WELCOME
You being a group leader is so cool - Congratulations!
This page is here for you! You’ll find resources to help you get started, and even what to do as your group grows. If we missed something or if there’s something else we can help with, feel free to contact the team at hello@1stpcc.com. We are here for you!
We can’t wait to hear about the great things God is doing through your Connect Group!
Let's Get Started
Group leaders are not just event coordinators. You will have opportunities to foster intentional conversations, open doors for people to serve where they are gifted, and see God bless people’s lives. Check out the checklist below and take time to look at some of the do’s and don’ts, and the ingredients for a successful Connect Group!
Group Leader Check List
1st PC is a #2ndmileeverydaychurch who is alive in the Spirit, Biblical in doctrine, and caring in relationships. As a group leader you agree to embody this culture in your Connect Group.
Since you’re ready to go the #2ndmile for your group members – let’s get started on how to have a successful group!
The following Check List (CL) items is information that will be needed to complete the Connect Group Registration.
CL1 - Pick a Meeting Place.
Pick an appropriate meeting place for your group. Some things to consider when selecting the right spot are the noise level, privacy, and even cleanliness. This can be your home, but does not have to be. Local coffee shops and restaurants often provide an excellent neutral location.
CL2 - When will your group meet?
Consistency is key for Connect Groups. So, determine how frequently you want to meet and how long you will meet for. Once you set these fences try to always stick with them. These details will be set in Planning Center Groups (PCG). You will schedule your events in PCG and this will help keep all your members up-to-date and they will get the reminders!
CL3 - What is the focus of your group?
Some groups are more activity focused, while others meet to do Bible study or read through a book of the Bible together. The options are endless – chances are, if you are interested in it, someone else probably is too!
CL4 - Connect Group Name.
Your group will be given a name on PCG. This name and the description you provide should be developed considering the people you are trying to connect with.
FIRST GROUP MEETING IDEAS
Hosting your first event can be the most challenging. Let’s get you started on the right foot! Often your first meeting will have a different feel than your follow-on settings. Take this time to get to know each other; allow for the natural social element to take place, and let people get to know one another.
- Set a time for prayer over your group
- Set out sticker name tags and have everyone use one the first meeting
- As members arrive, sincerely welcome them and introduce them to other group members
- Place an encouraging note or Bible verse on each chair or at each place setting
- Provide snacks or order pizza for this first meeting
- Set out conversation-starting cards on tables or chairs, or hand them out as they come in
- Play a ‘Get to Know You’ game
- Make the first meeting a game night and have everyone bring their favorite game(s)
- Have some music playing in the background throughout the meeting
- Give everyone a piece of cardstock and ask them to identify one thing they are hoping to get out of the group
- No matter how many people are there – HAVE FUN!
Let's talk about the Do's Don'ts
As you lead your Connect Group, ask God to give you wisdom and to help you make good decisions. You can always reach out to us for help also.
- Do plan and communicate with your group (PCG)
- Do look for ways to make it easy for people to engage
- Do take attendance each time you meet
- Do update PCG with the latest details on your group
- Do use your group time to facilitate conversations
- Do encourage group members to pray for each other
- Don’t use group time for lecture-style teaching
- Don’t cancel a meeting without letting everyone know
- Don’t stress about not having all the answers. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but let me find out.”
- Do have fun
- Do build relationships
- Do share your stories
- Do be responsive when people reach out
Ingredients for a Successful group
Prayer
- Pray for the people you invited.
- Pray for your upcoming meetings
- Pray during group meetings
- Pray for group members; marriages, children – everything (even if they are not present).
Invite New People
- Assign group members to serve as welcome team members
- Introduce new group members to everyone
Start and End on Time
- Honor people’s time and their schedules
- Even if people want to ‘linger’ past the end time; still end on time and then they can hang out by choice.
- Before the meeting starts think through a schedule for the meeting so you can stay on time
Make People Feel Welcome
- Keep an eye out for the one(s) that migrate to corners or kind of linger by themselves. Bring them back into the conversations.
- Make sure the start is fun and exciting; it’s rough to recover from a bad start.
Poster an Atmosphere for God to Move
- Be prepared and expect God’s Spirit to move and to minister to people. This will require sensitivity on the leader’s part and to facilitate it when it begins to happen.
Minister to Your Group
- Consider that first-time attenders often come with some kind of need
- Don’t let your planned schedule keep you from ministering to your group
- Minister in an orderly way (Don’t call people out in front of others)
- Train your members to minister to one-another
Communicate a Clear Purpose
- Group members are more likely to commit to the long-term group if there is a reason to be there.
- Cast vision for the group
- Cast vision for the growth of the group
- Invite group members to embrace the group vision