Starting a Life Group Season

Here is a list of ideas for creating momentum as Life Group seasons begin, and as groups are forming or re-forming. Use the list to generate thoughts about what is right for you and your situation

Social Jump Start

This is a tried and true idea that many groups use every season to energize and facilitate connections: the week before the official Life Group season begins, get all the group members and prospective new folks together for a social, such as cookout, a party, etc.

Clarify the Purpose and Your Vision for the Group

During your first meeting of the season, you lay a strong foundation when you lead a brief discussion that lays out the purpose and even a vision of what you want the group to be. Ask for additional input from the group. Use the conversation as a way to strengthen support and buy-in for why we’ll be gathering, and what we hope to accomplish. Pray that God leads and guides the group according to His will. Finally, it is a sound practice to gain commitment from the group members to stay on top of homework and preparation.

Settle on Roles

Line up volunteers to fill important roles – this spreads responsibilities, builds ownership, and equips people for leading:

* Serve Champion

* Host home

* Social chairperson

* Planning guru

* Also, outside of the group setting, recruit a willing and emerging leader to become Apprentice Leader (it is wise to get input from Area Pastor in selecting an Apprentice)

Follow-up!

Call your people during the first weeks of the season – encourage them and discuss how you can pray for them, which leads to the next item…

Pray

Pray for the needs of your people on a regular basis. Pray that God would move in his power and might during your meetings and in their daily lives.