We're excited to introduce a new approach to connection and group formation called Rooted. Rooted is an 11-week small group discipleship experience, in which groups gather each week, and, with a workbook and facilitator, walk through Scripture and engage in discussion. Rooted is not just another group study, though! Through a highly experiential model, Rooted reinforces … Continue reading Introducing Rooted
Ending Well
How your group ends matters. It will shape how you view the entire experience. So, be mindful of these three questions that tend to occur in this order, and some action-points for each, as you approach the patio season in the life cylce of your group. Three big questions people have when ending... 1. Why … Continue reading Ending Well
Announcing the Curriculum Pathway
For the last 7+ years the Curriculum Guide has been the first go-to resource for group leaders in determining what to study. The Guide has being retired and we're excited to introduce it's replacement--the Curriculum Pathway! Why the Change? The consistent feedback from leaders was the Curriculum Guide was too broad in terms of the … Continue reading Announcing the Curriculum Pathway
Sharing Your Story
One of the essential elements of the Community starter study is the exercise of having everyone share their life story. However, for some, if not many in your group, this can be daunting, scary, unknown territory. Below are a number of tips and additional helps in walking you/them through this. 1. Do it! You may … Continue reading Sharing Your Story
Getting Started
While there’s no formula guaranteeing a successful Community Group, there are a few things you can do to get the group off to a great start. Pick a Start Date Be aware of the best seasons to start a new group. Late-January and late-August are often some of the best times in the year, as … Continue reading Getting Started
Have the First Meeting
You’re ready to launch your group, but are you ready to lead the first meeting? First impressions carry a lot of weight, so this first meeting will begin to set the expectation for people going forward. Here’s a few important tips and a sample schedule to help make your first meeting a great success. Know … Continue reading Have the First Meeting
Transparent Leadership: The Power of Sharing Stories Pt. 2
Contributions from Barb Condra (CG Leader) Read Part 1 in this series The most common single type of writing in the Bible is narrative...story.* There’s obviously something profound about sharing story, if God chose to use this as one of the primary ways of revealing himself to us. If your group members have never been … Continue reading Transparent Leadership: The Power of Sharing Stories Pt. 2
Experience Speaks: How sharing stories changed our group!
Contributions from Mendy Wilson (CG Leader) Sharing my story meant opening up and being vulnerable with our group members. Sharing my story also meant taking down any facade or walls of protection that I may have put up. What a scary thought! These ladies were seeing the real me, both the pretty & the ugly. … Continue reading Experience Speaks: How sharing stories changed our group!
Transparent Leadership: The Power of Sharing Stories Pt. 1
Contributions from Barb Condra (CG Leader) Several years ago Pleasant Valley started encouraging people to share their life story to emphasize the application of a sermon. These stories always made a powerful impression on everyone present. At about the same time we had a new couple join our class and as I got to know … Continue reading Transparent Leadership: The Power of Sharing Stories Pt. 1
