WHAT ARE SMALL GROUPS & WHAT ARE THEY ALL ABOUT?
God created us to be in communion with him and with others. He never intended for us to do life alone but with each other. We believe that in order to live life to the fullest, we need to be in authentic biblical community! For this reason, we strongly encourage students to join a Small Group. It also helps our big church, feel small.
We don't ask for perfection, we ask for a desire to show up, to share your life, and to encourage others to share theirs. The goal is that we would be pursuers of community, not just receivers, so that we can experience that true belonging that comes with being a part of a church family. Being involved with a Small Group is an awesome way to connect with other students and grow in your relationship with Jesus. Every student is welcomed and wanted!
SMALL GROUPS + WINTER RETREAT REGISTRATION
For those that choose to register for an HSM Lake Forest Small Group, you can also register now for HSM Winter Retreat 2026. For $399 you get your Small Group registration, your Winter Retreat registration AND a limited edition HSM sweatshirt which will be handed out at Winter Retreat check-in.
HSM Winter Retreat will happen December 4-6, 2026 at Forest Home Christian Camps in our local San Bernardino Mountains. For many students, Winter Retreat is the highlight of their year; even eclipsing summer camp!
And for the second year in a row, we will be hosting two camps at one location in order to accommodate more students! Freshmen and Sophomores will be on one side of the property while Juniors and Seniors will be on the other. Each group will have their own lodging, dining, chapel sessions, and speaker/worship teams - however groups will be able to interact during both daytime and nighttime free times.
To register now for this combo deal - and to receive the limited edition HSM sweatshirt; click the link below.
If you would like more information or have any questions not answered below, email the HSM Team at hsm@saddleback.com!
If you are AT LEAST one full year out of high school and are interested in making a difference in the lives of a group of high school students, we would love to get you plugged into a group or answer any questions you may have! Email us: HSM@Saddleback.com or register now using the link below!
SERVE WITH US!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is the format of Small Groups?
Small Groups are small groups for students, with approximately 10-14 students (of the same grade and gender) and 2 adult leaders. Groups typically meet on Tuesday or Wednesday nights throughout the school year and take a break during the summer. Small Groups spend time having fun together, sharing about their lives with one another, reading and studying God’s Word together, praying together, encouraging one another, etc.
Who are the Small Group Leaders?
Small Group Leaders are adults in our church, each of whom has been interviewed, background checked, and trained by our pastoral staff. Life Group Leaders are an extension of our team and represent some of the very best servant-leaders our church has to offer. They are looking forward to journeying with your student this upcoming year. If you’re interested in leading with us, click the Adult Leader Registration link above.
What kinds of topics are studied and talked about at Small Group?
While our Small Group curriculum varies slightly from year to year and by age/grade, everything we discuss comes back to the truth found in God’s Word, the Bible. Past topics include biblical perspectives on: doubts, faith, sin/temptation, grace/forgiveness, identity, spiritual warfare, sex/dating, promises, miracles, etc.
I am a parent of a high school student… am I allowed to lead a Small Group?
Parents often make some of our best Small Group leaders and we would love for you to join our leadership team! If you’re interested in leading with us, click the Adult Leader Registration link above. Once submitted, we’ll reach out to you shortly after with next steps.