2 Ways To Thrive Spiritually While Group is On Break

Our Community Group season is coming to an end next week. But just because your group is not meeting, that doesn't mean that community needs to stop.

Right at the beginning of the Bible, we read "It is not good for man to be alone." - Gen. 2:18

We do not do well when we live in isolation.

We are in a spiritual battle for our souls! And we can't survive alone.

If we are going to thrive instead of die spiritually this summer, here are 2 things I would encourage you and your group to do.

2 Ways To Thrive Spiritually While Group is On Break.

1. Set Summer Growth Goals for the Summer

You may not be seeing each other on a weekly basis, but in your last 2 weeks of group, talk with each other about one step you can each take to grow in your faith this summer.

Then touch base with each other throughout the summer on your progress:

• You could assign Growth Goal Accountability Partners for the Summer.

• Send a weekly text to check in with the guys or girls.

• Schedule coffee or a bite one-on-one.

• Set up a monthly, bi-weekly, accountability breakfast with the guys or girls.

• Set a regular reminder on your phone to ask your group members about their progress.

2. Decide on Summer Plans To Connect by May 26th.

Enjoy the summer break. We all need to rest. And don't feel guilty about not meeting each week. This is a season of sabbath for Community Groups to replenish and hit the ground running this fall.

But Community Group is more than meetings.

What regular patterns can you establish with your group to stay connected throughout the summer when you are not meeting?

• Pick a shared Bible Reading Plan

• Text a Scripture each day to each other

• Pick a book to read and discuss

• Sit together Sundays

• Decide after which Sunday service you'll visit together in the lobby

Check out these 10 ideas for summer connections.

Get some dates or plans on the calendar now, or your summer is likely to pass you by without your group connecting.

Questions?

If you have any questions about groups or anything else at Northridge, reach out to your coach.

We'd love to support you in anyway that we can.

Upcoming Dates

• April 16th - May 27th Spring Community Group Trimester (6 weeks)

• Friday, June 2nd, 7:05pm Group Leader Red Wings Game

Additional Resources That May Be Helpful

• What's Next For Your Group? - 4 Steps To Finish Well

• When & How Should Your Group Multiply?

• 10 Simple Ideas To Connect With Your Group This Summer

• The Top 2 Things Group Members Wish Were Different About Your Group

• 4 Sure Ways To Burn Out As A Group Leader

• How To Find and Keep New People

• Only Half Of My Group Showed Up Last Night

• Northridge Group Leader Podcast

How Should We Handle The Community Group Break & COVID-19?

Our Community Group Trimester just wrapped up. We have a 3-week break scheduled until April 12th.

While Community Group breaks offer a needed respite from the weekly grind of leading and meeting with your group, we are at the beginning of season where people are more isolated than ever, especially those who live alone.

So, how should we handle the Community Group break in light of the COVID-19 situation?

Here are a few ideas:

1. Consider continuing to meet with your group online.

   • Just because a break is scheduled doesn't mean your group has to stop meeting. Though a typical group break is needed and replenishes you and your group, this may be a season where continued meetings may actually strengthen your group.

   • If you are not sure how to get your group online together, our coaches would love to walk through the technology together with you to help you get setup to succeed. Let us know. You can also reference our online group guide.

   • There is also a phone-in option where you group can all talk on the phone together at the same time. This is especially helpful if your group doesn't have the technology to meet online or isn't as tech savvy. 

   • I know this is a crazy time for all of us as we readjust to a new normal, so for some groups, this may be more of a challenge, but if possible, continuing to meet online may be helpful.

2. Stay in touch.

   • Whether or not you are able to continue meeting online, one-on-one connections with your group through phone, text, or facetime may have the highest impact as you care for your group. 

   • GroupMe is a helpful texting tool many groups have used to stay connected. 

   • You can also share short video updates with each other on the Marco Polo app. Aaron Hixson shared how this has been a fun tool he has used to stay connected with his group and friends. Watch how it works HERE.

   • If you have group members living alone, they may especially appreciate and be helped by additional connections.

   • Make sure to ask if they have any needs that you and your group can help with. This can be a challenging time both physically and emotionally.

3. Begin a YouVersion Bible reading plan together.

   • Help your group refocus their mind on truths from the Bible instead of focusing on worries and fears. 

   • Here is a plan on How To Stop Worrying.

4. Share prayer requests on YouVersion.

   • You can now easily share prayer requests with group members and friends who use the YouVersion Bible app. 

5. Pair up group members.

   • It can be hard to keep up with all of your group members consistently, but if you can pair up group members into groups of 2 or 3, they can keep in touch with each other more consistently. 

6. Pool resources to meet a need.

   • Check out the Northridge COVID-19 Response page for a list of ideas to serve our church and local community.

Is your group continuing to meet online during the break?

Please click the button below to update us on your group plans.

We would love to help those who are looking for a group find community without having to wait until April 12th.

What other ideas do you have for connecting with your group? 

What questions do you have? Let us know, we'd love to be of help!