SMALL GROUPS

Our Spring Small Group semester will take place February 2nd — May 3rd.

The primary role of a Small Group Leader is to help group members move one step in their walk with God.

A successful group.

HOW TO START YOUR SMALL GROUP

1. Ask God for direction about what group to lead and who to invite.
2. Once you decide on a topic or activity for your group, choose a place and time to meet.
3. Register your group with the Small Groups form. You’ll receive information on your group in Planning Center.
4. Invite people you know or meet to come check out your group.
5. Pray for God to do great things through your Small Group.

Preparing for your group meetings:

Accept requests to join PCO Group after launch.
Send a message to group members reminding them about the first meeting.
Arrive early to set up a welcoming environment.
Always have upbeat Christian music (Cadence events playlist).
Consider having name tags available to help everyone learn names for the first few weeks.

Here are a couple conversation starters to help get people talking as your group gets to know each other:

How did you learn about our group?
What are your hobbies?
What are you looking forward to this year?
What brought you here?
What are you hoping to get out of this Small Group?

How to create good group dynamics:

Set expectations.
A key to helping people feel comfortable in your group is to let them know what to expect. Take time to share how the group will flow from week to week. This can include things like explaining the times you will begin and end the group, how discussion or group activities will happen, and how group members can share prayer requests or best engage in the group.

Follow the 70-30 rule.
Give the members of your group room to speak up instead of doing all the talking yourself. About 70% of talking should come from members and 30% from the leader.

Keep discussion positive.
If conversation takes a negative or destructive turn, guide it back to a healthy place. If someone needs to talk about a sensitive or complex issue, you can follow up with them after the group or call your coach to help you respond well.

Keep the conversation relevant to everyone.
Remember people in your group will be at different places in their spiritual journey. Be thoughtful when you talk about spiritual concepts or church terms that might be unfamiliar to new Christians or new church-goers.

Respect boundaries.
Men should minister to men and women should minister to women. A couple may minister to a single person. We want to maintain integrity and purity in our Small Groups. These boundaries will help protect the leaders and group members from entering into an uncomfortable or inappropriate situation.

Small Groups are not a place for:
Business
Offerings
Unapproved materials or speakers
Controversial topics

Keep it simple.

Love God
Develop your relationship with God.

Love People
Pray for your group and help them take a step.
Connect personally with each member once outside of the group.

Make it Better
Invite others to join your group.
Send in monthly attendance reporting.

Choose Joy
Host an environment of joy and encouragement.
Use the keys to a “successful group.”

 Next Steps

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