The Fall Group Trimester has arrived. Groups kickoff this Sunday, September 19th, and meet for the next 9 weeks (until November 20th).
As you make your plans for week 1 of group, here is a quick checklist to ensure a strong start to the groups year.
1. PLAN A GROUP MEAL
The best way to start off the group trimester is by catching up over a meal.
Food makes for an inviting and relaxed atmosphere and natural conversation.
Connect with your group this week to plan what's for dinner.
2. CALL/CONTACT YOUR GROUP MEMBERS
Make sure to connect with your group about details for your first meeting: location, date, time, kids care.
Nothing beats a phone call before the first week to reconnect with your attendees and new prospective group members.
Maybe you could meet with new group members in the lobby on Sunday so they have a familiar face their first week in group.
3. BRING A PREASSIGNED VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE
Download the Volunteer Schedule Template HERE.
Instead of asking for people to sign up for shared group responsibilities on the first night, bring a preassigned schedule to your first meeting.
Let people know they can connect with you as leaders if there is a schedule conflict or a role they are not comfortable serving in.
This is a great way to share leadership by sharing responsibilities for snack, childcare, hosting, and even facilitation.
4. REVIEW GROUP AGREEMENTS IN YOUR FIRST OR SECOND MEETING
Access HERE.
These will also be included with Sermon Discussion questions.
5. DECIDE WHAT YOUR GROUP PLANS TO DISCUSS
This Community Group trimester we'll be discussing the following sermon series:
Against All Odds (September 12 - October 24)
Description:
This series is designed to highlight Biblical stories where God calls His people to obedience, but the plan He calls them to obey is one that doesn’t make a lot of sense, UNLESS HE DOES THE WORK.
God calls His people to faith-stretching experiences that help them see that it is HIS POWER that we should trust, not our own plans.
Schedule:
September 12 - Noah
September 19 - Joshua/Jericho
September 26 - Gideon
October 3 - Naaman
October 10 - Mary/Birth of Jesus
October 17 - Jesus in the Garden
October 24 - The Church & the Great Commission (Open Baptism)
Heaven (October 31 - November 21)
Description:
What most Christians think about when they think about heaven doesn't fit with what the Bible actually teaches.
This series will address common misconceptions of heaven, explain what happens when we die, and clarify who will be there and what we'll actually be doing.
Schedule:
October 31 - Eternity is on our Minds. Heaven will be better than any picture you have.
November 7 - Two types of Heaven. Earth is not our home, but it gives us a glimpse into our future home.
November 14 - Heaven from a practical side. What will we do in heaven?
November 21 - Who will be in heaven? How do we get there? Is there really only one way?
Interested in a video study or discussing a book of the Bible?
View Bible Study Curriculum options HERE
View Video Curriculum options HERE
6. LOGIN & UPDATE YOUR GROUP INFORMATION ON MY.NORTHRIDGEROCHESTER.COM
Make sure your meeting time, location, meeting type (in-person/online), group description, and roster are updated. You can even load a group picture.
Access My.NorthridgeRochester.com.
HERE is a short video tutorial on how to make updates to your group.
If you need help with this, let your coach know.
8. FILL OUT THE GROUP LEADER APPLICATION
If you are new to Community Group Leadership and stepping into the role this year, please fill out the Group Leader application found at the link below.
Apply HERE.
9. PRAY FOR YOUR GROUP
All of our preparations will make little difference if God is not in it.
Before you finish reading this post, stop and take a moment to ask God to work in the hearts of each person in your group this trimester.
We are praying for and with you this week!
What thoughts or questions do you have?
Email us or share your ideas on the Northridge Leaders Facebook Group.
