rest GROUPS – rest groups are an expression of the Church outside of Sunday morning service. These groups are open to everyone and centered around common felt needs, gifts, interests, passions, hobbies, affinities or interests. rest Groups meet together at various locations and times. (this could be anything from a Bible study to a workout group, to men’s/women’s ministry and everything in between). rest Groups typically meet in the home of a group member (usually the leader’s home). The main purpose of rest group is to build community with other people as you grow in your relationships with Jesus and one another. We try to keep rest group limited to around 12 people total. We believe that God has created you unique; in fact, we’re counting on your uniqueness serving as a catalyst for building relationships and growing in Christ. If there isn’t a rest group that fits what you’re looking for, it probably means there’s one waiting for you to lead! [BOOK: Dog training, fly fishing and sharing Christ in the 21st century]

dGroup

dGROUPS – Discipleship Groups or dGroups are closed groups made up of 2-4 people who meet weekly to study God’s word, do life together, serve one another, and carry one another’s burdens. These groups best function as men leading men and women leading women. The dGroup leader will look for “FAT” disciples (faithful, available, teachable) and then approach them individually to be part of their group; for this reason these groups are closed groups. dGroups last for different lengths of time depending on the group leader, but the goal in dGroup is multiplication; to create disciples, that make disciples, that make disciples. Just as Jesus had a group of 12 followers by invitation, He also had an inner circle of only 3 He invested further into – Peter, James, and John. [We use the book “Growing Up,” by Robby Gallaty as the first intro point into dGroup.]

***to lead a dGroup, must be a Christian

seasonal classes

These classes are open groups available for anyone to attend. These classes are typically led by someone on our leadership team and are offered usually 1x per quarter throughout the year. An example of a seasonal class would be our spiritual gifts class. The goal of the seasonal class is to help move individuals through their personal discipleship journey.

DETERMINE WHAT Type of Group will you be leading

2023 block schedule

BLOCK 1 - ON RAMP

January 29 – Leader Training

January 29-Feb 26 (recruit your group)

February 26^th – Group Launch (meet leaders after service)

-Group continues for 1 year

*breaks~ April 3-9, June/July

BLOCK 2 - ON RAMP

August 20 – Leader Training

August 20-Sept. 17 (recruit your group)

September 17^th – Group Launch (meet leaders after service)

-Group continues for 1 year

*breaks~December 10-31

WHY TAKE BREAKS?!

We want to protect the pony/protect you as a leader. Ultimately the pony is more important than the mail. If the pony dies, then the mail never gets delivered anyway, and we don’t want you to get burned out.

-Additionally, every year ask yourself if you want to resume your group. This is a 1 year commitment from leaders. It’s a 1 year ask from your group members. So at the end of 1 year, give your group the option to leave or even start their own group. If you give them an off ramp, it’s more likely that they will stay committed to your group.

–SIDE-NOTE: You can do a backyard bbq’s in summer, can do easy meets with your people in the breaks—but leave content and teaching alone during these times.

uBUNTU

Ubuntu /ˈew-BUN-too’/ ~ the better you are, the better I am.

Our Lens

The Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is our hope in life and death, also sets the agenda for how we live, relate and lead between our conversion and our final destination with Christ. Ephesians 4 helps us understand the gospel lens of how we are to view and handle our relationships: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”~Ephesians 4:1-3

These truths form the way we think about ourselves and also our relationships with one another.

LEADERSHIP MOTTO

I am a leader.
I am a person of influence.
Today I choose to be a blessing.
With God’s help there is nothing I can’t do.
Instead of being reactive, I will be proactive.
I know the answer.
I am the solution.

HEART CHECKLIST - THE SUNDAY 7

#1 - You have no idea how one conversation, one word of encouragement, or one expression of love might change someone's life.
#2 - Everyone is facing a battle you know nothing about.
#3 - Positive words are difficult to remember. Negative words are difficult to forget.
#4 - Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter.
#5 - Everything you say must be true, but not everything that's true must be said.
#6 - When you serve others, you are serving Christ.
#7 - We don't always have to agree, but we can always be loving.

8KEYS to success

Common questions to think through in planning your group

Clarity—Clearly establish the purpose of your time together. Being clear as to “why” you meet is just as important as communicating when, where, and for how long you will meet. This will foster healthy expectations and help ease any uncertainties.

Priority—Life is busy, but everyone must value your time with the group and with God’s Word. Avoid scheduling things that would conflict with your group or cause sporadic attendance—this communicates the value you place on the people in your group. Choose to make being together a priority.

Participation—One of the main distinctions between a group and a class is the level of interaction expected from members. Each person has unique experiences and insights to add to the discussion. No one person should dominate your time together—not even the leader. This is not a time for lecture. Groups thrive on healthy discussion and participation.

Respect—People will express opinions or questions that do not reflect the same opinion or level of understanding that you have. Being respectful of others encourages participation and leads to trust.

Trust—Each person must humbly seek truth through time in prayer and in the Bible. Trust the Word of God to be the objective source of truth. When challenged personally, believe that God loves you and knows what is best for your life. Humbly obey His Word.

Confidentiality—Never gossip. If a serious matter needs to be brought to the attention of trusted individuals, leaders, or professionals outside of the group, communicate your concern and intentions with the person(s) involved. Encourage them to go with you and/or ask for permission to help them seek a healthy resolution to their issue.

Support—Give permission to call on one another at any time, especially in times of crisis. Knowing that people are committed to one another spiritually, emotionally, and practically will deepen relationships, commitment levels, and vulnerability within the group. Genuine care in day-to-day needs can open doors to spiritual needs.

Accountability—Finally, if the clear purpose of your group is to helps everyone understand, explore, and obey the truth of Scripture – then accountability is natural. When people share what they feel lead to do in response to what they have learned, agree upon ways they would like to be held accountable. Out of respect, unsolicited advice should never be given. Questions and personal stories should be encouraged.

When people step through your door, they should enter a space where they can laugh, cry, and grow together. What do you need to do so that your group can experience all 8 of these keys to success?

Group Type

Schedule

Covenant

What are group Types?