Seacoast Church in Mt. Pleasant, SC defines a small group as a group that meets together at least twice a month with a designated leader that provides pastoral care. The group practices at least 3 of the 5 purposes together, and they take steps growing together (Doing Life Together). Their shared five purposes are Connect, Serve, Share, Grow, and Worship. They ask groups to identify and be involved in a community serve project at least once a quarter.  

Seacoast believes in decentralized, self-structured small groups. They provide vision, leadership training, serving opportunities, and group study resources. Their groups meet with the ebb and flow of the semester schedule.  

There is no limit to the size of their small groups. They believe that where 2 or more are gathered, that is a small group. They encourage leaders that if they only have one or two people in a group, that they are still a small group.  

Their small groups are opened groups. They want to always remember the “empty chair” and that leaders are responsible for filling that chair. Instead of using the terminology “open” or “closed” groups, they encourage leaders to say their group is at capacity to ensure that individual growth is taking place; and also to identify and raise up new leaders for new groups or the branching of new groups.  

Groups determine their topic of study. Resources for leaders to assist with group study include an “After the Message” site in which weekly message series study questions, leader tips, and group action steps are provided for leaders; on-line bookstore with recommended resources and group studies; library curriculum. 

Leaders are identified and raised up by other leaders. Leaders identify new leaders and refer and mentor potential leaders to their on-line training tool—MyNextSteps. The referral process includes a leadership application that is completed by the apprentice leader and approved by the Small Group Ministry Pastor. The then apprentice leader is enrolled in the training (5 sessions) and mentored by the small group leader who referred them. During this time, leaders are also equipping their “apprentice” leader by asking them to facilitate group discussion, attend coaches huddles, and provide care for the group members.  

Leaders are trained by completing an online leadership tool—MyNextSteps—How to Be a Small Group Leader. The online tool allows the individual to work at their own pace and time, and will be mentored throughout by the Small Group leader who referred them to leadership. After an individual completes a session, they meet with their leader, discussing the session and lessons within, and will then proceed to the next session.  

There are multiple ways leaders receive training throughout the year:

·       MyNextSteps- Provides resources and tools for leaders including articles, instant advice, videos, books, and weblinks.

·       Small Group Leader Rallys- Training rallys are hosted twice a year for a time of connection, celebration, coaching, care, and communication. During this time a guest speaker will be brought in to train and encourage leaders.

·       Coaching Structure- Coaches provide invaluable one-one training and mentoring in Small Group Huddles, and one-one meetings with their leaders. Coaches equip and encourage leaders for effective facilitation, assist leaders through prayer and care of special needs.  

When it comes to the mission of their small groups, they encourage groups to participate in a community transformation project every quarter together as a group. Groups can choose their own projects. They have a Dream Center campus groups can get involved in “health clinics, adopt-a-block and other outreach opportunities.  

The above case study is a brief overview into the way Seacoast Church does small groups. The Editorial Team at Small Group Trader will be adding a more in-depth study in the months to come.