Search results for: skill training

Whether you’re a brand new leader or a seasoned veteran starting a new group, it’s natural to feel a little nervous about your first meeting.  Here are 10 keys that I’ve found very helpful as I get ready to launch a new group: Make it a point to call all of your members the week…

So you started a new group.  You’ve overcome your fears.  You’ve gone where you’ve never gone before.  And now–believe it or not–you’re enjoying your new friends and looking forward to your next meeting.  Who knew that could really happen! The question is, what do you need to do right now to keep your new group…

Whether you’re finishing a challenging study, coming to the end of a semester, or completing an outreach or mission project…celebration ought to be part of the culture of your group. It’s important to build a culture of celebration for at least three reasons: First, if the journey your group is on on is about life-change…you’re…

Whether we realize it or not, there are a number of benefits in doing life together: Because every member has a unique shape or wiring, they bring different spiritual gifts, life passions, abilities, personalities and experiences to the conversation. Because every part of the body is necessary, there are things we miss out on when…

So your small group has been together for awhile and you’ve invited a new member or two to your next group meeting.  Keep in mind that the longer your group has been together, the more difficult it is for prospective members to truly connect.  It’s not impossible, but once your group has been together for…

How do you answer the question, “What does your group do?” Probably the most common answers would be, “Our group… meets to discuss their pastor’s last message works their way through a book of the Bible always has a DVD-driven study eats a meal together twice a month chooses a service project to do together…

Any time you’re starting a new small group, a great first meeting is very important.  I include these ideas on a simple handout inside every new leader packet. Be sure and refer to the ABCs of a Great Start for Your Connection Group for important tips on making sure your group members come to the…

Want to have the kind of group where real life-change happens? Want to know that you’re meeting is actually designed to be the “optimal environment for life-change?” The way your meeting is designed makes a difference. Remember, your meeting is perfectly designed to produce the results you’re currently experiencing.* The way your meeting is designed…

As your life group approaches Thanksgiving, there are several things you can do to help your group survive the holidays. Now, you might be thinking, “That sounds pretty serious! Survive the holidays? Isn’t that being a little dramatic?” I don’t think it’s overly dramatic at all. Why? It’s just too easy to finish a study…