GROUPS DOs AND DON’Ts
As you lead your group, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and direction. If you are debating on doing something with your group, you can always reach out to your pastors for a second opinion.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Do plan and communicate with your group in advance.
Do look for ways to make it easy for people to engage.
Do submit attendance each time your group meets.
Do update Planning Center with the latest details on your group.
Do use your group time to facilitate discussion.
Do encourage group members to pray for each other.
Don’t use group time for lecture-style teaching.
Don’t cancel a meeting without letting everyone know.
Don't worry if you don't have all the answers. It's okay to say, "I don't know, but let me find out."
INGREDIENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL GROUP
Pray
Pray for those you invited. Pray for their health, marriage, children—everything!
Pray for upcoming group meetings.
Pray during group meetings.
Pray for group members whether they are present or not.
Invite New People
Appoint greeters for your group.
Introduce new group members to everyone.
Start and End on Time
Honor people’s schedule and time.
Before your group starts, think through how you would like to use the meeting time.
You can choose to have a time of connection after your scheduled group time for those who want to stay a bit longer.
Welcome People Warmly
Keep a watchful eye for people who wander to the corners of the room and stand alone.
Make sure you have funny or interesting icebreakers. It’s not easy to recover from a bad start.
Create an Atmosphere for God to Move
Be prepared and expectant. God always shows up to a prepared and expectant atmosphere.
Believe for God to move during your group meetings.
Minister to Your Group
Be sensitive to the fact that first-time visitors often come to a meeting with a ministry need.
Don’t let your schedule inhibit you from the most important part of the meeting: ministering to the people!
Minister in an orderly way.
Train the members of your group to minister to others.
Have a Clear Purpose
Cast vision for the meeting.
Cast vision for group growth.
Invite group members to embrace the group vision.
SMALL GROUP MEETING IDEAS
To help build community within your group, consider using your first group gathering as a social time to allow members to get to know each other.
Here are some ideas:
Set a time to pray over your first meeting!
Put out sticker name tags to help people learn each other’s names.
As people arrive, let them know how glad you are to see them and introduce them to others in the group.
Put an encouraging note or Bible verse on each chair, and discuss as a group.
Provide snacks or order food such as pizza (something special for the first group!)
Put conversation-starting questions out on tables.
Play a game that allows everyone to share a little about themselves.
Make the first night a game night and invite members to bring their favorite games.
Put together a list of songs to play in the background at the meeting.
Give each person a postcard and ask them to write down one thing they’re hoping for with the group.
No matter how many people show up to the first meeting, have fun!
CULTIVATING GROWTH
Healthy things grow! Cast vision early for the growth of your group members and leaders. Whether your group is a faith- or interest-based group, create an atmosphere where people can grow in community and their relationship with God.
Encouragement
Everyone needs encouragement. Some people need to hear they’re doing a great job while others need to hear things are going to be okay.
Empower group members by calling out the potential you see in them. For example, if someone is a great gatherer, encourage them to invite people to the group or even aspire to lead a group of their own and a semester down the road.
You could also ask group members to share the responsibility of providing snacks, welcoming guests, taking attendance and leading the discussion time.
Scripture
The Word is life-giving and needed to experience spiritual growth. You can have a Scripture of the day or share a verse the Lord has put on your heart. It doesn’t require preaching; it’s simply encouraging people with the Word.
Prayer
Make prayer a priority. Prayer is instrumental in building genuine community within your group and making group members feel cared for, connected, and encouraged. Prayer creates a way for each group member to hear from God, believe what He says, and obey Him. Please try to start and end your small group in prayer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I invite people to my group?
A personal invitation is the best way to bring people into your group. Social media is another great way to spread the word.
Who should I invite to my group?
Don’t be afraid to invite the people already around you. Group members don’t have to attend Westchester Church!
Invite your friends and family.
Invite people you work with or your workout buddies.
Invite parents of children on your child’s sports team.
Invite people you volunteer with in the community or PTO.
Where can I hold my small group?
We encourage small group to meet outside the church building in the places where you like to spend your time. Some of the most common meet places are coffee shops.
Does my group have to meet weekly?
We encourage meeting weekly each semester in order to build the relationships but most groups do meet biweekly or bimonthly.
Why do I need to report attendance?
Reporting isn’t numbers; it’s stewardship. It helps us track the engagement level of each person in your group. If someone misses a few group meetings, a need may have arisen in their life. Community is the first step toward healing and growth, and we want everyone to feel connected and supported.
How do I choose a curriculum?
Any Christian-base small group study, explore DiscipleshipNow or even Pentecostal Publishing House, both are good options. Remember, the goal for your group is to create a safe, welcoming place for people to grow together, no matter the curriculum or activity.
What should I do if someone asks a question I can’t answer?
It's okay to not have all the answers. Thankfully we can find guidance through prayer, God's Word and the Holy Spirit. Encourage them to spend time reading the Bible and praying. Also, let them know that you will do your best to get some information and get back with them.
What should I do if someone in my group shares something with me or the group that requires more attention beyond what I can provide?
If you encounter a difficult situation within your small group, please know that you are not alone. If a member is going through a crisis, you can rally the group around them. If you are unsure of what to do, don't hesitate to ask. You can call Pastor Donny or Pastor Nathan, if/when needed.
QUESTIONS?
We are here to help! Please contact Nathan King either via phone or email if you have any questions.