This section of the training should take between 25-30 minutes to complete.
The LEARN portion of your group is when you discuss the purpose of your time together—whether that is a study, an activity, or a video. This should take up the bulk of the meeting time or about 60 minutes.
THE FOUR ESSENTIALS:
The four essentials are the building blocks of a great group experience. These best practices help our groups achieve authentic community and spiritual growth and help people take responsibility for their own growth.
Stay Connected: Prioritize your growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
You can help others grow best when you are growing in your relationship with Jesus.
You need to draw spiritual guidance and nourishment from Jesus personally and directly.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
– John 15:5
Cultivate Relationships: Connect relationally outside of group time.
Your role as a leader is to create an environment for your group members to connect on deeper levels during and outside of group time.
Lead the way in connecting with your group members.
Experience fun together!
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . . . And love your neighbor as yourself.
– Matthew 22:37, 39
Share Ownership: Delegate tasks.
Identify group members who are willing to:
Schedule group meetings
Facilitate discussions
Bring snacks
Organize socials
Find service projects
Provide care for group members
Provide Care: Be aware of what’s going on in people’s lives.
Change your plans to attend a funeral.
Set up a meal calendar for someone who just had a baby or is ill.
There are levels of care that go beyond the capacity of the group.
If a group member is navigating an issue like addiction, divorce, serious financial problems, or a loss, they may need to connect with a church staff member who can provide pastoral care or a professional counselor.
More information can be found at groupleaders.org/providecare.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
– Galatians 6:10
1. What essential comes most naturally to you?
2. What essential will require more intentionality and how will you lead through that?
3. Which of these essentials have you seen modeled in a group and what difference did it make in the group experience?
