Common Questions
Find clear answers to the questions Small Group Leaders ask most often. Open any question below when you need practical guidance.
Find what you need
The questions below cover the three areas leaders ask about most.
Starting and growing your group
Recruiting, meeting locations, schedules and welcoming people.
Helping people take next steps
Spiritual growth, conversation questions and practical encouragement.
Responding to difficult situations
What to do when someone needs more support than you can provide.
Frequently asked questions
Select a question to read the answer.
How can I recruit people to come to my group?
Start with people already in your sphere of influence, including coworkers, friends and neighbors. Look for people who are new to church, new believers or interested in getting involved.
Ask God to send the right people and personally invite those you believe you can encourage and help grow.
Where can I hold my Small Group?
We encourage groups to meet outside the church building in places where you naturally spend time. Common locations include homes, restaurants, parks, coffee shops and offices.
Where can I find Small Group curriculum?
Heartland provides free RightNow Media access to Small Group Leaders. RightNow Media includes thousands of Bible study videos that you can use with your group.
Visit the Leader Resource Guide for the RightNow Media access link.
Does my group have to meet weekly?
We encourage groups to meet weekly during each semester because consistency helps genuine relationships develop.
How can I share a story of life change?
We love hearing how God is working through Small Groups. Share the story with your Coach or submit it through Heartland’s Share Your Story form.
Can people who do not attend Heartland join my group?
Yes. We welcome people who are not currently part of Heartland to attend and participate in Small Groups.
How can I tell whether group members are taking next steps?
Ask thoughtful questions during group conversations or one-on-one moments. Helpful questions include:
- How did you get connected to this group?
- What are you hoping to gain from the group?
- What has God been doing in your life lately?
- What area of your faith would you like to grow in?
- Have you completed Growth Track?
- Have you ever served on the Dream Team?
- How can I pray for you?
What next steps can I share to help someone grow spiritually?
- Invite them to attend a Sunday service with you.
- Share your story and what God is teaching you.
- Invite them to participate in 21 Days of Prayer.
- Encourage them to complete Growth Track.
- Talk with them about water baptism.
- Help them create a plan for prayer, worship and reading Scripture.
- Offer to pray with them if they are ready to receive Christ.
What should I do if someone asks a question I cannot answer?
It is okay not to have every answer. Encourage the person to seek guidance through prayer, Scripture and the Holy Spirit.
Let them know you will research the question and follow up. You can also ask your Coach for advice.
What if someone shares a situation that needs more help than I can provide?
You are not alone. Rally the group around the person with prayer, encouragement and appropriate support, while remaining sensitive to the situation.
Contact your Coach when you are unsure what to do. You or the group member may also contact the Small Groups team directly.
Still have a question?
Contact your Coach or reach out to the Small Groups team for guidance, prayer and support.