What is this series all about?
The Refuel series is all about offering practical tools to people who have a personal relationship with God and who desire a deeper relationship with Him.  

Our hope is that people will learn to not live on empty and to refuel their spiritual lives so that they can experience fullness in their faith. For those who are “checking God out” you will learn more about a loving God who wants to connect with you in a very real way.
 
Is the Refuel series a church-wide emphasis?
Yes! There are four main parts of this three-week series. They include:

1. Messages taught by Pastor Doug Fields
2. Weekly videos taught by Pastor Doug Fields
3. Weekly small group discussions
4. The Refuel Book

Weekend messages taught by Pastor Doug Fields
As you go through this three-week series, Pastor Doug will teach a message designed to help you better connect with God. These three messages will be available for you to listen to on this Website under “Weekend Sermons.”
Weekly videos taught by Pastor Doug Fields
After watching the weekend messages online, go to the “Small Group Dialogue” section of this Website and watch the weekly video, featuring additional teaching and encouragement from Pastor Doug. These mid-week videos are designed to prepare each small group participant for that week’s group discussion time. (Obviously you can watch it if you’re not in a small group, but the greatest benefit will come from getting in a group).

Weekly small group discussion times
We’ve provided group discussion questions to help guide your conversation. Groups will also have the option of using questions found in the back of the Refuel book.

The Refuel book
We encourage you to read 1-2 chapters of Pastor Doug’s book, REFUEL, before the group discussion time in order get the most out of the study.

Where can I get a book?
You can purchase a book a few different ways:

1. At one of the Saddleback Church campuses
2. At www.saddlebackresources.com
3. At www.amazon.com
   

What exactly is a small group?
In its simplest form, a small group is defined as a "gathering of people to grow spiritually.” Small groups meet in non-church locations such as homes, restaurants, coffee shops, businesses, or any location that is convenient for the attendees. They meet morning, noon or night, any day of the week. The group can decide the details once it’s formed and what works best for everyone.

How can I get in a small group at Saddleback Church?
Easy! Simply go to www.saddlebackfamily.com/smallgroups.

Can I invite people who don't attend our church?
Absolutely! Invite your friends, neighbors, family members, coworkers, and casual acquaintances to your small group gathering and help fill them in on what small groups are all about.

What if I would like to host a small group?
Perfect! We’d love for you to host. Go to www.saddlebackfamily.com/smallgroups and click on “Start a Group” or visit the Small Group Life table on the patio after one of our weekend services.

If I choose to host, will I receive any help in hosting a small group?
Yes! As much help as you need. At a minimum, you will have a Community Leader contact you to answer your questions. There is also online training available on your Small Group home page. This is accessible by going to www.saddlebackfamily.com/smallgroups. Additional leader training is offered, but not required.  

Do I need to be a “Bible Expert” to host a small group?
Definitely not! First of all, Pastor Doug Fields will send an e-mail to each person in your small group that will include a video to watch. Your job will be to guide the discussion when the group gets together.

Second, what you have is what is needed – a desire to serve the members of your group, and a desire to grow in your own personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you decide to continue to host following the Refuel study, we have a wonderful selection of small group studies that provide DVD/Video teaching with study guides that enable just about anyone to host a group. We’ll also help with additional training, coaching, and any questions regarding the other small group studies.

How will I get people for my group?
You and the members of your group should invite your friends, neighbors, co-workers, family etc. to join your group. This is the best way to get new members and how most Refuel groups will start.

Saddleback also has a "Group Finder" page on www.saddlebackfamily.com/smallgroups where a person interested in joining a group can find a list of Refuel groups. This information is then forwarded to the Refuel host and we ask you to contact each individual seeking to join your group. You’ll have the ability to describe your group in the “group description” to attract members, and you can “close” your group in the “Group Finder” if the number becomes too large for your home.
 
Are there small groups available online?
Yes! To learn more and get connected, click here.
 
What is on the Website?
There is so much on this Website. We hope you’ll spend some time exploring it. Everything you need for this series can be found right here on the Website. Things like the weekly messages, videos, small group discussion questions, a personal bible study, and so much more! Take some time to click around, you’ll even find some fun stuff like a blooper video, screen savers, and Doug’s personal blog on Refuel.

Okay, this FAQ was pretty good, but I still have questions. Where do I go?
If you have any questions between now and when we assign you a Community Leader, please e-mail any questions to smallgroups@saddleback.net or call our special Small Groups host hotline at (949) 609-8701.