How to start a Small Group when you know no one?

I left Illinois and moved to California. I had no friends or family within 2000 miles. I was on my own. Yikes. I had nowhere to turn to except the church.

I made the journey to California in June of 2018 for an internship at Saddleback. I was definitely nervous. I had just left my college friends and I had no idea if I could build solid friendships like I had again. 

Luckily, I have a pastor that always provides me with “Next steps.” Rick is constantly telling people to get into a Small Group. If you want friends, mentors, accountability partners, then get in a Small Group. After the 5th time or so, I finally heard him.

I went to a Singles Small Groups Gathering to start a group. I didn’t want to join a group because I didn’t really know anyone. Walking into an already existing group was weird to me in past churches, because you were clearly the “the new guy.” I wanted to begin fresh along with anyone who would join with me.

There was one problem. I had no home to host my group since I was crashing at a church member’s condo until I found a residency. Thankfully, I was told I didn’t have to host in a home. So, for the first few months, my group met on the patio outside of the church worship center. 

I also did not have the time to plan a lesson every week with a full-time internship position. Fortunately, there was a decent selection of studies in the Saddleback video library where we could just watch and then use the curriculum for discussion questions. 

There definitely is a step of faith needed when starting, a group. When you take that step, it’s comforting to know you’re not alone.

Groups always take a bit to become accustomed to. Again, I didn’t know anyone. We all just wanted to be in a group. As we continued to gather, the friendships grew. I had people I could trust and peers to rely on. My group was praying for me as I interviewed to take a position at the church. Overtime, the friendships grew and I really began to love the people I did life with. I love serving, learning, growing, praying, and having fun with my group. All it took to get here, was stepping out to start a group.

As you begin to host your group, remember that it gets better. It won’t always be awkward. Trust will build and your group will be there for you when you need it.

Don’t be discouraged if things don’t work right at first. Be encouraged that you now have a family that is there for you in your life.