All Resources
Writing a Good Welcome Email
When newcomers join a small group, a positive first impression is critical in helping them to feel welcome and included. One of the ways we can help this be a positive process is by sending a welcome email. While it is very important for you to clearly communicate...
Small Groups With Missionaries
As Hope Community Church small group leaders we see our group members experience many major life events and changes. This document contains helpful tips for leading someone called to overseas missions. Please note a few things before reading this document. First,...
Creating & Maintaining Community in Small Groups
Creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for a small group is vital to the success of the group in general. The reasoning is pretty simple - people return to environments where they feel welcome and accepted. People also feel freer to be themselves in a...
Incporporating Children into Small Groups
Regarding children, it is always important to consider the needs of the whole group along with those of the children and parents. How much disruption can the group as a whole tolerate? How flexible is the group? How sensitive are parents to the group dynamics?...
Small Group Open Chair Model
Whenever possible and healthy for the group, we encourage groups to maintain an “open chair.” This means that the group fosters an attitude of openness to newcomers and maintains an environment that would make a newcomer feel welcome. The group does not need to be...
Facilitating a Small Group Bible Discussion
Facilitating a Small Group Bible Discussion We believe in life-on-life ministry, meaning that people are truly and significantly changed only as others come alongside them in authentic community. Therefore, Hope values small groups as an opportunity to interact with...
Why Can’t I Stop Comparing Myself to Others?
In this episode, the team welcomes LDI Intern, Sami Schwink to the microphone for a discussion on comparison. Why do we feel almost compelled to compare ourselves...
Why Would I Belong to a Church?
In this episode, the team discusses the value of the local church and why every follower of Christ should be committed to a church. Each episode features a leading...
Baptism Story – Kenny Befus
Kenny was baptized in December 2024. If you have interest in getting baptized at Hope Community Church, you can learn more by visiting hopecc.com/baptism. Having grown up in a Christian household, I was no stranger to church and the message of the gospel from an early...
How Can I Know When to Ask for Help?
Each episode features a leading question, quote of the week, and a Growing Together segment geared at imperfect leaders who are seeking development in their leadership...
Baptism Story – Sam Johnson
Sam was baptized in December 2024. If you have interest in getting baptized at Hope Community Church, you can learn more by visiting hopecc.com/baptism. I grew up in a Christian household, so I always knew that Jesus was there, but I never really knew what that meant....
Baptism Story – Maya Groser
Maya was baptized in December 2024. If you have interest in getting baptized at Hope Community Church, you can learn more by visiting hopecc.com/baptism. I became a believer one year ago and I’ve never looked back. Simply put, my life has been completely transformed....