08.30.08
GOT HELP?
Have you ever just wanted to know what other Small Group Leaders are doing around the world? Here is a website that is designed to help give practical tips and creative ideas to Small Group Leaders. Check it out and if you find a particular article or idea that has helped you as a leader, please take time to tell us about it!
Welcome to New Small Group Host
What an exciting time we had at the Connection Event this past Sunday evening! There were almost 800 people from all over the Vegas Valley who attended the BBQ Connection Event looking to get connected into a Small Group! Thank you for your willingness to host or to add new members to your existing Group! Here are a couple of reminders for you as you launch your new Small Group.
* Within the next few days, please email all of your new Small Group members and welcome them to your group. Remember to include the location, time, and what you will be doing during your first Small Group gathering. Use the first two weeks to get to know one another and build relationships! You may choose to have a picnic, go bowling, BBQ, or have a game night! Whatever you do…think RELATIONSHIPS!
* A couple of days before your first meeting personally call each member and remind them of your meeting. Confirm the location, time, and what you will be doing. Don’t be disappointed if someone will not be able to attend for one reason or another. Jobs, children, or other responsibilities may keep them from one of your meetings. Be sure to stay in contact with them notifying them of the group’s future meetings.
* If for some reason someone will not be able to be a part of your group, please have them contact the Small Group Ministry office and the Small Group Ministry Team will work to see that they are connected in another group. Our contact information is (702) 735-4004.
Remember you will not be doing the journey alone. Your Small Group Pastor or Senior Small Group Leader will be in contact with you and will be available to help. They will be checking in on your progress, so please let him/her know of any successes, challenges or questions.
I am excited about what God is going to do in your life and the life of your Small Group over the next few weeks. And again, thanks for your willingness to HOST!
How does your church add new members to Small Groups? Do you have Connection Events and if yes, what does it look like?
Essentials for Hosting a New Small Group
Welcome to the TEAM!
ARE YOU READY? We say a special “Thank You” for your willingness to Host your Small Group. The Starter TIPS will give you a few important essentials we believe will help you successfully host your group over the next 10 weeks. We’ve also included for you a week-by-week guide that will give you some creative ideas for hosting the group using the Life Path Curriculum. We want you to know that you will not be doing the journey alone. Your pastor or Senior Leader is available to help you and will be checking in on your progress, so please let him/her know of any successes, challenges or questions. And again, thanks for Hosting!
ESSENTIALS FOR HOSTING THE GROUP
* Have Fun! Create an environment that is FUN and Enjoyable! We want the group to be a wonderful experience for all of those involved. The key is to make sure laughter is a part of your group every week. Always begin your meeting with a meal or some refreshments, and always end the meeting allowing time to just “hang out” together.
* Think Relationships! Over the next 10weeks, the main priority of the Small Group is to get to know each other. Although Bible Study is an important part of the Small Group experience; don’t forget to connect relationally with each other. Another great opportunity to grow together as a group is to attend First Wednesday. During our First Wednesday services, you and your group will be able to experience worship, baptism, Bible Study, and communion together.
* Be Consistent! A sure way for any Small Group to fail is to not be consistent. We encourage all of our groups to meet every week on an agreed upon day and at an agreed upon time. Frequently changing the meeting day and time is an almost certain setup for failure.
* Cultivate Commitment! Make sure you follow through. Some people that are joining your group may only give it one shot! Make the Small Group experience the best they will ever experience! Encourage your group members that the only way to enjoy the full benefits of a Small Group is to commit to being fully involved in the Bible Study and attend every meeting.
Feel free to add comments that have helped your Small Group Leaders/Host to get started.
To Blog or Not to Blog!
Blog! Blog! Blog! That seems to be the “Buzz” word now. Either you have to have a You Tube account, a Facebook account, and then you have to see how many friends you can get. I have really tried to stay out of the blogging arena if for nothing else…I just don’t seem to have the time. But a friend of mine convinced me that I could save time and help develop leaders through “Blogging”. So here I am in Blog City. Anyway, let me take a few moments and answer why I have chosen to Blog for our Small Group Ministry:
1.) Leaders can access Training Videos that can sharpen a Leader’s Skills.
2.) Leaders can browse recommended and new study curriculum and give their feedback.
3.) Leaders can actually find specific topics that may be of interest to them.
4.) Books and resources can be recommended and rated.
5.) Leaders can share their ideas and others can chime in.
6.) Leaders can read about their roles and responsibilites.
7.) Learn about upcoming events.
8.) We can learn from each other, stay in close communication, and experience this journey together!
Well, there are a few of the reasons that I have chosen to Blog! We are currently in the early constructive stages, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know! Have a great day!
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