Adult Leaders FAQ

We are very glad you are considering leading a small group at RPC. We are all better together and leading a group can be such a rewarding experience for both you and the group you lead. We hope this guide will help answer any questions you may have.

Q. Are there any prerequisites before I can lead a group?
A. We have an online group leader application for all those interested in leading a group to submit. We have typically asked that group leaders be members at RPC for at least one year. We would also like to see involvement in other small groups and/or other areas of the church. We are ultimately looking for those who are committed to personal spiritual growth and want to help people connect with God and each other.

Q. How does the application process work?
A. Once you complete your application, you will get an email confirmation. Members of the Adult Studies & Discipleship Council will review your application and will contact you with any questions they may have. You will be notified within two weeks of submitting your application if it has been approved.

Q. What is expected of group leaders?
A. Group leaders are expected to organize group meetings and communicate with the individuals in your group, including the specifics of location, dates you will be meeting, etc. Most importantly, group leaders are expected to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and Christ centered atmosphere.

Q. What is a Community Group at RPC?
A. In 2019, RPC kicked off its Community Groups program. These were small groups with 8-12 people getting together in our surrounding community to discuss the sermon topic of the week. In 2020, RPC expanded its definition of community groups to encompass all of its adult small groups and classes. Under the Community Groups umbrella, we have Connect Groups, Study Groups, and Mission Groups. Visit our Adult Discipleship webpage here to learn more about these groups.

Q. Do I need to be a Bible expert to lead a study group?
A. Absolutely not! Your job as a study group leader is primarily to facilitate discussion within your group. We will provide you with access to many different forms of curriculum including sermon discussion guides and online resources such as Amplify Media, which is like Netflix for Bible studies. We also have a leader resource web page for you with helpful videos and other resources.

Q. I would rather not lead a study group, but a connect group sounds fun. What is involved in leading a connect group?
A. Connect groups are more social in nature so, depending on what you are doing, there is less preparation involved. It is mainly about finding something you have an interest in and inviting others to join you. It could be as simple as meeting for dinner at a restaurant, walking together at a park, a book club, or a parent meet-up at a nearby park.

Q. How often are groups required to meet? How long should they last?
A. Groups can meet once a week, every other week, or once a month. It is up to you what you think would work best for you and the group you want to lead. We recommend that new groups meet 5-10 times to begin with. Then you and your group can reassess if you would like to continue, take a break, or try a new group.

Q. Do I need to recruit members for my group?
A. We encourage you to invite others you know to join your group as well as open your group up so that others from RPC can join. We have found that groups that start with a few personal invitations from the group leader have the greatest chance of success.

Q. Can my group be for a specific demographic (i.e. retired men, moms of preschoolers, etc.?)
A. Yes. Be sure to specify this in your application.

Q. What if I have to miss a meeting?
A. If you will not be available due to illness or travel, you can ask a trusted member of the group lead the group in your place. Alternatively, you can push your meetings out a week or skip a week; just be sure to communicate this to your group.

Q. How will childcare be handled?
A. At this time, professional childcare will only be offered if your group meets at RPC on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings.

If you have any additional questions, please contact Teri Kish at teri@roswellpres.org

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