NewSong Church

Who …me? Starting a LIFEgroup.
You don’t have to have all the answers or have a lot of experience leading groups in order to be a great facilitator. If you enjoy making new friends and desire to see others connected at NewSong, then starting a group is a great way to get to know others and share in the journey of faith. Ask a friend to partner with you if you would like to share the responsibility of starting a group.

Why should I lead a LIFEgroup?
We consider LIFEgroups to be one of the most important ways to experience connection and community at NewSong. Through a group, you are able to learn the names behind the faces you meet on Sunday and share in your spiritual journey with others—encouraging one another as you live, learn, grow and reach out to others. God doesn’t want any of us to be left to walk alone.

Getting Started...three ways to begin a group

1. Begin by inviting a few friends to join you as you get started. Pick a time and location to meet to discuss this endeavor. Having a few others who are willing to be there as you begin will be an encouragement to you and provide some momentum within the group. Once you have done this you are ready to extend the invitation to others. 
2. Another way to begin a group is to start by having an Open House. This is a relaxed social time of getting to know others and to begin making relational connections. Once these connections have been made you may have the beginnings a group.
3. A third option for beginning or promoting your group is to advertise the group in the bulletin and group directory.

Contact Dennis Bachman and let him know that you are starting a group. Provide him with:

• Leader's Name
• Host’s name (if different from leader)
• Starting date & time of first gathering
• Regular meeting day & time
• Location of group meeting

When and where do these groups meet?
LIFEgroups meet on various days and nights of the week in homes throughout the community. Some groups meet every week while others meet twice a month.

How long does a group last?
Individuals and groups have the freedom to determine how long they stay in a group and how long the group lasts.

What About Childcare?
We leave it up to each group to work out their own childcare. Some groups look to include children in part or all of the meeting, while other groups prefer to not have children at their meetings. Some groups rotate the care of the children between group members while others higher someone to care for the children.
 
What Will We Study?
Some groups base their discussions on the previous weekend’s sermon. The group meeting provides an opportunity to discuss how the sermon works out in real life. Other groups choose to study different curriculum based on group interest.

What are your resources?
Coach - every leader will have a coach who is trained to pass on tools and work through problems on a regular basis
Training Manual that is full of helpful information for the leading of your group
Weekly curriculum that is based on Sunday’s sermon

Leadership as a lifestyle
Facilitating a group can become your way of life, or it can be just another activity in an already busy schedule.

Ask yourself these questions:
• In what ways would I like others to experience group life?
• Am I willing to make this a priority in my schedule?
• How can I have an eternal impact with group ministry?

Participating in a LIFEgroup is meant to be part of a holistic expression of community. While certain aspects of LIFEgroup may interest one individual more than another, it is important to live out all aspects of group life, experiencing the many dynamics of authentic community and sharing the journey through life and faith with others. Who would you like to join you on this journey?

If you would like to continue exploring starting a group, please contact NewSong or (909) 394-9488.