The following is meant to be an opportunity for group leaders to train themselves and prepare to lead this year. We ask all our group leaders to take some time to read through the material below. Then prayerfully reflect on how God is calling you to lead your group this next year and submit your group "map" through the form at the bottom of this webpage. If you would like the following content and map document in paper form, contact Pastor Mike.
Session 1 - Preparing to Lead a Group
WHAT IS A GROUP?
Small gatherings of Christ followers meeting on their own, facilitated by a leader is not a new idea. In fact, for the first few hundred years of the church, these kinds of groups were pretty much the only way to experience life in the Church. Luke describes this type of group well in Acts 2:42-47, and through church history the value of these groups have not changed.
Throughout the week we have faithful people gathering together regularly for study, prayer, and encouragement in three different types of groups; all with their unique purpose. These groups include:
No matter why type of group you have, the bigger purpose of groups is building close relationships with others and the pursuit of living out the teachings of Scripture. Life together means your connection to this group of people eventually goes beyond your regular group meetings. You’re doing activities together, helping each other out when needs arise, paying attention to and praying for details going on in each other’s lives. You are putting your faith into practice by living out God’s Word together. Eventually, you’ll find this impacting more than just your group members!
With that in mind, you’ll find that there are three key elements present in a healthy group:
GROUP LEADERS MATTER
The role you play in the life of our church matters tremendously! In many ways, you become the energy and pacesetters at our church through the relationships you build and invest in. You’re not just leading a discussion, you're cultivating an environment where people's faith deepens through the connection and collaboration of close, trusted relationships. We believe that God has led you to this place of leading a group, and we want to do our best to empower and equip you in creating a life-giving group!
YOUR VISION FOR YOUR GROUP
Take a few minutes to think through the questions below regarding your vision for your group this next year. Don’t feel pressured to make something perfect. Simply go with what you see God laying on your heart and work towards clarifying those passions into words that you can use to communicate that vision with others in your group. Write down your thoughts when you feel good about your response.
Small gatherings of Christ followers meeting on their own, facilitated by a leader is not a new idea. In fact, for the first few hundred years of the church, these kinds of groups were pretty much the only way to experience life in the Church. Luke describes this type of group well in Acts 2:42-47, and through church history the value of these groups have not changed.
Throughout the week we have faithful people gathering together regularly for study, prayer, and encouragement in three different types of groups; all with their unique purpose. These groups include:
- STUDY GROUPS - Provides good options for those desiring a deeper knowledge of God and his word. Gather together to dig deeper in studying God’s Word or a series that helps us learn more about our faith. These studies typically take place during the week at First Covenant and are always open to the community. Study groups tend to focus mostly on the content of the study at their gatherings, but are still intentional to build relationships with others.
- LIFE GROUPS - Provides good options for those desiring to build deep relationships in Christian community. Life together means your connection to this group of people goes beyond your regular group meetings. You’re doing activities together, helping each other out when needs arise, paying attention to and praying for details going on in each other’s lives. Most Life Groups meet at someone's home. Life groups offer a good blend of study and relational connection.
- INTEREST GROUPS - Provides good options for those looking to begin meeting new people around a common interest. Gather together with others based on your interests and begin connecting with others. There is likely less study in an interest group, but it is highly relational.
No matter why type of group you have, the bigger purpose of groups is building close relationships with others and the pursuit of living out the teachings of Scripture. Life together means your connection to this group of people eventually goes beyond your regular group meetings. You’re doing activities together, helping each other out when needs arise, paying attention to and praying for details going on in each other’s lives. You are putting your faith into practice by living out God’s Word together. Eventually, you’ll find this impacting more than just your group members!
With that in mind, you’ll find that there are three key elements present in a healthy group:
- Caring Relationships - Meaningful relationships develop over time; and the group learns how to best support and care for one another.
- Spiritual Growth - We all want to grow… to know Christ and become more like who God made us to be. This occurs as a result of study and encouragement from one another.
- Community Change - Each group influences the greater community (our church, city, and world) by taking it upon themselves to engage in conversation, use their gifts to serve, and nurture long-term relationships with others for their sake.
GROUP LEADERS MATTER
The role you play in the life of our church matters tremendously! In many ways, you become the energy and pacesetters at our church through the relationships you build and invest in. You’re not just leading a discussion, you're cultivating an environment where people's faith deepens through the connection and collaboration of close, trusted relationships. We believe that God has led you to this place of leading a group, and we want to do our best to empower and equip you in creating a life-giving group!
YOUR VISION FOR YOUR GROUP
Take a few minutes to think through the questions below regarding your vision for your group this next year. Don’t feel pressured to make something perfect. Simply go with what you see God laying on your heart and work towards clarifying those passions into words that you can use to communicate that vision with others in your group. Write down your thoughts when you feel good about your response.
- What kind of group do you think best describes the group you are wanting to lead?
- What does a “successful group gathering” look like to you? At the end of a group gathering, how would you know that your gathering was a “success”?
- A few months from now, what do you hope your group would look like? What do you think it would take to get to that place?
SEssion 2 - what a group leader does
Throughout the history of the Church, thousands of people like you stepped up to lead. Along the way we’ve realized that there are characteristics that have helped make group gatherings a great environment. Here is what each group leader can expect to do:
1. OWN YOUR GROUP
Along the way, people may be willing to step up and lead a discussion or coordinate an activity that your group will participate in. But overall the group will be looking to your leadership for direction and approval. So take initiative to lead your group toward the vision you have, and model to others the depth and care you want each one to bring to your group. This will mean that you are maintaining your own spiritual life, that you are organized and prepared to lead your group gather, that you are taking an interest in others, and you are quick to support people in your group when they experience a crisis.
2. DISCERN THE DIRECTION
Every group at our church has the same purpose: to build close relationships with others and live out God’s Word together. That said, no group will look the same. Each group is made up of unique individuals, living in unique circumstances, with a unique vision for what their group is journeying toward this year. The activities you do, the content you study, the depth of your conversations, the care you need to give; it all will be unique to your group. While you can get ideas from others, you as the leader will need to do the hard work of discerning what is best for your group.
3. FACILITATE YOUR DISCUSSION
A key part of your role will be facilitating your group conversation. The end goal is to get your group talking together. A goal of yours should be to cultivate an environment where you are not doing all the talking, but rather have a healthy balance of asking questions that stir up a good conversation. Whether you use the sermon based questions or are using your own study, recognize that these tools are only meant to be a guide. Adapt questions that don’t seem to fit or make sense, and be okay with going on good tangents as you discuss. Also know that early on, be okay with silence after you ask a question. Remember they are hearing this question for the first time. Allow them time to think and reflect. If you need to, ask if the question made sense and/or restate the question in a different way, or offer an answer for yourself to give an example. Over time you’ll develop rhythms and personal connections that will make your conversations feel more natural. Lastly, being a leader doesn’t mean you have all the answers. It’s okay to say “I don’t know”. But be open to learning together! If a question comes up, do some research on it together as a group or on your own later. If you’re still looking for help, send Pastor Mike an email with your questions and he’d be happy to help!
4. PROVIDE CARE
Care starts with building relationships that begin to feel like family. This happens as you come to learn more about one another in your group (their past stories, current circumstances, and future hopes). This happens as you laugh and cry together. When you gather together intentionally or when you bump into them at the grocery store. We care through praying over situations they encounter, providing accountability, and journeying with them through life. We all know when someone is being genuine and sincerely cares about us. By modeling the ways we are invested in our group’s lives and care about them, we will have the opportunity to influence them in positive ways and begin to create that culture in your group.
Some things to think about as a leader:
1. OWN YOUR GROUP
Along the way, people may be willing to step up and lead a discussion or coordinate an activity that your group will participate in. But overall the group will be looking to your leadership for direction and approval. So take initiative to lead your group toward the vision you have, and model to others the depth and care you want each one to bring to your group. This will mean that you are maintaining your own spiritual life, that you are organized and prepared to lead your group gather, that you are taking an interest in others, and you are quick to support people in your group when they experience a crisis.
2. DISCERN THE DIRECTION
Every group at our church has the same purpose: to build close relationships with others and live out God’s Word together. That said, no group will look the same. Each group is made up of unique individuals, living in unique circumstances, with a unique vision for what their group is journeying toward this year. The activities you do, the content you study, the depth of your conversations, the care you need to give; it all will be unique to your group. While you can get ideas from others, you as the leader will need to do the hard work of discerning what is best for your group.
3. FACILITATE YOUR DISCUSSION
A key part of your role will be facilitating your group conversation. The end goal is to get your group talking together. A goal of yours should be to cultivate an environment where you are not doing all the talking, but rather have a healthy balance of asking questions that stir up a good conversation. Whether you use the sermon based questions or are using your own study, recognize that these tools are only meant to be a guide. Adapt questions that don’t seem to fit or make sense, and be okay with going on good tangents as you discuss. Also know that early on, be okay with silence after you ask a question. Remember they are hearing this question for the first time. Allow them time to think and reflect. If you need to, ask if the question made sense and/or restate the question in a different way, or offer an answer for yourself to give an example. Over time you’ll develop rhythms and personal connections that will make your conversations feel more natural. Lastly, being a leader doesn’t mean you have all the answers. It’s okay to say “I don’t know”. But be open to learning together! If a question comes up, do some research on it together as a group or on your own later. If you’re still looking for help, send Pastor Mike an email with your questions and he’d be happy to help!
4. PROVIDE CARE
Care starts with building relationships that begin to feel like family. This happens as you come to learn more about one another in your group (their past stories, current circumstances, and future hopes). This happens as you laugh and cry together. When you gather together intentionally or when you bump into them at the grocery store. We care through praying over situations they encounter, providing accountability, and journeying with them through life. We all know when someone is being genuine and sincerely cares about us. By modeling the ways we are invested in our group’s lives and care about them, we will have the opportunity to influence them in positive ways and begin to create that culture in your group.
Some things to think about as a leader:
- What areas do you feel like you will be a strong group leader in?
- What areas will you need to give more attention to as a group leader?
- Are there others in your group that may be able to help you in the areas you are weak?
SEssion 3 - WHAT YOUR GROUP DOES
IDEAS FOR GROUPS
As mentioned in the last session, no groups are the same. What you do, when you do it, and the kind of conversations that come from your time together will all be unique to your group. That said, there are some proven models for groups to use as a starting point for what your group could look like this next year. Here are a few of them that may spark some interests for your group:
LOGISTICS OF YOUR GROUP
Thinking through the logistics of your regular group gatherings will help people build rhythms into their life and provides regular opportunities to build relationships. Some things to think about when planning what your group does. Write down your thoughts when you feel good about your response.
1. Do you have a target audience for your group (such as a specific demographic, circumstance, or life-stage)? Or is your group simply open to anyone?
2. What days and time frame do you plan to meet (including frequency)? Note that we ask study groups and life groups to plan to meet no less than 2x per month. Building relationships take time and the more often you gather together the quicker your trust and closeness will develop.
3. Where do you expect to meet for your regular gatherings? Depending on your group, you may decide to meet at someone's home or offsite at a restaurant, community room, etc.
4. How long do you want your group members to commit to? Is this intended to be a short-term group that meets for only a season? Or are you wanting them to commit to a full year? The longer you are together, you'll find your group becomes more comfortable with each other and have deeper conversations.
5. What content do you intend to use for your group discussions? At First Covenant, we have a few resources to help you guide your conversations. This is not an exhaustive list, but one that can hopefully help you get started with building your group.
6. What needs might you have for your gatherings? For example, some groups need childcare. Others connect around a meal and will need to have a room/table big enough for the group. If you're using a video series, you'll need access to a TV. What might your group need?
7. Is there any addition training or needs you think you might have to help your group be successful this year?
As mentioned in the last session, no groups are the same. What you do, when you do it, and the kind of conversations that come from your time together will all be unique to your group. That said, there are some proven models for groups to use as a starting point for what your group could look like this next year. Here are a few of them that may spark some interests for your group:
- Groups can focus on connecting specific life-stages. Some groups are intentional to engage the life-stage of it's participants into the midst of the group. If group members have children, they incorporate them into the group. Or there are groups that connect with those who are single, or widowed, or empty-nesters. But this isn't exclusive, as some groups are intentional to be intergenerational and having people from all stages come together to make a "new family" gathering.
- Groups can include food. Nothing brings people together like sitting around the table for a meal! Groups that include food may choose to host a potluck meal or snacks before, during, or after the group gathering. Others may choose to host each of their group gatherings at a local restaurant or favorite coffee shop.
- Groups can include activities/interests. Some groups may find time throughout the year to do activities together (such as go hiking, watch a movie, play board games, serve in the community, etc.) as a great way to build your relationships with one another. Other groups may build their entire group around participating in a specific activity (such as working on a car, knitting blankets, or going on walks, etc.) where, in the midst of the activity each week, they are making time to talk about God's word and encourage one another in faith.
- Groups can focus on care. Some groups are simply finding themselves at a place to find care and support from one another because of what might be going on in their life. These groups become a place of finding rest and encouragement to face the weeks ahead. Caring well for one another is an important aspect to groups, whether or not it is the primary purpose of your group being formed.
LOGISTICS OF YOUR GROUP
Thinking through the logistics of your regular group gatherings will help people build rhythms into their life and provides regular opportunities to build relationships. Some things to think about when planning what your group does. Write down your thoughts when you feel good about your response.
1. Do you have a target audience for your group (such as a specific demographic, circumstance, or life-stage)? Or is your group simply open to anyone?
2. What days and time frame do you plan to meet (including frequency)? Note that we ask study groups and life groups to plan to meet no less than 2x per month. Building relationships take time and the more often you gather together the quicker your trust and closeness will develop.
3. Where do you expect to meet for your regular gatherings? Depending on your group, you may decide to meet at someone's home or offsite at a restaurant, community room, etc.
4. How long do you want your group members to commit to? Is this intended to be a short-term group that meets for only a season? Or are you wanting them to commit to a full year? The longer you are together, you'll find your group becomes more comfortable with each other and have deeper conversations.
5. What content do you intend to use for your group discussions? At First Covenant, we have a few resources to help you guide your conversations. This is not an exhaustive list, but one that can hopefully help you get started with building your group.
- Sermon-Based Discussion Questions. Each week the preaching pastor provides a short discussion outline for individuals and group leaders to use. This is a great way to revisit the content of the Sunday sermon, dig a little deeper into the passages, and discuss more practical applications for your group members. You can access these outlines by going to www.redwingfirstcov.org/discuss. The questions are posted each Sunday morning at 8am.
- RightNow Media. This is an online resource that provides access to hundreds of video-based studies. You can access RightNow media from any handheld device or smart tv. Talk to Sarah in the office to learn how to get your own free login credentials.
- SOAP Bible Study Guide. This study method is a simple tool to help individuals or groups of people outline their study of God's Word. SOAP is an acronym that sets up the order for your study. We have an outline with discussion questions available on our website at www.redwingfirstcov.org/soap.
- Other Studies? NOTE: Any curriculum that our groups want to use that has not been previously recommended by one of the pastors will need to be approved by the Lead Pastor.
6. What needs might you have for your gatherings? For example, some groups need childcare. Others connect around a meal and will need to have a room/table big enough for the group. If you're using a video series, you'll need access to a TV. What might your group need?
7. Is there any addition training or needs you think you might have to help your group be successful this year?
session 4 - mapping my group
This final session is about taking time to thoughtfully consider how God is calling you to lead your group this next year by completing your group "map" linked below. It is filled with questions from the previous sections to help you map out what your group will look like this year. If you would like a paper copy of this form, feel free to contact Pastor Mike!
Blended Service 8:30AM | Contemporary Service 10:00AM
2302 Twin Bluff Rd, Red Wing MN | 651-388-2385 | assistant@redwingfirstcov.org
2302 Twin Bluff Rd, Red Wing MN | 651-388-2385 | assistant@redwingfirstcov.org
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About Us
First Covenant Church is part of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), which is a rapidly growing multi-ethnic denomination in the United States and Canada, with ministries on five continents of the world. Founded in 1885 by Swedish immigrants, the ECC values the Bible as the word of God, the gift of God's grace, and an ever-deepening spiritual life that comes through faith with Jesus Christ. We value the importance of extending God's love and compassion to a hurting world, and the strength that comes from unity within diversity. |