When Should My Group Multiply?
Healthy Community Groups will grow both deeper and wider. It's normal for groups that are experiencing life change together to get larger in number as they become more devoted to Christ. So, how do you know when it's time to multiply your group? As a leader, you'll need to walk through the process carefully and intentionally. Watch this quick training video for some ways to pinpoint the right time for multiplication.
https://youtu.be/z4qteo-2sLo
How To Talk To Your Group About Multiplying
No matter how you look at it, Jesus left us on earth to be and make disciples. At Saylorville, we say it this way: We exist to make more people be more like Jesus. One of the best ways to do this is to be intentional about inviting others into the Biblical community we've found. When others join us, the community grows, and multiplies. Multiplication is actually a normal part of the growth process of healthy groups. But, sometimes multiplication can be a hard pill to swallow for your group members who have grown to love each other, live authentically with each other, and share life with each other. The way you talk to your group about multiplying will be key in the way the mission of disciple-making continues in our church and around the world.
https://youtu.be/EpMyE39NlB0
How to Form Your Group as a New Leader
Joining the front lines of ministry as a Community Group Leader can be exciting, overwhelming, life-changing, encouraging, and stretching. If you're ready to jump in, then it's time to start forming your new group. But who will God ultimately place in your group for you to experience life change together alongside? Here are some practical tips to help you find the right people to join you in community.
https://youtu.be/8g-uaibxnDE
Sharing Life While Social Distancing
One of the reasons you became a Community Group Leader is because you love people. As a shepherd, you help lead and feed your group through some of the highest highs and lowest lows. In the most ideal circumstances, that’s a tough role, and in today’s world of social distancing, it can be even more challenging. So, how do you truly share life with your group when you can’t physically be together? Here are a few ideas to help you stay connected.
Gather with your group online every week. Chances are good that you’ve already used an app like FaceTime or Facebook Video Messenger to video chat with distant friends of family members. Why not use that same kind of technology to meet with your Community Group each week? With a few simple steps, your group can be up and running online in just a few minutes. Meeting online takes some getting used to, and it’s obviously different than being together physically, but the benefits far outweigh the burdens. In a time when we’re not able to be with each other, having a face-to-face online conversation might be just the encouragement you and your group need each week.
Stop, drop, and roll. Keeping our distance means we get to be creative in connecting with each other! Does your group usually eat a meal together each week? One group leader couple dropped off pre-packaged meals at each of their Community Group members’ homes and then they met online while they all ate dinner separately that evening! Another group leader took a “Quarantine Care Package” to each members’ home and left it by the front door. Another set of leaders found out about a specific need in their group, ordered the necessary items online, and had them delivered to their group members’ home the next day. Connecting with your group can be simple - stop what you’re doing, drop by a members’ home with a special gift, and roll on to the next adventure!
Ask the right questions. The questions we ask often reveal what we truly care about. In a time when human interaction is at a premium, we can provide genuine hope and encouragement for people in the way we listen to them. So, how is your group really doing? Do you know? Here are a few questions you can ask people this week as you check in with them:
- What would you say are the biggest challenges you are currently dealing with?
- What have you been doing, so far, to try to find help in addressing those issues?
- As Community Group Leaders, what can we do to encourage you - and how can we best pray for you?
- How are you doing relationally with the Lord, and with your family, during these days of increased stress?
- What are some ways God has reminded you that He cares for you during the last several days?
These are unique days for sure. Much of the what we once relied on has been removed, or at least limited. The Church of Jesus Christ, however, continues to be strengthened and built up. Jesus Himself said, “...I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). In uncertain times, that’s something to be sure of. Let’s be the church when we’re not at church.
Essentials for a Great Online Group Discussion
One of the ways to continue to experience life change together while we can’t be together in-person is to use online tools like these. While it’s not the same as being face-to-face, technology still allows us to see each other, grow together, and encourage one another. In fact, you may find that you’re able to dig deeper into some relationships now that you don’t have the weekly programmed gathering time. Hosting an online discussion group takes a little getting used to, so here are some tips to help your first one go well.
Acknowledge that it’s different. Duh! Meeting online is way different than meeting in-person. Looking at someone on a screen isn’t the same as looking at someone across the dining room table. It’s different. But that’s okay. Don’t expect that everybody will take to it right away. Conversation may be a little awkward at times, but enjoy it. Laugh at the weirdness of it. Be okay with different. In fact, why not take a few minutes at the beginning of your group conversation to celebrate the fact that you can actually still see each other!
Use the Sunday sermon questions as a guide. Hundreds of people are watching our Sunday services either live or later online. Using the sermon discussion questions that are posted every Sunday is a great way to follow up with your group after the Sunday message. If everybody has watched the message, then everybody will come to the discussion with a response - or at least something that stuck out to them. Using the sermon questions also allows you, as the leader, to focus your time on building relationships with people in your group throughout the week - calling them, praying for them, writing them an encouraging note - instead of putting extra time into studying for a group discussion.
Assign a question to each person in your group. When you meet online for your group conversation, ask specific people to answer each question. Say something like, “Hey Bob, why don’t you read question number two and then let us know what you think.” This way, you’ll be able to include everybody in the conversation, you’ll get some good response from each person, and you won’t have to worry about fighting for screen time! Don’t forget to ask follow-up questions too, like, “Thanks Bob. That’s great insight, how would everybody else respond to what Bob just shared?”
Focus on truth, not trivia. In times of uncertainty, it may be easy for your group discussion to drift into areas of fear, concern, or even speculation. Although we certainly want to address real fears, your online group isn’t the place to debate the finer details of government regulations, conspiracy theories, or the latest presidential speech. Be sure to pull your group back to God’s Word, God’s character, and what we know to be true.
Ask for a take-away from each person. As you wrap up your conversation, go around your group and ask everyone to summarize their thoughts. Sometimes, being forced to put our learning into a key phrase or sentence really helps us focus on the main application. Encourage your group to individually narrow down their thoughts into one main take-away for the night, and then to apply that take-away to the rest of their week.
Pray one-by-one or one-for-all. Don’t end your online group gathering without praying for one another. Prayer builds togetherness - even when we’re not physically together. Assign prayer partners for the week, or ask your Co-Leaders to follow up with half of your group over the upcoming few days. Stay connected through text messaging, emails, or even calling people in your group to pray together.
Right Now Media Group Resources
We've partnered with RightNow Media to provide additional teaching and training resources for Community Group leaders and co-leaders. Our subscription gives you free access to a huge, streaming, online, access-on-any-device library of over 10,000 video Bible studies, leadership videos, kids shows and more.
To sum it up — it’s like the Netflix of Bible study videos. You will have FREE access to thousands of video resources to help you with parenting, marriage, discipleship and more. It includes content for all ages and stages of life, and all of your Community Group members are invited to set up their own accounts as well.
Check out rightnow.org or contact the church office to request a login.
Why You Need To Ask Great Questions
The New Testament records 183 questions that people asked Jesus. He gave a direct answer to three of those questions, but he asked 307 clarifying or redirecting questions in response. One well-formed question can often be more effective than immediately giving the right answer. As group leaders, one of the most useful skills to learn is the art of asking great questions. Here are some advantages of asking questions in your group this week:
- Without questions there is no learning. Great questions spark great conversations. Great conversations help us learn about ourselves and those around us. Your group discussion should be a conversation, not a class. Don’t think of yourself as the teacher, but as a conversation facilitator.
- Questions help you know whether the group is grasping the content. Without feedback you’ll never know what your group is learning.
- Questions keep the group interesting. If you’re doing most of the talking, there’s a good chance that your group lost interest weeks ago.
- Questions cause group members to learn more together than they would have on their own. A well-placed question will cause your group members to discover the answers together. Giving people the answers will actually stunt their growth.
- Questions enable the leader to focus and direct the discussion. As a leader, it’s part of your goal to create an environment where discussion can be authentic and meaningful. Asking great questions allows you to move the conversation skillfully toward openness and growth.
- Group interaction helps relationships develop within the group, which in turn helps learning and application. Knowledge isn’t the goal of your group discussions - transformation is. At Saylorville, we want our groups to experience life change together. Great questions can lead to shared life experiences, biblical change, and practical steps of growth in your group.
As a group leader, keep sharpening the skill of asking great questions. Over time, you'll find that the conversations you have and the relationships you build will draw your group together, increase participation, and create some great memories.
How To Comfort Hurting People
As Community Group leaders, it’s both a privilege and a priority to care for those in our group. In fact, we believe that most basic shepherding needs can be addressed within the context of our groups. As a leader, here are some of the best ways you can provide comfort and care to your group members who are facing difficult situations.
Speak biblically. Psalm 34:18-19 is a powerful reminder that our comfort ultimately comes from God, not from man. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” Be sure to offer hope and comfort from Scripture, not simply from your own experiences.
Offer time and attention. Knowing that you are available may be all that someone needs. Attention is often the best gift we can give someone. Giving attention says, “You’re important to me. I care about you.” Intentionally setting aside distractions and offering to make time for someone may open up a great opportunity to provide comfort. Even if you can't be with someone physically, a phone call, a meaningful text message, or an encouraging email can mean the world to someone struggling.
Communicate acceptance and hope. In other words, smile. Show them that you are for them. Express confidence in them. If they are confessing a sin struggle, don’t act horrified. Instead, say, “Thanks so much for being open and honest with me. I really appreciate your transparency.”
Be an active listener. This is how you earn trust with them. Don’t just pay attention, actually listen to them and make it clear you are doing so. Sit face-to-face with the other person. Lean in. Ask follow-up questions. Show them that you are genuinely hearing them, and that you care.
Maintain confidentiality. This should go without saying, but don’t pass along what they share with you or with the group without a very important reason for doing so. And don’t gossip about what was shared in the group with other group members. In general, the only time you should break confidentiality is when someone is threatening to injure themselves or others.
Uphold appropriate boundaries. Before you get into an emotional counseling situation with someone in your group, be sure to define the parameters. If at all possible, don’t spend alone time with someone of the opposite gender. Include your spouse or your co-leaders in emotional conversations, emails, or messages.
Celebrate their growth. Growth is a process. It takes time for people to walk through pain, hurt, and difficult situations. Walk alongside them through the journey, and celebrate when they grow.
Know your own limits. Don’t burn yourself out on one person’s needs and neglect the rest of your group. Recognize your own span of care, your own level of ability, and refer them to help when necessary. Contact our Discipleship Pastor if you need help thinking through this.
Sharing life with people in your group means you’ll spend time comforting hurting people.
Don’t forget what the Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
How To Host An Online Cell Group
Can't meet in person with your Cell Group? No problem. With a little technology, some creativity, and a little prep, your group can still experience life change together! Here are several ideas from Cell Group Leaders already hosting online groups:
Choose an app/software/platform that your whole group can access. Here are some popular options:
- Zoom Video Chat
- Free for up to 40 minutes. Paid version for $14.99/month
- Great quality, lots of extra options.
- FaceTime Video Chat
- For groups using only Apple devices.
- Limit of 32 video devices at a time.
- Facebook Messenger Video Chat
- Must download the Facebook Messenger app.
- Limit of 50 video devices at a time.
- Google Hangout Video Chat
- Must download the Google Hangout app.
- Limit of 10 video devices at a time.
- Skype Video Chat
- Must download the Skype app.
- Limit of 50 video devices at a time.
Choose a time that works best for everyone, then stick with it.
- Now that you’re meeting online, consider adjusting your meeting time to accommodate work schedules, children’s bedtimes, meal times, etc.
- For instance, your group might all be available mid-morning, or could be free after putting kids to bed in the evening.
Be sure everybody has the app/software/platform before the meeting begins.
- Help people in your group that might not be confident working with technology. If you need help yourself, please contact our church staff!
Send out a link to the study or discussion guide to prepare your group.
- Make sure every member of your group has access to the sermon questions, the video discussion, or the study guide before the group meeting.
Select a quiet room/location in your home.
- Turn off anything making noise in the background (TV, music, appliances).
- Put pets in a different room.
- You might need to ask people to mute their device when they aren't talking if you are picking up too much ambient noise.
Only use one device per household.
- Use only one device per home. Multiple devices will produce high-pitched feedback.
Put each device on a table or tripod.
- A phone that keeps moving or falling over will be a major distraction.
Allow for casual discussion, but move the conversation along intentionally.
- Make everybody feel welcome just like you would if they were in your home.
- It will probably take some practice to get to the point where conversation flows naturally.
- Try asking specific people to answer questions, or going in order.
- The moderator should talk 20% of the time and listen 80% of the time.
Give your full attention, don’t multitask.
- When participants are not paying full attention it can be a big distraction online just like an in-person group.
- When talking, look at the camera, not just the screen.
Stay focused on experiencing life change together.
- Keep the main thing the main thing! Don’t lose sight of the purpose of your group because the platform has changed from in-person to online.
Stay in touch between meetings.
- Meet one-on-one or with one other couple/family each week.
- Assign prayer partners to call each other and pray through the week.
- Use a text thread to communicate and connect with each other during the week.
Thanks to our friends at Northridge Church for some of these ideas.
Our New Cell Group Normal
Cell Group Leaders and Co-Leaders,
While we weren’t able to meet together physically this past Sunday, the church was still worshiping! In fact, I believe the adjustments we’ll need to make over these next several weeks will remind us that the church isn’t just a building, we’re a family. Families support each other whether they are able to gather together or not.
Pastor Pat, on behalf of our Elders, just sent out a communication addressing some of the details of the way our church will be responding to Covid-19 over the next several weeks. Please read that note from Pastor if you haven’t already done so. To summarize, we are suspending all church sponsored services, activities, and group gatherings larger than ten people until at least Monday, April 13th.
We are asking that Cell Groups do not physically meet together until further notice, but this doesn’t mean that your group can’t still share life. In fact, the care, connections, and communication already provided through our Cell Groups will continue to serve as the backbone of our Saylorville community during this period, even though we are unable to meet on Sundays or in our weekly Cell Group gatherings. As leaders and co-leaders, you serve in critical roles. Your group will need an extra dose of shepherding, and extra layer of care, and perhaps an extra level of creativity.
Here are some ways your group can still experience life change together:
Meet together virtually using technology. We’re asking that Cell Groups gather online rather than face-to-face during this time. Groups can still share prayer requests, listen to great worship songs, or even discuss the Sunday message together as you would if you were face-to-face. We'll continue to livestream Sunday messages, provide sermon questions, and even add some additional content and resources throughout the week. Here are a few tools you can use to continue to meet virtually with your group:
- FaceTime Video Chat
- For groups using only Apple devices.
- Limit of 32 video devices at a time.
- Facebook Messenger Video Chat
- Must download the Facebook Messenger app.
- Limit of 50 video devices at a time.
- Google Hangout Video Chat
- Must download the Google Hangout app.
- Limit of 10 video devices at a time.
- Skype Video Chat
- Must download the Skype app.
- Limit of 50 video devices at a time.
Serve your group and others. Use this opportunity to meet the needs of others. Offer encouragement to those who might be struggling emotionally during this difficult time. Pay careful attention to the needs of the senior saints in your group, or those with young children. Give special care and help to those with previous anxiety, or chronic underlying health concerns. Take a few extra minutes each week to call, or stop by the homes of those in your group to check in. Is there a need that you Cell Group can help with? Maybe a neighbor ran out of toilet paper, could use a babysitter, or is running low on groceries. How can your Cell Group show them Jesus?
Continue to be hospitable. Although you won’t be meeting face-to-face with your whole group, you could consider meeting with two or three different people each week in your home, in their home, or even at a public place like a local park.
Invite others into the community. It’s possible that you might have one or two people ask to join your group in the next few weeks. Since Cell Groups are the primary way our Saylorville family will feel connected, those who aren’t in groups are at risk of feeling even more isolated. If someone does ask about joining your group, let our staff know and we’ll do whatever we can to get them connected.
Friends, this is a time for faith, not fear. I’m so grateful to each of you. Someone asked me this weekend if we needed to make major adjustments to our Cell Group ministry to accommodate changes caused by the virus. I responded, “Not really. Our leaders already do a great job, and they’ll continue to be amazing.”
As always, please keep me in the loop on needs, blessings, stories, or struggles you may be experiencing. Thanks for LOVING and LEADING our Saylorville family. Let’s go church!
Jason
Check here for weekly sermon questions.
Better Together - Community Group Start-Up Study
Looking for a way to get your group on the same page at the beginning of this season? Check out Better Together - a brand new six-session start-up study that will help you and your group launch successfully. Download the study, or grab copies from the church office, and start your group the right way!
How To Lead A New Group
Are you a new leader, or are you leading a group of people who are new to Community Groups? The first few weeks of your group life will set the stage for the rest of your journey together. Here are a few ideas to help you launch your group successfully.
https://youtu.be/tXgm6ZJPLhI