LEADERSHIP FAQʼS Q: How should our group time be structured? A: Your group meeting should proceed along the following lines: • 15 min – Welcome & “connection interaction” – updates, etc. • 15 min – Watch “Your15” Video • 15 min - Discuss “Your15” Video • 10 min - Pray • 5 min - Wrap Up To have food available and a time of fellowship for 30 minutes or so prior to starting your meeting, is fine. Keep in mind that our goal is for people “to want to come back for more.” Time discipline is important for consistently good meetings. Ending on time is simply a way of respecting the people in your group. Q: How often should our group meet and do we take breaks from meeting? A: Life Groups and most Focus Groups need to meet on a weekly basis. This is not a hard & fast rule, but regular interaction is a key to building relational bonds and providing consistent input. If it is helpful for the group to “take a break” periodically, or over a holiday period, the group needs to decide this and plan accordingly. Q: What about food? A: Food is a great vehicle for facilitating fellowship and openness in the group. Having some light refreshments can encourage promptness and help make for an agreeable atmosphere. Life Groups are not intended to be dinner functions. The emphasis is upon the 1-hour discussion and connection. Each group will have to arrange who will provide refreshments each week. Q: Is there any help to lead the discussion of the “Your15” videos? !"#!$#$%&#&'(#)*#&+,%#-&--.)'#)*#/0)12345#$%&2&#.-#+#6.-$#)*#71&-$.)'-#$)#%&68#8&)86&# 82),&--#+'(#2&$+.'#$%&#.'*)29+$.)'#$%+$#:+-#82&-&'$&(#.'#$%+$#-&--.)';##<%&=#+2&#+6-)# .'$&'(&(#$)#82)>.(&#/*),1-#71&-$.)'-5#*)2#(.-,1--.)'#.'#=)12#?2)18;##@-&#$%&-&# 71&-$.)'-#$)#(2+:#)1$#+'(#.'>)6>&#+66#$% &9A&2-#)*#=)12#?2)18;#Remember, the emphasis is on what we “DO” with the Word. A good question is: “What does it look like for us to apply this?” Q: How should guests and new people be included in our group? A: When someone new is with you, be sure that they have opportunity to introduce themselves and that the other members of the group introduce themselves. Put into context what the group is about: “We meet each week to share our lives together and find out how to be better followers of Jesus Christ.” Connect with them privately outside of the meeting to gain insight into their
spiritual condition and provide an opportunity to answer questions, minister to them, etc. Q: What do we do with children? ! !"#@-&#$%&#!"#$%&'()*+$,$-&9+$&2.+6#)'#$%.-#2&-)12,+?&#+-#+#82.9+2=#2&*&2&',&#*)2# A)$%#,2&+$.>&#.(&+-#+'(#?1.(&6.'&-#*)2#,+2.'?#*)2#,%.6(2&';##<%.-#:+-#(&>&6)8&(#A=# B&'#C#D)'.#E%.$+F&2G#)12#,%.6(2&'H-#8+-$)2-;#If you have particular questions or concerns, contact Pastor Joni at
[email protected].# Q: How do I handle someone who dominates the discussion time? A: A successful Small Group is measured, in part, by the sense of connection & acceptance people feel. Being heard and understood is key to that. If someone tends to dominate the time, talk with them privately and let them know what you observed. Ask them to help make sure that everyone has an opportunity to speak. If they persist, it is appropriate to gently interrupt and ask someone else to share. Q: How can I draw out someone who is very quiet? A: In an atmosphere of genuine care and warmth, a quiet person will not feel put upon to be asked, “Jane, what do you think about this?” Such a question, sincerely asked out of an interest and desire to hear from that person, will not draw unwanted attention to them. Q: How do we keep the prayer time brief and focused? A: In the final moments of the meeting, the leader asks if there are any prayer requests. Each one in the group is given an opportunity to state their need. Brevity needs to be encouraged with the actual need being the focus. Once the prayer needs are stated, itʼs good if the leader or one person he enlists prays for the needs that have been shared. This keeps the prayer focused and avoids some of the pitfalls that can accompany everyone joining in prayer. Someone may make a list of the needs as they are shared and email them so the group can continue to pray throughout the week.
Q: What is Cobblestone and how can I use it to better facilitate my group? A: Cobblestone is Grace Covenantʼs social networking site for groups and ministries. Through this site, you can send messages to everyone in your Small Group, create Events (or meetings) for folks to RSVP to, post prayer requests, and facilitate midweek discussions about the study material. If you are interested in using Cobblestone for your Small Group, contact Karen Montgomery at
[email protected]
