Frequently Asked Questions

SmartGroups is an AI-powered app designed to help churches grow and manage small group ministries more effectively. We simplify group leadership by removing administrative burdens, break down language barriers with multi-language support, and provide instant Bible study generation on any topic or passage.

Think of us as your ministry's 'front office' - focused on helping groups grow and connect, rather than just managing data.

Getting started is simple:

1. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, or sign up on the web
2. Create your first group - it's free forever
3. Invite members via email, text, or social media
4. Generate your first AI Bible study in under 5 minutes

No credit card required, no complicated setup process.

If you have small groups of any kind - Bible study groups, prayer groups, service teams, mentoring circles, or discipleship groups - SmartGroups can help.

We're designed for:

• Small churches with just a few groups
• Large ministries with hundreds of groups
• Individual group leaders wanting better tools
• Multi-language communities needing inclusion
• Online, in-person, or hybrid meeting formats

Yes! Our AI can instantly create Bible studies on:

• Any Bible passage or book
• Topical studies (prayer, forgiveness, leadership, etc.)
• Seasonal themes (Christmas, Easter, etc.)
• Life issues (marriage, parenting, work, etc.)
• Current events through a biblical lens

Each study includes discussion questions, activities, and can be generated in 25+ languages. The AI understands context and creates content appropriate for your group's maturity level.

Absolutely! SmartGroups is designed for hybrid ministry:

• In-person groups: Everyone follows along on their devices, stays synchronized during Scripture reading
• Online groups: Built-in video conferencing, screen sharing, and real-time interaction
• Hybrid groups: Some members in-room, others joining remotely - everyone participates fully

No need to switch between different tools for different meeting types.

Yes! SmartGroups includes built-in video conferencing so group members can see and hear each other during online meetings. Features include:

• HD video and audio
• Screen sharing for Bible studies
• Live translated captions
• Recording capabilities
• Breakout room functionality

No need for separate video tools - everything is integrated into one platform.

SmartGroups supports 25+ languages for Bible study content:

• Spanish, French, Portuguese, German
• Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, Hindi
• Arabic, Russian, Italian, Dutch
• And many more...

While the app interface is currently in English, all curriculum, Bible studies, and group content can be created and displayed in your preferred language. Live translated captions help during video meetings.

We're actively working on native support for multiple Bible versions including NIV, ESV, NKJV, and more. Currently, you can:

• Include any Bible version in your custom curriculum
• Upload your preferred translation for AI studies
• Reference multiple versions in discussion questions

The AI works with whatever Bible version your group prefers.

SmartGroups works on virtually any modern device:

• iPhone: iOS 14.3 or newer (December 2020+)
• Android: Android 5.0 'Lollipop' or newer (2015+)
• Web browsers: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge
• Tablets: iPad, Android tablets
• Computers: Mac, PC, Chromebook

If your device can run WhatsApp or Facebook, it can run SmartGroups!

SmartGroups works with most internet connections:

• Basic features: Work on slow connections (text, studies, chat)
• Video calls: Need stable broadband (similar to Zoom)
• AI generation: Requires internet connection
• Offline access: Downloaded studies can be viewed offline

We've optimized the app to work well even in areas with limited connectivity.

Limited offline functionality is available:

• Downloaded Bible studies: Can be viewed and completed offline
• Saved content: Previously accessed materials remain available
• Notes and responses: Sync when you're back online

Full functionality (AI generation, video calls, real-time sync) requires an internet connection.

Yes! We use enterprise-grade security measures:

• SSL encryption for all data transmission
• Secure authentication via Google, Apple Sign-In, or email
• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• COPPA compliance for child safety
• Data encryption at rest and in transit
• SOC 2 compliant infrastructure

Your group's information is as secure as online banking.

No. We deliberately don't use Facebook login or integration to better protect your information and maintain privacy for your group members.

Instead, we use:

• Google Sign-In (optional)
• Apple Sign-In (optional)
• Email and password

This gives you more control over your data and privacy.

Groups are completely isolated from each other:

• Non-members can only see basic group info (name, description)
• Group activities are private to members only
• Discussions and prayer requests are never visible to other groups
• Member information is protected and not shared
• Church leaders see only what you give them permission to see

Your group's privacy is completely under your control.

Your data is safe and always remains yours:

• Regular backups to multiple secure locations
• Never sold to third parties
• Export anytime: Download all your group data
• Delete anytime: Remove all data permanently
• GDPR compliant data handling

We're custodians of your data, not owners. You maintain full control.

Yes! If you have just one group, SmartGroups is free forever:

• No trial period that expires
• No credit card required
• No hidden limitations on features
• Full access to AI Bible study generation
• Complete feature set for single groups

We believe group leaders shouldn't have to pay to serve their communities.

You only need to upgrade when you want:

• Multiple groups (2+): Church plans start at $49/month
• Church branding: Custom logos and colors
• Pastor's Dashboard: Ministry-wide oversight
• Advanced analytics: Attendance and engagement stats
• Priority support: Faster response times

Individual group leaders can use SmartGroups forever without paying.

No! Unlike other church software, we never charge per user. You pay based on the number of groups, not the number of people.

This means:

• A group of 5 people costs the same as a group of 50
• You can invite unlimited members to each group
• No surprise charges when your groups grow
• Predictable pricing that scales with your ministry

Absolutely! You have complete flexibility:

• Upgrade anytime: Access new features immediately
• Downgrade anytime: Reduce costs when needed
• Cancel anytime: No long-term contracts
• Prorated billing: Only pay for what you use

Changes take effect at your next billing cycle with automatic adjustments.

We provide comprehensive support for all users:

• Free plans: Email support and help documentation
• Church plans: Priority support with faster response times
• Video tutorials: Step-by-step guides for all features
• Live onboarding: Personal training sessions for church plans
• Help center: Searchable knowledge base

Our goal is to make you successful, not just answer tickets.

Yes! We offer multiple training options:

• Video tutorials: Available for all features
• Written guides: Step-by-step instructions
• Live onboarding: Personal training for church plans
• Webinars: Group training sessions
• Best practices: Tips from successful churches

Most users find the app intuitive and get started without formal training.

Church plans can import existing curriculum and materials:

• Upload PDF study guides
• Import from popular curriculum publishers
• Convert Word documents to interactive studies
• Migrate from other church software

We'll help you transfer your existing content during onboarding so nothing is lost in the transition.

Great question! While other church software focuses on administration ('back office'), SmartGroups focuses on growth and community building ('front office'):

• AI-powered content: Instant Bible study generation
• Group-focused pricing: Not per-user fees
• Multi-language support: Built-in, not an add-on
• Hybrid meeting support: Online and in-person seamlessly
• Simplicity: Designed for leaders, not administrators

We complement (don't replace) your existing church management system.