LIFE IS BETTER TOGETHER

Small Church Communities (SCCs) are intentionally designed to connect you to deep, lasting friendships that help you strengthen your relationship with God. It’s one of the best ways to get connected and belong at Good Shepherd.

SCCs are small groups of 5-12 adults (or families!) in the same stage of life who gather regularly in a member’s home. They connect on a personal level through casual conversation and fellowship, grow in their faith through honest discussions that relate to their lives, and support one another through life’s ups and downs.

Click the button below to look through our existing groups. If you see one you like, you can request to join and someone from that group will reach out to you shortly. The best part? There’s no pressure! Your first few visits are expected to be a “discerning period”. If a visit to a certain SCC doesn’t work out, you can always come back here and find another one.

Find your group! 

Interested in starting your own group?

Leading an SCC doesn’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming. It doesn’t mean you have to host every meeting, know complex theology, or have all the pressure on you. SCC leaders are simply parishioners who have an idea for a small group they’d love to be a part of and a desire to invite others into it.

We will give you all the training, resources, and support you need to feel equipped as you seek to build community here at the parish. You’ll have everything you need to have a thriving, successful small group experience. We’ll be with you every step of the way!

Click the button below to begin the conversation of what being an SCC leader could look like for you.

Begin the conversation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Small Church Community?

Small Church Communities (SCCs) are small groups of people who meet regularly to form deeper friendships, grow in their relationship with God, and pray for one another. SCCs are made up of people in the same age and stage of life.

Who are SCCs for?

Everyone! There are SCCs for married couples, singles, men, women, young adults, seniors – you name it! Each SCC is designated by the age and stage of life of its members, so you’ll always be in a group with people you can relate to.

What do you do in an SCC?

Each SCC is unique, but they all share the same three basic elements – fellowship, faith, and prayer. In any SCC you can expect to connect with others through a common activity or a meal, that Christ will be at the center of your time together, and that you will be able to pray for one another as needed.

Where and how often do SCCs meet?

SCCs typically meet in a member’s home. SCCs can meet in other locations like coffee shops or restaurants, but we’ve found that a home is the most common location for most groups. This doesn’t have to be the same home each time and many SCCs chose to rotate who hosts. SCCs are encouraged to meet in a location separate from the church campus.

SCCs meet at least once a month, at a minimum, but some groups choose to meet twice a month or even once a week. How often an SCC meets depends on the needs and availability of each group, so this will vary from group to group.

Why do SCCs exist?

SCCs exist to connect you to meaningful relationships. They allow you to make lifelong friendships with people who are on the same journey as you. A group of people who will support you through life’s ups and downs and pray for you when you need it. People you can do life together with and who lead you closer to God. In short, SCCs exist to make a big church (like Good Shepherd) feel smaller and more personal.

What does it mean to be an SCC leader?

Let’s start with what an SCC leader is not. SCC leaders do not have to host meetings, be the “teacher”, or dedicate large amounts of time planning. In fact, an SCC leader isn’t that different from any other member of the group.

The reality is – if you have time to be a member of an SCC, then you have time to be an SCC Leader.

SCC Leaders collaborate with Good Shepherd to create an idea for a group that excites them. They welcome others into that group, communicate with group members, and create an atmosphere where people feel welcomed.

We provide an in-depth training that sets you up with everything you need to feel confident and equipped. We’ll also be with you every step of the way – you’ll never have to go through any of it alone! To explore starting your own SCC, click here.

Why should I consider becoming an SCC Leader/starting a new group?

Starting your own SCC is a terrific way to be part of the group you’ve always dreamed of. As you browse through the open SCCs on our website, you might find that none of them fit exactly what you’re looking for. That might mean it’s an invitation to start your own!

Instead of waiting for that perfect group to appear, you get to craft the exact type of group you want. Once your SCC is officially set up, other people like you will be able to join it. As the group develops, you’re able to enjoy the group just like any other member – you were just the one who took that brave first step.

So why consider starting a new group as an SCC Leader? Because this one simple action could change lives. Not just your own, but countless others who will find community through it.

Take the first step towards exploring what being an SCC Leader could look like for you by clicking here.