How does North Point define a Community Group?

Community Groups are small groups comprised of eight to twelve individuals or five to seven married couples that meet to connect, learn, apply and pray.

Why does North Point offer groups?

We believe that significant life change takes place in the context of intentional relationships. Groups are the places where real life and the real issues of life are discussed from a biblical perspective. This is the environment to celebrate the successes and good times of life, as well as comfort one another in the tough and disappointing times. It’s a place to be inspired and to more fully follow Jesus.

When do groups meet?

Each Community Group decides when and where it wants to meet. Most groups meet two to three times a month. As individuals seek to join a Community Group, we help them find people that are meeting on a particular night and in a certain area of the city. Most of our groups meet in group members’ homes.

How long does a Community Group last?

The group decides how long they would like to meet, which typically ranges from a school year or multiple years.

What is North Point’s process for connecting people into groups?

The primary way we connect people into groups is by placing all our available groups online twice a year, at the start of the calendar year and the school year. Those looking to join a group register for a group that fits their age, location, availability during the week, and stage of life, which are all outlined in the group descriptions on the website. To launch our groups well, the church posts openings on our registration website with first time group members receiving early access. Groups launch their groups from their homes or digitally depending on their group preferences on the designated day and time leaders chose.

Are all first groups meetings the same?

The goal of their first group is to set proper group expectations.

Some groups will begin Week 1 of Circle Up, our recommended starter curriculum for new groups, while other groups may use the first group meeting to focus on getting the new members acquainted with one another.

What about those who don’t get connected into a Community Group during the group connections seasons you have twice a year?

There are several steps that we offer for people in these situations. Our first step for them includes checking the website for any available openings, which are left online if a group does not fill during the connections season. We also encourage people to join Short-Term Groups that begin a few months later. Finally, we have people mark their calendars with the dates of the next group connections opportunity (February or August).

How do you promote open registration for groups?

We primarily promote through email, social media, in-service announcements, videos, and promo cards.

Can your online connection tool be purchased?

Our custom software is not available for purchase. However, other software vendors provide similar tools.

What kinds of groups are available?

Groups are categorized by marital and/or gender status (single/married/men/women). Some campuses offer groups based on stage of life, such as groups specifically for newlywed couples or men and women who just graduated from college. Those offerings depend on the demographics of their surrounding community. Also, when available, we post Short-Term Groups (usually topical), Starting Point Groups, and Care Network Groups (financial, marriage enrichment or separation/divorce recovery groups).

Does North Point offer other group opportunities for people in special situations, such as divorced, widowed, or those with unbelieving spouses?

Group opportunities vary based on the leader’s experience and preferences. Often groups are categorized by stage of life (empty nest, married with children, married without children, newlywed couples, single, etc). Other group offerings include exploring faith (Starting Point), young adults (for twentysomethings), marriage enrichment (Thrive), and separation/divorce recovery (Oasis).

Why doesn’t North Point have mixed-gender, single adult groups?

The purpose of a Community Group is to provide a safe and predictable environment where participants can experience authentic community and spiritual growth. We believe this happens best with single adults when they’re connected with members of the same gender. It’s more difficult for a leader to create a predictable environment with single men and women in the same group. The relational dynamics created by a mixed environment limit the accountability that’s possible or appropriate. As a result, we don’t believe mixed-gender, single adult groups experience the same level of community that’s possible in same-gender groups.

How do groups choose curricula?

The first source of tension for new groups is often what to study. We remove that potential obstacle by providing groups with their first curriculum. Our leaders also have access to Groupleaders.org, which is a site that provides study suggestions and curriculum tracks. Leaders also have the option to contact their Groups Director to assist them in selecting a study. Our goal is that groups choose studies that promote growth relationally and spiritually.

If a member drops out of a group, does that group add members?

If a group member self-selects out of a group within the first few weeks, our connections staff is available to help place attendees into alternative groups depending on open availability. After that time period, groups are encouraged to add organically- seeking coworkers, neighbors, and friends, to invite into the group. Alternatively, a group may choose to wait until the next launch before adding more members.

How do groups add group members?

We encourage group members to look at their existing relationships first (friends and neighbors). After that, we encourage them to place their group online during our connections seasons (February/August), or contact their Groups Director. 

What makes North Point’s Groups model unique from others, and what is the process for ensuring that groups stay “closed”?

Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of our model is the closed-group structure. We believe relationships take time to form and anything that gets in the way of the group building relational capital with one another works against this goal. Groups stay closed for a predetermined time of nine to twenty-four months. At that time they multiply to form at least two new groups. If a group loses members along the way, they are free to add new couples or individuals if everyone in the group agrees.

Is the Community Group Agreement really necessary?

The Community Group Agreement is a tool used by group members to establish expectations and manage the group for its duration. Its use is essential because most problems that groups face arise due to unmet expectations.

Since groups don’t meet at the church, what do group members do about childcare?

We offer childcare supplement for any member of an active Community Group. Parents arrange for childcare, and we provide childcare supplements at predetermined rates. The supplement is provided for a maximum of four children for four hours. The group member pays for the childcare and then submits a request form to be reimbursed.

What are Short-Term Groups?

Short-Term Groups are small groups that meet together for a defined period of time to study and discuss a specific topic. They generally last one to six weeks. Topics include spiritual growth, marriage, dating relationships, finances, and exploring faith (Starting Point).

What is the purpose of Short-Term Groups?

Short-Term Groups create group experiences that equip and connect the disconnected. We offer them to provide an opportunity for a larger segment of our disconnected audience to find community. Short-Term Groups are a great way for us to reengage leaders who are disengaged or may be considering a break from Community Group leadership. We also recognize that the 9- to 24-month groups commitment is a barrier for some people finding connection into community. Short-Term Groups provide an opportunity to connect and recognize the value of community.

Where do Short-Term Groups meet?

Short-Term Groups meet in homes or at the church. Groups are organized around topic and season of life.

How do people join Short-Term Groups?

People register for groups online based on topic and proximity to their homes. 

How often do you offer Short-Term Groups?

Short-Term Groups are offered two times a year—in-between connections seasons.

What is North Point's process for enlisting new leaders?

Our primary means of identifying potential leaders is through the recommendation from an existing leader. Our Groups staff are frequently asking existing leaders which of their group members could potentially lead a group in the future. When a potential leader is identified, he or she must still be approved to lead by a staff Groups Director. The approval process for group leaders includes:

• Completing a group leader application

• Meeting with a staff Groups Director for an interview

• Committing to ongoing development, beginning with Initial Leader Training before or shortly after starting the group

• We also look to see if the potential leader exhibits the 4 leaders postures we ask of our staff and leaders: 

  • Humble

  • Curious

  • Teachable

  • Intentional

How does North Point train leaders?

See our Leader Development Plan. 

Who do leaders contact if a problem or question arises that they can’t answer?

Group leaders are assigned to a Groups Director who helps them walk through any challenges their group experiences.

What does the average week in the life of a staff Groups Director look like?

They average seven to nine meetings, including leader meetings, leader interviews, and staff meetings per week. Approximately 15 percent of their time is spent in administrative duties, such as weekly reports, documenting meeting notes, scheduling meetings with leaders, and other duties as assigned.

Does North Point have a website where I can learn more about North Point’s philosophy and opportunities for small groups?

Our most current information is on GroupLeaders.org.

Does North Point have any leader training materials that I can purchase?

Bill Willits and Andy Stanley have written a book called Creating Community. It outlines North Point’s Groups philosophy. Pay special attention to Parts II and III entitled: “Leaders Need Clarity” and “Churches Need Strategy.”