How do people get into a small group at SCC?
- Submit a Weekend Response Card (bulletin inserts during campaign)
- Go to the Purpose Center between weekend services
- Find a group online under the “Small Groups” tab at www.southwestcc.org
- Someone invites them to their group!
Inviting people to the small group
Hosts and existing group members should take the initiative to invite people to your group!
Get out there and look for the people that you’re already doing life with, inside and outside of the church. With over 3200 adults at SCC and only about 1700 in small groups, it’s likely that you already know someone at church who still isn’t plugged in.
What about the person sitting next to you at weekend services? You could also invite friends, neighbors or co-workers. These are all potential small group members!
Most people who come to a group and stay in a group do so because they have some kind of personal connection, so start talking to people you know. (Keep in mind that you usually have to invite five people for every one person that accepts your invitation.)
Advertising your small group
If a small group has extra spaces in their group that they’d like to fill, we highly recommend that they put their information online using the GroupFinder software. Among other things, this program will let people know if there is an opening in your group and if they are interested, they can email the Small Group Host/Leader to find out more.
Many registrants will try to find a small group by using this online software, so don’t let miss this great opportunity to advertise your group! (Separate instructions for listing your group online are provided within the leader's packet.)
Following up on inquiries
Be courteous and respond to inquiries about your small group promptly. (24-48 hours is recommended.) Think about it; if you were new to the church and trying to build some friendships, wouldn’t you be frustrated if it took a week for someone to call you back or, even worse, your calls were never returned?
Also, because many people use the online software to check out small group possibilities, it’s vital that small group hosts/leaders follow up promptly when they receive an email notification. Community Leaders will also receive a copy of these inquiries and will be checking with small group leaders to make sure there has been adequate follow-up.
Keeping a current roster
It’s important for small group hosts to maintain a current roster. That will benefit them and help the SCC leadership stay on top of overall small group involvement. Small groups can track their rosters in two ways:
1. GroupFinder Software Option
SCC uses special web-based software to track small group details, including group leaders and participants. It’s a terrific tool that allows leaders to email their entire group with just a few clicks! The software also allows leaders to print group rosters, address labels, as well as pass on prayer requests and comments to their group and Community Leader. Instructions for using this software will be provided at the small group host training and you can email deborah@southwestcc.org for more details.
2. Paper Roster Option
If computers send you into a tailspin, Small Group leaders can also provide a paper roster to their Community Leader. If you are not sure who your Community Leader is, email deborah@southwestcc.org.