Start a Group at Redwood Chapel

We’ve created a simple and intentional process to help you lead a group at Redwood Chapel. Our goal isn’t just to start more groups—it’s to help people follow Jesus and grow through relational discipleship.

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You can join a group at any time.
We launch new groups in seasons throughout the year to create clear opportunities for people to step in and get connected.

 

If you have any questions along the way, feel free to reach out to our Pastor of Discipleship at kkeefauver@redwoodchapel.org.

The Process

 

1. Join a Group

 

Before leading, we encourage you to experience a group for yourself.

 

Being part of a group helps you understand how we:

• Build relationships

• Apply God’s Word

• Grow through real-life discipleship

 

It also helps you discern what type of group you may be called to lead—whether that’s an Equipping Class, Discipleship Group, or Activity Group.

 

We ask that you participate in a group for at least three months before leading.

 

2. Become a Member of Redwood Chapel

 

Our group leaders are part of the Redwood Chapel family.

 

Through membership, you’re committing to a shared mission: helping people follow Jesus together. Members affirm our statement of faith and the biblical leadership of our pastors and elders, creating unity, clarity, and care across all groups.

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3. New Group Leader Orientation

 

This orientation helps you understand how your group fits into our discipleship pathway.

 

You’ll learn:

• The purpose of each group type

• What a healthy group looks like

• How to lead with clarity and intentionality

• How we support you as a leader

 

4. Build Your Team (Co-Leader Required)

 

Every group at Redwood is led by at least two leaders.

 

We don’t require you to have previously co-led a group, but we do ask that you lead alongside a co-leader from the start.

 

This allows for:

• Shared responsibility and care

• Ongoing encouragement and accountability

• Regular debriefing and growth as leaders

• Training and multiplication of future leaders

 

Discipleship is shared—and leadership should be too.

 

5. Submit a “Start a Group” Form

 

When you’re ready, submit a Start a Group form for an upcoming season.

 

This allows you to share:

• Group type (Equipping Class, Discipleship Group, or Activity Group)

• Meeting time and location

• Focus or activity

 

Once submitted, a staff member will connect with you to finalize details and prepare your group for launch.

 

As part of this process, we do require a background check for all group leaders (at no cost to you).

 

Group Seasons

We organize group launches into three main seasons:

• Fall

• Winter / Spring

• Summer

This allows us to clearly communicate what’s available and help people take their next step.

• Joining a group: Available year-round

• Starting a new group: Aligned with these seasonal launches

Some groups—especially Equipping Classes—are typically seasonal, while Discipleship Groups and Activity Groups may continue beyond a single season.

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Interested in leading a group this season?
We’d love to walk with you as you take this step and help others follow Jesus.