Small Group Leader Team


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Playbook for the

Small Group Leader Team

Parkway Fellowship All Campuses

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Small Group Leader Team

Quick Reference Page

This page is a Quick Reference Guide only. Please read the rest of the Playbook and then refer to the information on this page as necessary.

HOW I CAN MAKE SURE EVERY WEEK IS A WIN? 1. The Small Group has a time of fellowship 2. The Small Group has a spiritual discussion based on the curriculum 3. The Small Group Coordinators carry out their responsibilities

THE LEADER Brian Brunke (Small Group Operations Pastor) oversees this ministry.

THE SCHEDULE

(more information on pg. 4)

The current scheduling for this ministry is to attend New Leader Training before the semester begins (for first-time leaders), and to serve each week your Small Group meets. You will also spend some time each week in preparation for the group. The time commitment depends on the type of curriculum.

What do I do if I can’t be there? (more information on pg. 4) You will find someone in the group to take your place leading the group. Cancelling Small Group is a last resort!

THE PROCEDURE

(more information on pgs. 4-9)

On a weekly basis, you as the Small Group Leader (SGL) will prepare for the Small Group meeting, at which you will lead the Small Group through the curriculum and facilitate a spiritual discussion. You will also ensure that the Small Group Coordinators are carrying out their weekly responsibilities, and take care of any logistical matters like reimbursement for curriculum

Small Group Ministry Parkway Fellowship

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Playbook

This Playbook is a resource for all Small Group Leaders at Parkway Fellowship. It is meant to be a step by step instruction manual for leading a Small Group at The Park. Should you have any specific questions not covered by this Playbook, please contact the Small Groups Ministry Staff at your campus.

HOW CAN I MAKE SURE EVERY WEEK IS A WIN? 1. The Small Group has a time of fellowship 2. The Small Group has a spiritual discussion based on the curriculum 3. The Small Group Coordinators carry out their responsibilities How does this Reach the lost at any cost and grow them to maturity? (our mission statement) Small Groups are the primary avenue of discipleship at Parkway Fellowship. The Small Group Leader (SGL) helps people mature in their faith and understanding of God’s Word. God will also use this role to mature the SGL in his or her own faith and abilities as a leader. Because many seekers are uncomfortable with the large-group format of a Sunday service, it is possible that a SG might be the way that the Lord draws someone into a relationship with Him, thus using a SG as another means to reach the lost. Which of the 5 biblical purposes does this ministry fulfill? Discipleship: This is the ministry in which we learn to follow Jesus and live by God’s Word. Fellowship: This is how people make friends and experience mutual prayer and care.

The SG ministry primarily fulfills the purposes of discipleship and fellowship, but also touches on the other purposes: Ministry: The purpose of Ministry is fulfilled when the members of the Small Group care for each other and meets each other’s needs. Worship: This purpose is fulfilled through weekly prayer. Evangelism: This purpose is achieved when members of the group reach out to those who are not Christ followers and invite them to SG. Can I be part of this ministry before I become a member? Yes, but with the understanding that you will begin the process of becoming a member of The Park.

THE LEADER Brian Brunke (Small Group Operations Pastor) oversees this ministry. Who is the pastor ultimately responsible for this ministry team? Ryan Lokkesmoe (Small Groups Pastor) Parkway Fellowship All Campuses

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THE SCHEDULE The current schedule for this ministry is to attend New Leader Training before the semester begins (for first-time leaders), and to serve each week that your Small Group meets. You will also spend some time each week in preparation for the group. How long is this going to take me every week? The time commitment will vary depending on the group size and curriculum, but you will spend the amount of time each week that the group meets, as well as approximately 20-30 minutes during the week familiarizing yourself with the curriculum and praying for the group. What do I do if I can’t be there? You will find someone in the group to take your place leading the group. Cancelling Small Group is a last resort! It’s a good idea to ask someone at the beginning of the semester if they would be willing to lead in the event that you can’t make it.

THE PROCEDURE Before the Semester Prepare spiritually Before the semester begins, spend some time searching your heart and asking God to prepare you for this important leadership role. Ask that He will remove anything in your life that would hinder your ministry as a SGL, and ask Him to give you wisdom and insight as you lead your SG to greater spiritual maturity. Follow through on this by committing to pray and read your Bible every day. Familiarize Yourself with Parkway Fellowship’s Essential Beliefs (pg. 11-12) Pray for SG members After agreeing to serve as a SGL, begin praying that God would bring the people He wants to your group, and that He would use your leadership to mature the group members throughout the semester. You will pray for the group members each week during the semester, so it is a good idea to get in the habit of doing this before the semester begins. Understand the 3 Small Group Coordinator Roles In addition to the SGL, each Small Group has three Coordinators: 1. Prayer Coordinator: Takes down group prayer requests and emails them out to the group 2. Care Coordinator: Organizes care for any group member that has practical needs 3. Follow-Up Coordinator: Arranges a phone call follow up with any absent group member Small Group Ministry Parkway Fellowship

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These roles must be filled in every SG, with no exceptions. This accomplishes 3 things:   

You do not carry all of the burden by yourself It is an opportunity to cultivate future SGL’s by dividing the leadership responsibilities It ensures consistency across the entire Small Group ministry

New Leader Training It is mandatory that first-time leaders attend New Leader training. The training will take place shortly before Small Group sign-ups begin, and several weeks before the Small Group actually starts to meet. At the training, the SGL will sign the Small Group Leader Commitment. Curriculum A couple weeks before the Small Group semester begins, the curriculum needs to be ordered. You will submit a check request/reimbursement form to the church for the total amount of leader materials such as DVD’s and leader kits (you can find the form and other resources on the Small Group Ministry blog: ParkwaySmallGroups.blogspot.com). The SGL and the host will also be reimbursed for their own individual curriculum materials (for example, your copy of a book or your individual participant’s guide). Individual SG members will order and pay for their own materials. Sign-Ups You as the SGL are responsible for making an active effort to invite people to join your SG. Because there are so many people in our SG system at Parkway Fellowship, it takes a broad and coordinated effort to fill the SG’s each semester. During sign-ups, you should make a deliberate effort to reach out to people at The Park and encourage them to join your SG. Pre-semester Communication with Group Members After sign-ups begin, log in to the Church Teams software in order to see who has signed up and send them a welcome email. The Small Groups Ministry will email you a reminder to do so, along with instructions. During the sign-ups period, this needs to be done weekly because people are continually signing up for SG’s and your roster will be changing week to week. It is also important to call each person on the roster before the semester begins in order to encourage them to attend the first meeting. If a group member misses the first meeting, there is a high likelihood that they will not attend consistently for the remainder of the semester. During the semester, use the Church Teams software to see the updated roster, as well as send out emails to the entire group and track attendance. For details about using Church Teams, see the document entitled Church Teams Instructions on the blog. Group Schedule All SGL’s will draft a schedule for the semester, which includes every date that the group will meet, as Small Group Ministry Parkway Fellowship

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well as which part of the curriculum will be covered each week (see the blog for a sample schedule). The SGL will hand this out to the group members at the first meeting. On the schedule, you should plan for a Fellowship Week approximately 1/3 of the way through the semester – a week in which there is no curriculum, and the group just hangs out. The Host In many cases, the SGL is also the host, since many Small Groups meet at the home of the SGL. If you are going to meet in someone else’s home, consult with the Host about the logistics of hosting a group at their house (for example, meeting times, furniture arrangements, space for childcare, use of the DVD player etc.) Childcare Each Small Group works out its own childcare. Parkway Fellowship is not in any way responsible or liable for the childcare provided in a Small Group. Parkway Fellowship does not do background checks

on any adult Small Group childcare providers, and the selection and payment of such childcare providers is solely up to the parents in the Small Group.

If there is going to be childcare in your Small Group, consult with the parents in order to work out the details and think through the logistics. This should be done at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the Small Group semester. Do not put this off! A common arrangement is to have the parents in a Small Group share the cost of a babysitter that watches the children in a child-safe part of the home each week.

During the Semester Individual Support from the Small Groups Ministry During the semester, the SGL may contact the Small Groups Ministry with any questions or concerns. The best way to contact us is by email at [email protected]. You can also call us at the church office at 832.222.9282. If you are unable to reach us via email or at the office, you may text us at 713.397.1693. Please include your name in any text message you send, and do not use this number for minor questions and clarifications. You can find many resources on the Small Group Leader Blog: ParkwaySmallGroups.blogspot.com The SGL can also connect with us on Twitter: @RyLokk Ryan Lokkesmoe, Small Groups Pastor @BrianBrunke Brian Brunke, Small Group Operations Pastor @TheParkSG Parkway Fellowship Small Groups Ministry

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Communications from the Small Groups Ministry During the Semester, you will receive weekly communications (as a group) from the Small Groups Pastor. These communications will generally fall into three categories: 1. SGL Connection: a brief email or video with teaching and training designed just for the SGL’s. 2. Quick Poll: A very short question that all SGL’s should respond to as quickly as possible (it will take no more than 30 seconds to read and respond to). 3. Action Item: Something that the Small Groups Pastor wants all SGL’s to announce or address in their group at the next meeting (for example, a request for people to serve at a particular event, or an announcement about an upcoming Class 101 or Baptism). SGL’s are expected to watch the SGL Connection videos, as well as read emails carefully and respond (if requested to do so). Once a Semester Face-Time Meeting You will also be contacted by the Small Groups ministry about scheduling a brief in-person meeting on one Sunday morning during the semester. This will be a 5 minute chat about how your group is doing, and how we can support you. Weekly Preparation & Communication You will prepare for the group meeting each week by (1) praying for group members, and (2) reviewing the curriculum and/or discussion questions. You should anticipate which directions the conversation might go, and think of insightful questions to ask to stimulate discussion among group members. For some suggestions on guiding the discussion, see the document entitled Asking Great Questions at ParkwaySmallGroups.blogspot.com. Plan on sending two emails out to your group each week: (1) Copy the group on the Church Teams attendance email with some brief comments, and (2) send another email during the week (preferably the day before or the day of the group meeting). This second email will help to encourage members to attend the group and remind them of any reading or preparation they need to do. Look for opportunities to share about your group on social media as well. This helps the group stay connected outside of their meetings, and creates awareness of the Small Groups ministry and Parkway Fellowship. The First Meeting Place the welcome sign in the yard before your first meeting. This helps the group members know where the group is meeting, and makes them feel welcome.

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Have copies of the SG commitment form, and lead the group through it (see the blog for SG commitment form). Collect the forms afterward and keep them for the duration of the semester. Take some time to make Small Group Coordinator assignments: Prayer Coordinator, Care Coordinator, and Follow-up coordinator. Bring copies of the Small Group Coordinator responsibilities to give out during the first meeting (pg. 15). Also, bring copies of the semester’s schedule for the group, and go over it in detail. Typical Meeting The SG should begin with a time of fellowship (and a meal for groups that meet at dinner or lunchtime). You will notify group members what time they will begin the lesson, and open with prayer at exactly that time. After the curriculum has been completed (if a DVD), begin the group discussion by asking insightful questions designed to create conversation. For example, you might ask What stood out to you about this chapter?, or What was the most challenging thing you learned in this lesson?, or What does this

mean for our identity as Christ followers?

For tips about handling different challenges in a group, see the document entitled Handling Group Situations on the blog. After the discussion, call on each Small Group Coordinator to address the group and get prayer and care requests, as well as discuss who is absent and assign follow-up responsibilities. Finally, close with another time of fellowship until everyone leaves. The night of the meeting, you will receive an email from Church Teams requesting an attendance report. If you do not fill it out in a timely manner, you will receive automatic reminders to do so. Refreshments/Meals The best way to handle refreshments or meals is to coordinate a meal schedule shared between group members. Make sure to find out if there are any food allergies. The Small Group will be reimbursed up to $25/week for any costs associated with food or paper goods. Use the reimbursement form (found on the blog), to be turned in to the Small Groups Ministry. This can be turned in weekly, monthly, or at the end of the semester. It is highly encouraged that the Small Group rotates who brings the meal each week, so that all of the meal responsibilities do not fall on the SGL or Host, and in order to keep the cost of meal reimbursement at a manageable level. Dealing with Difficult Group Members or Questions

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1. The Talker: This is the person who monopolizes the discussion. In order to prevent this, tell the group to make their comments brief, biblical and beneficial for the whole group. The SGL can also ask for “a tweet, not a novel”, especially during prayer time. A great way to involve other people in the discussion is to say “Let’s hear from someone else” and look to the rest of the group for a contribution. 2. The Quiet One: This is the person who does not contribute to the conversation. An easy way to get them involved is to ask an introductory question that every group member will answer. Once they do start to contribute, praise their comments. 3. The Troublemaker: This is the person who has a combative tone in the group. This is someone who is stifling the group chemistry or conversation. The best way to address them is to talk to them individually. These situations are rarely addressed too early, and often handled way too late. Rely on the Parkway staff to help you. 4. The Needy Member: This is the group member that monopolizes the group’s care system, or uses the prayer time as their own extended personal counseling session. This is not the purpose of the group, and an overly needy member can destroy the group dynamic. Rely on the staff for help with situations like this. 5. Difficult Questions: It’s common that someone in the group will have a difficult question relating to God or The Bible. Rather than feeling the pressure to provide an answer, simply say something like “I’m not really sure what the answer is. I’ll check with Ryan and get back to y’all as soon as possible.” It’s OK to not know the answer. Allow your group to see you learning along with them. Keep the Small Groups Staff in the Loop There are too many Small Groups at Parkway Fellowship for the staff to actively monitor. Keep the staff in the loop on how your group is doing, and ask any questions related to technical, relational or biblical matters. We also want to hear about stories of life change that happen in the Small Group, so let us know!

After the Semester After the semester is over, turn in any church-owned curriculum to the Small Groups Pastor. This includes DVD sets and other group curriculum that was purchased by the church. The SGL and Host may keep any individual books or participants’ guides that the church purchased for them. IMPORTANT: After the Small Group semester has ended, remind the group to continue to check in with any care needs. This must be done until the beginning of the next Small Group semester. If this is not done, there will be no care system in place for your group members until the next Small Group semester begins.

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Other Resources 4 Values of the Small Groups Ministry at Parkway Fellowship: 1. The regular reading and application of God’s Word 2. Friendship with other Christ Followers 3. Mutual prayer and care 4. Leadership development

Essential Beliefs of Parkway Fellowship About God God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one God.

Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14 About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is coequal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13 About the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make mankind aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18 About the Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to all mankind. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160; 12:6; Proverbs 30:5 About Human Beings

We are all made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God. Small Group Ministry Parkway Fellowship

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Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2 About Salvation Salvation is a gift from God to mankind. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by faith.

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1 About Eternal Security

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.

John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5

About Eternity;’ We all were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. The place of eternal separation from God is called hell. Heaven is the place of eternal union and eternal life with God.

John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:1 (hell); Matthew 25:41; Revelation 21:27 (heaven)

Celebrating the Lord’s Supper (optional) Many Small Groups like to observe the Lord’s Supper together one time during the semester. Below are instructions on how to do this in a meaningful way: 1. Distribute the bread and grape juice 2. Read from Luke 22:1-19:

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people. 3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd. 7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it." 9 They said to him, "Where will you have us prepare it?" 10 He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there." 13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. 14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I Small Group Ministry Parkway Fellowship

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will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." (Luke 22:1-19)

Then say, This passage is about when Jesus first instituted the Lord’s Supper. He did this to help us

remember and reflect on his sacrifice for us. It is a vivid picture of how he suffered for us – his broken body and his blood. So we’re going to celebrate the Lord’s Supper together and reflect on his sacrifice for us.

3. Next, have everyone take their bread in their hands. Read 1 Cor. 11: 23-24:

…The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Then, eat the bread. Make sure to allow silent time for reflection – don’t rush to the next step. 4. Next, have everyone take their juice in their hand. Read 1 Cor. 11:25-26:

In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Then, drink the juice. Allow silent time for reflection. 5. Say, The Lord’s Supper is a picture of what Jesus did for us in his death and resurrection. Then, ask the group to share about what Jesus’ sacrifice means to them. As the leader, you should share first. 6. Close in a prayer of thanksgiving for Jesus’ sacrifice and our salvation.

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SMALL GROUP COORDINATOR CARDS (cut in between and hand out)

PRAYER COORDINATOR  Write down the prayer requests at the end of each Small Group meeting.  After the meeting, email the prayer requests to the Small Group so that group members can pray for each other during the week.

CARE COORDINATOR

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 At the end of each Small Group meeting, ask the group if anyone has any care needs (ex., help moving, meals for someone who is sick).  Make arrangements with the members of the Small Group to meet the care needs of the group.

 asd FOLLOW-UP COORDINATOR

PRAYER COORDINATOR

 Each week, take note any requests groupatmembers 1. Write down of the prayer the end of eachwho are absent from the Small Group meeting. Small Group meeting.

2. Email the prayer requests to the group the night of the

 Make arrangements with the members Small Group to contact meeting so that the group members canof praythe for each other during the week.

absent group members and (1) let them know they were missed, and (2) get them up to speed on any reading that needs to be done. Small Group Ministry  Parkway Fellowship

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