Life Change Happens In Community

As a new leader, you may be wondering about several things:<ul><li>How can I create a great experience for the group I lead?</li><li>What happens at a group meeting?</li><li>What are my responsibilities as a leader?</li></ul>These are the types of questions that will be answered in this training, which will take approximately 25 minutes to complete.But first, it's important to keep the overall goal in mind.

WIN: To provide a safe and predictable environment where people can pursue authentic community and spiritual growth.

Authentic Community: Being real as we grow and supporting others as they grow.Spiritual Growth: A growing faith in God expressed by a growing love for God and others.

Important Clarification

Individuals are responsible for their own growth. As leaders, our role is to create a safe and predictable environment that allows people to see the ways God is at work in their lives.

Would you say you are more nervous or more excited about your role as a leader? What makes you say that?

The Purpose of a Group

We're so thankful you have chosen to launch a new Community Group. The online content is fundamental in starting a group well and is essential pre-work for our in-person training.

Whether you have led a group in the past or are leading for the first time, we are excited for you to step into this journey with us! We pray for each of you as you create places around our city for authentic community and spiritual growth.

We've realized that even though our most effective leaders are wired differently, they share four common characteristics: humble, teachable, curious, and intentional.No leader knows the answer to every question or the best thing to do in every situation. The posture of a leader can bridge the gap between what you don't know and what the group needs.

Posture of a Leader

1. Humble

Humble leaders are not impressed with themselves and recognize the value each group member brings.&nbsp;<ul><li>Humble leaders approach conversations as fellow travelers on the journey, not as ones handing off truth.</li><li>Humble leaders "sit" on the same side of the table as their group members, acknowledging they are also in need of a Savior.</li></ul>

2. Teachable

Teachable leaders are aware of their own room for growth. It’s an attitude — a spirit that says, “I will constantly be learning about God, myself, and others so that I can be used in new and different ways.”<ul><li>Teachable leaders are always inviting feedback because they know it isn’t about leading perfectly; it’s about responding effectively to the people God has placed in their groups.</li><li>Teachable leaders actively pursue what it means to create open and conversational environments for people to explore the topics and experience community.</li></ul>

3. Curious

Remaining curious is the fuel behind spiritual growth. It also influences the group dynamic. Curiosity means being genuinely interested in your group members and allowing that interest to drive how you interact with them.<ul><li>Curiosity is the opposite of judgment and connects you to the people and the world around you.</li><li>Curiosity keeps your mind active. It helps you see possibilities instead of problems.</li><li>Curiosity means that you spend more time asking questions than offering your opinion or perspective.</li></ul>

4. Intentional

Being intentional means ensuring the group is more than a series of random interactions between its members. Have a plan to ensure that what happens in the group is helping everyone take next steps in connecting relationally and growing spiritually.&nbsp;It can be helpful to ask yourself these types of questions:<ul><li>Have I communicated with the group members?</li><li>Is there a plan for the next several meetings?</li><li>Are we starting and ending on time?</li></ul>

<blockquote>"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."- Maya Angelou</blockquote>

Which posture (humble, teachable, curious, intentional) comes more naturally to you?

Which posture do you have the most room to grow?

The following four leader essentials will help your group connect relationally and grow spiritually while encouraging everyone to take ownership of their group experience.

1. Stay Connected

Prioritize your growing relationship with Jesus Christ.&nbsp;<ul><li>The most important thing you bring to your leadership is personally connecting with Jesus on a daily basis.</li><li>When you are growing in your relationship with Jesus, you have a full cup to pour into others.</li></ul><blockquote>"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</blockquote>

2. Cultivate Relationships

Establish ways to connect during and outside of group time.<ul><li>Lead the way in connecting with your group members.&nbsp;</li><li>Infuse fun through social events, games, etc.</li><li>Follow each other on social media, create a GroupMe, etc.</li></ul><blockquote>"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." "Love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:37, 39</blockquote>

3. Share Ownership

Delegate tasks to prevent burnout and increase group buy-in.&nbsp;<ul><li>Your main responsibility is to lead the group, but this does not mean you are responsible for doing it all.</li><li>Ask your group members to participate in tasks like:<ul><li>organizing socials &amp; service projects</li><li>hosting and providing snacks</li><li>managing prayer requests</li></ul></li><li>Once your group has been meeting for six months, look for potential leaders in your group. Which group members personally embrace connecting relationally and growing spiritually? Give them more opportunities to lead and/or ask them to consider co-leading with you.</li><li>Delegating helps group members own more of their group experience and take steps in their own growth. When group members have personal ownership in their group, they are more likely to show up.</li></ul><blockquote>Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2</blockquote>

4. Provide Care

Be aware of and respond to what's going on in your group members' lives.&nbsp;<ul><li>Take the lead as members experience pain or difficulty.<ul><li>Follow up on prayer requests or life events.&nbsp;</li><li>Set up a meal calendar for someone who just had a baby or is ill.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>There are levels of care that go beyond the capacity of the group.<ul><li>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.&nbsp;</li><li>More information can be found at<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://northpoint.org/care-and-counseling"> https://northpoint.org/care-and-counseling</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ul><blockquote>As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. - Galatians 6:10</blockquote>

Which of the four leader essentials (stay connected, cultivate relationships, share ownership, provide care) comes more naturally to you?

Which of the four leader essentials do you need to be more intentional about embracing?

Leader Essentials

<h4>With God’s help, each person is responsible for their own spiritual growth. But we have a role in each other’s process.</h4><ul><li>Each individual owns their process.</li><li>The group supports everyone’s process.</li><li>The leader encourages the process.</li></ul>

What is Spiritual Growth?

<ul><li>Spiritual growth is movement. It's a journey.<ul><li>Any step forward is growth.</li><li>Every step forward is progress.</li></ul></li><li>Spiritual growth is multi-dimensional. It's vertical and horizontal.<ul><li>Vertical - Love for God.</li><li>Horizontal - Love for others.</li></ul></li><li>Spiritual growth is visible. It's usually evident.<ul><li>Fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22–23)</li><li>Fruitfulness in life. (John 15:5)</li></ul></li></ul>

How can you, as a leader, encourage the process of someone’s spiritual growth?

<ul><li>Listen well and ask clarifying, open-ended questions.<ul><li>Examples: I’m curious. Can you tell us more about that? OR How might God be leading you, and what might be a good response?</li><li>The time for giving advice is when we are specifically asked (and then sparingly.)</li><li>Be aware of how God wants to teach you through your group members.</li></ul></li><li>Encourage participation.<ul><li>Ask the group if anyone else has thoughts, and be patient in waiting for people to speak.</li><li>Facilitate the conversation in a way that everyone has a chance to share.</li><li>Share ownership of the group by providing opportunities for members to take the lead on certain aspects of the group, like planning socials, organizing service projects, or managing prayer requests.</li></ul></li></ul><ul><li>Model transparency.<ul><li>Be vulnerable. Your group members will respect you more if you're honest about your own struggles rather than trying to present yourself as a perfect Christian.</li><li>Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know. What do you think?" during group discussions.</li></ul></li></ul>

How have you grown spiritually through participating in a group?

What is one thing you can do to encourage your group members to grow spiritually?

Spiritual Growth in Your Group

1. Take-Off: First Three Months

Focus on prioritizing relationships, especially during your group's social time.&nbsp;<ul><li>Honor your start/stop times as well as the structure of the meeting.</li><li>Use<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/581799be2994ca5361dd1133/t/60b64f755a8dad20274839a2/1622560630404/Icebreaker+Questions.pdf"> Icebreaker Questions</a> or the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://questionsinabox.com"> Questions in a Box</a> app as a means of getting everyone to share.</li><li>Utilize the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://groupleaders.org/s/NPCC-Group-Guidelines.pdf"> Group Guidelines</a> and<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://groupleaders.org/s/AME_006_Group-Agreement.pdf"> Group Agreement</a> to create safety and establish common expectations for the group.</li><li>Promote participation by sharing responsibilities with members: planning socials, celebrating birthdays, bringing snacks, hosting, etc.</li><li>Model the posture of a leader: humble, teachable, curious, intentional.</li></ul>

2. Flight: Middle Months

Focus on deepening relationships and growing spiritually.<ul><li>Connect one-on-one with members outside of group and encourage members to do the same.</li><li>Introduce more shared experiences like group service projects, Sunday services together, church events, and a group retreat.</li><li>Complete the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://groupleaders.org/curriculum-feed/group-checkpoint?rq=group%20checkpoint"> Group Checkpoint</a> study to have an open dialogue on what's working well in your group and what could make your group even better.</li><li>Be on the lookout for leadership potential in your group. Be intentional to encourage them by communicating the potential you see in them.</li><li>Promote spiritual development of members by encouraging spiritual practices, rotating facilitation and closing prayer, and participating in a volunteer team at the church.</li></ul>

3. Landing: Last Three Months

Focus on finishing strong. Many times how you end the group will be how members remember your entire group experience.<ul><li>Review<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://groupleaders.org/s/NPCC-The-Importance-Of-Ending-Well.pdf"> Ending Well: Why It's Important</a> to plan how your group can finish strong.</li><li>Have a conversation with those in your group with leadership potential to encourage them to step into leadership or co-leadership together.</li><li>Use the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://groupleaders.org/s/NPCC-Ending-Well-Discussion-Guide.pdf">Ending Well Discussion Guide</a> your last group meeting together to celebrate what God has done and determine next steps for each group member.</li></ul>

Three Phases of a Group

​​Your group meeting time will typically consist of four phases:<ul><li>Connect: 15–30 minutes</li><li>Learn and Apply: 30–60 minutes</li><li>Pray: 15–30 minutes</li></ul>

<h3>CONNECT </h3>15–30 minutesThe beginning of group is a great time to connect relationally with your group members. It allows people to transition from thinking about family and work to being fully present with the group.

<h4>OPTIONS</h4><ul><li>Icebreakers are a lighthearted and fun way to open a group, but great get-to-know-you questions can be hard to come up with week after week. Check out this<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/581799be2994ca5361dd1133/t/60b64f755a8dad20274839a2/1622560630404/Icebreaker+Questions.pdf"> extensive bank of questions</a> that help you move into deeper connections.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://questionsinabox.com/">Questions In A Box</a> app is another free resource for getting to know your group members.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://store.irresistible.church/products/story-cards">Story Cards</a> are picture cards that help people identify how they feel about a particular question. This may encourage the group to talk a little more personally without the conversation feeling forced. New leaders will receive a set of story cards at your first training.</li><li>Personal Check-In questions give you an opportunity to ask how group members are doing in the present moment. Possible questions include:<ul><li>What is a high and a low from your week?</li><li>Is there a goal you are pursuing or idea that has intrigued you lately?</li><li>What has occupied your mind the most this week?</li><li>How are you feeling about faith? Are you currently energized or drained?</li></ul></li></ul>

<h3>LEARN &amp; APPLY</h3>30–60 minutesA majority of your group time should be spent discussing your content for the week–whether that is a study, an activity, or a video.

<h4>LEARN</h4>Having a good study rhythm requires preparation. This keeps people interested. We have created a plan for your first four months that contains studies focusing on building authentic community and encouraging spiritual growth.

<h4>APPLY</h4>Application can make all the difference when it comes to growing in our faith. It's important to set aside time to discuss how to apply what was covered during your group time and how God may be at work in other areas of group members' lives. Possible questions include:<ul><li>What is one thing you will take away from what we discussed today?</li><li>How can we help you apply what you learned tonight to your upcoming week?</li></ul>

<h3>PRAY</h3>15–30 minutesPrayer is an opportunity to pray for one another individually. Not everyone has to share, but we ask that you try to keep requests focused on personal needs and/or content from the session (not open-ended). This creates intentionality around the requests and ensures that the group stays focused on building community and growing spiritually.

Suggestions for praying together as a group:<ul><li>Help group members get to know one another better by asking "How can we pray for you personally?"</li><li>Create prayer partners by teaming up two group members. Encourage them to check in with each other during the week.</li></ul>

Four Parts of a Group Meeting

<h2>Setting Expectations</h2>Setting expectations is an important part of starting your group well. You’ll need to be clear with group members on what it means to show up, join in, and be real. Communicate the following:<ol><li>The group will start and end on time.</li><li>This is a standing commitment on everyone’s calendar. You are committing to meet for a minimum of 12 months.</li><li>Group members text the leader directly if they can’t make it.</li><li>This is a growth opportunity for each person in different ways. For some, growth may happen by: a. Reading the Bible and praying more often b. Speaking less and listening more c. Expanding their comfort zone by sharing about themselves d. Serving in some capacity</li><li>Feedback on the group experience is welcomed and appreciated.</li></ol>

Launching Your Group Well

Group Leader Website (a.k.a. Your One-Stop-Shop)<ul><li>We created a one-stop-shop of essential and helpful information for leading your group. This website provides everything you’ll need during your time as a community group leader: weekly studies, social ideas, leader tips, and more. Take time to get familiar with this site as it's your one-stop-shop to launching your group well.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://groupleaders.org/npgroups/">North Point Community Group Leaders Page</a></li></ul>GroupMe Leader Communications<ul><li>Throughout the first few months, your Groups Director will utilize GroupMe to communicate helpful and relevant information. More details will be given at the training.</li></ul>Plans for Your Group<ul><li>Use one of these <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://groupleaders.org/npgroups#plans">plans</a> with recommended studies, dates, breaks, socials, etc., to start your group well this season.</li></ul>

Setting Expectations and Launching Your Group Well

Leader Equipping and Support

<h4>Vision and Win as a Leader</h4><ul><li>Vision - To connect people relationally so they grow spiritually.&nbsp;</li><li>Win - To create a safe and predictable environment where people can pursue authentic community and spiritual growth.</li></ul><h4>Our Commitment to You</h4><ul><li>To encourage and equip you to lead well. We support you by providing inspiration, wisdom, resources, and tools for continued spiritual and leadership growth.</li></ul><h4>Why Engage in Leader Development?</h4><ul><li>The more you engage in development opportunities, the more you grow personally and as a leader.</li><li>We offer trainings and coaching designed to encourage your personal relationship with Jesus and equip you with practical leadership skills. Both are needed in order to lead well and accomplish your goal.</li><li>Your ongoing commitment to participate in these opportunities will help you mature in your faith and leadership.</li></ul>How to Engage<ul><li>Leader Trainings: A gathering of fellow leaders designed to share best practices, discuss common group scenarios, and encourage one another as a leadership community.You will greatly benefit from spending time with other leaders experiencing the same excitement, challenges, and growth.</li><li>Meet Personally with Groups Director: A face to face coaching session where we invest in you and your spiritual growth and discuss the unique dynamics of your group. You are not alone, and your Groups Director is here to guide you as you lead.</li></ul>Expectations<ul><li>Leaders starting new groups will have a digital training and two in-person trainings during your first three months leading your group. This will help you start strong and create a solid foundation for a successful group experience (January or August).&nbsp;</li><li>Attend at least one leader training and meet personally with your Groups Director every six months (January–June, July–December).</li></ul>

Moving Forward

Chances are your group will be a little different than you will expect. Remember: God is using you in the lives of your group members. Be confident you are making a real difference in their lives.Just imagine what it would be like if after the first few months of group a member said the following...<blockquote>"My community group has been an incredible experience – learning from others, growing our faith together and the fellowship we've created. It's the ideal environment."</blockquote>We're praying and believing that God is going to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine during the months ahead in your group!

What is one takeaway from this online training?

Your Next Steps

<ol><li>At the conclusion of this training, complete the steps from the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://groupleaders.org/npgroups/group-launch"> NPCC Group Launch Guide</a>.</li><li>At the in-person training, you'll be able to interact with other leaders and ask any questions you have before your group begins.</li></ol>

Leader Equipping and Support and Moving Forward

It’s a New Group!

Adding members to your group means you are launching a brand new group. So, what does that mean?<ul><li>Brand new groups launch the week after online group registration closes.</li><li>Brand new groups begin with the inital plan provided by the church (or at least the two-week Group Launch study.)</li><li>Brand new groups who have existing members have an intentional plan to make new members feel welcome.</li></ul>

It Takes Intentionality

New members to an existing group can be tricky. It creates a unique dynamic and requires intentionality beyond what you would do if starting a brand-new group without existing members. If not handled with sensitivity, adding new members to an established group can be disruptive to existing members and a bad group experience for new members.

How to Acclimate New Members Smoothly

<ol><li>Have a conversation with your existing members and remind them to be overly welcoming. Ask them to remember what it was like when they joined a group and knew no one. Limit inside jokes and past group history­—and offer context if these things come up.</li><li>Schedule one-on-ones with new members to get to know them better. Share about yourself and ask questions to get to know them. A little quality time can help put people at ease and encourage them to continue to show up, join in, and be real.</li><li>Pair existing members with new members and encourage them to connect with each other outside of group. Have the existing member reach out to the new member and invite them for coffee, a walk, etc., or have them be prayer partners for a month. Developing friendships with individuals first will create bridges to the rest of the group.</li></ol>

Remember…

Give it time. Don’t expect new members to become best friends with existing members immediately. Every group has its own “personality,” and it takes time to get to know new friends.Lastly, don’t give up! It might not feel good or comfortable in the beginning, but it will get easier with time.Participant Response Question: Do you think it will be difficult acclimating new group members for anyone in your group?

(Optional) Adding Members to Your Group

A digital group provides great flexibility and an opportunity to stay connected. We know that leading a digital group has its challenges. Here are some ways to make it the best experience possible.

Typical Group Meeting

Digital groups usually meet for 60–90 minutes while in-person groups meet for a couple of hours.Connection time can be a bit more challenging in a digital platform. Take advantage of the digital version of<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.anthology.study/story-cards"> Story Cards</a> available for free.

Communication

<ul><li>Communicate with your group early and often. Send weekly emails or text reminders regarding group meetings, and let your group know you are there for them.</li><li>Turn off any potential distractions ahead of time, so you can be fully engaged. Check in with group members after week six. Ask: How are you doing? How is the digital format working? Do you feel you are connecting with other group members? How can I pray for you?</li></ul>

Sound

<ul><li>Since background noise can cause feedback and static noise on your call, ask group members to mute themselves when they are not talking to eliminate feedback.</li><li>If there are others in your home (e.g., roommate or spouse) who are not in the group, use headphones if at all possible to maintain confidentiality.</li><li>Consider playing background music as people initially join the call.</li></ul>

Video

<ul><li>Download the video-conferencing platform you chose ahead of time and test it to become familiar with it.</li><li>To ensure the integrity and safety of your digital group, please make your meeting links password protected, create a waiting room, or make the meeting invitation only.&nbsp;</li><li>Go online before each meeting to ensure your video and audio are working.</li><li>Sit close to the screen so it appears you are sitting across from them. Be mindful of the camera angle and what is behind you.</li><li>Good lighting goes a long way. Place lighting behind your computer or phone — not directly behind you — so it brightens your face.</li></ul>

How would you lead a digital group differently than an in-person group?

How to Start Your Group Well Pre-Work