9 Steps for a Successful First Connect Group Meeting

As you get ready for your first group meeting, please know that I am available if you have any questions, or if I can provide any guidance. I want leading a group to be a great experience for you, so don’t hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do for you.  

In today’s update, I want to share with you...

This week, before your group meets for the first time, is a great time to touch base with everyone who has signed up for your group. If you see them regularly (at church, work, etc.), seek them out individually to have a friendly conversation. Remind them of the group and tell them you are looking forward to seeing them. If you won’t see them ahead of time, a phone call is more effective than a note. Send everyone an email or text the day before to remind them of the time and location. You can also let them know any last-minute information that they may need to know before your first group meeting. Be sure to check out the dates/events for your group by clicking the button below and then the "Events" tab:

Filling out your events as a syllabus for your group members will help everything stay organized. If you need help with this, please feel free to email or call me.

Make sure each week that your group is comfortable: seating, lighting, temperature. Here's some things to consider as you gear up for your group:

• If you're in a group that can, make sure that people are facing each other.
• Can everyone easily see everyone else in the group?
• Is there a comfortable place to sit for anyone who attends?
• Providing good snacks the first meeting is always great.

Being early gives you an opportunity to welcome everyone to the group as well as the ability to introduce people to each other. Be sure to work hard to remember each person's name.

If only one or two people show up, remaining positive is extremely important. That could be exactly God's plan for both you and them. Also encourage them to invite anyone else they know who might be interested, and let them know that you'll do the same. Tell them that you're really looking forward to this Connect Group semester as well as growing in faith alongside them.

Having a plan is key. One simple thing that you can do to prepare for your first group is to plan a FUN icebreaker. If you're drawing a blank, I've put together a list of 19 icebreakers to use throughout the semester. Click the button below to read that post, and feel free to use any of them you like, or come up with your own!

Give yourself extra time for flexibility so you can end on time. You don't want the first group to run long. Here's a simple schedule for your first meeting:

• Introduce yourself. Be personable and real. (5 minutes)
• Pray. You do it. Keep it short. (2 minutes)
• Have the  group members introduce themselves. (10 minutes)
• Icebreaker. (20 minutes. For a list of icebreakers click here.)
• Communicate the purpose of your group time and discuss group norms (confidentiality, respect, etc.). (5 minutes)
• Content. (30 minutes)
• Introduce future material and cover details. (5 minutes)
• Pray. Do it yourself or ask for a volunteer. (5 minute)

If you have a Wednesday group, this will leave about 8-10 minutes of flexibility for any one item. If you have a Sunday group, then this schedule will run right up until it's time to let people out for the worship service.

Don’t force someone for their testimony or make anyone pray out loud.

Share some of your own spiritual journey with the group and your ups and downs along the way. Don’t try to impress them with your spirituality or knowledge of theology.

Talk about how regular attendance allows everyone to develop a sense of unity.