Anne,
We are using "groups" in F1 in a relatively unique way. (Note: we refer to our small groups as LifeGroups, so I will use that term.) We wanted to use F1 to track two things with LifeGroups:
1) We wanted to track an individuals membership and participation in a LifeGroup. This is fairly straight forward and a commonly used by churches using F1.
2) We also wanted to track the LifeGroups themselves - separate from the individual. To do that, we created a special status name for our LifeGroups. Then we created households in the system that represented each LifeGroup. So now we can track whether a LifeGroup (as a whole) serving (or other group activities) as a LifeGroup (rather than just track each individuals in a LifeGroup).
These two approaches let us manage indivudals and their participation - and then seperately "groups" participation. (and do it in F1)
If you are interested to know more about our approach to "groups" (specifically the item #2 part above) please email me directly through F1 and I will be glad to answer your questions and connect you with the people at our church that manage our LifeGroups.
John Schneider
Forest Hill Church