We have 2 weeks left of our Community Group season. As you wrap up your final few weeks, here are 3 things to do to set your group up for success this summer and fall.
1. Set Summer Growth Goals
Community Groups are about spiritual growth. If we don't set goals for spiritual growth, we are not likely to make progress.
As you review your growth goals from this past semester, make sure to take time to set a goal for this summer:
Read a book
Memorizing scripture
Invite an unbeliever over for a BBQ
Replace TV time with reading time or devotions with family or friends
Listen to the A Little Better Podcast weekly
Etc.
Text each other throughout the summer, or connect for coffee or a bite and ask each other about your progress.
2. Get Feedback From Your Group
Do you know what your group members actually think about your group? Are there things they love or things they are frustrated about that you are unaware of? You won't know until you ask.
In a few weeks we'll be surveying all Group Leaders and Group Members to learn about what we can do better as a church to have a more effective groups ministry. We value your feedback as we seek to improve.
In fact, here are the top 2 things we usually hear from Group Members:
I wish my group started and ended on time.
I wish my group did more gatherings outside of weekly meetings.
Here is the top thing we usually hear from Group Leaders:
I wish people showed up more consistently! (We always survey you at the end of the year when attendance is most spotty, so that is usually at the top of our minds as leaders.)
What do your group members think about your group?
Hand out a 3x5 card the last week of group and ask people to answer two questions:
What do you like most about our group?
What do you wish was different about our group? What would you change?
If people miss that meeting, email them those questions.
That feedback will be invaluable as you seek to create a group environment where people can experience community and grow in their faith.
3. Plan Summer Gatherings
Summer is almost here and groups will be on break. While we encourage you to take advantage of that break to refresh yourself, don't completely disconnect.
If you don't put gatherings on your calendar now, they probably are not going to happen.
A good goal could be to have 1 gathering each month throughout the summer.
Here are some ideas:
Attend an Equip class together:
What Does the Bible Say About Gender Identity? Saturday, May 20th, 10am
Anxiety, Depression, and Hope. Saturday, June 4th, 10am
Join a Northridge Summer Book Club and read and discuss together.
Check out this Democrat and Chronicle list of things to do around Rochester.
Go to the Lilac Festival this weekend. Or visit Highland Park any week of the summer.
Check out these 10 Simple Ideas for Connecting In The Summer.
What summer gatherings have worked well for your group?
I'd love to hear your ideas so we can pass them along to other leaders! Email me HERE.
How Can We Help?
How are you doing? Is there anything we can help with? Reach out to your coach.
If you haven't had a chance to meet up with your coach about how your group is doing and what's next for your group, we'd love to connect.
Upcoming Community Group Dates
Spring Community Group Trimester: April 3 - May 28th (8 Weeks)
Red Wings Baseball Game (Group Leader Thank You): Friday, June 3, 7:05pm (RSVP HERE)
Keep up-to-date with what happening in our group ministry on the Group Leader's Website, Facebook Group, and Podcast.
Additional Resources
9 Tips To Finishing Your Group Well
Why Summer Is Dangerous For You And You Group
5 Reasons We Need Group Relationships In Addition To Existing Relationships
