeks. Participants are comprised of people from our church, as well as friends, neighbors, relatives and coworkers who are invited to join in the adventure. Every small group should include the 4 Core Components of a Small Group: fellowship, Bible study, prayer, and service.

On which day of the week does the study take place?
One of the great things about the small group is that it fits with every person's schedule. Pick the day and time that works best for you then select the group nearest to you that works. A business and professional group may choose to meet for breakfast or lunch. A busy career couple might choose to meet on Saturday mornings, while a mom with kids in school might prefer a group that meets on a weekday morning.

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. Most of White River's study materials are appropriate for both believers and seekers. Pray for God's guidance as you can make an eternal difference in the lives of others.
• While it is not our desire to attract people from other Bible believing churches, White River's desire is to both connect "unconnected" people at our church and take our next step to reach our "unchurched" community for Jesus Christ through our small groups.

Do you still have questions? Check out our full list of FAQ's.