CALVARY GROUP LEADER GUIDE.

THANK YOU FOR LEADING OTHERS TO GET OUT OF A ROW

AND INTO A CIRCLE

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Calvary’s Vision Statement Calvary’s goal is to help people become lifelong Fol lowers of Jesus Christ .

• The Best Way to accomplish this goal is through Calvary Groups.

We are passionate about Groups being the best way to minister

to one another and to reach out to our neighbors with the love

of Christ!

“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great

joy and generosity – all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to

their group those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:46-47

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Calvary PSL Group Responsibilities

WHAT DOES MY GROUP DO?

§ Meets together once a week/bi-weekly § Serves together at least once a semester. § Reaches out together once a semester § Plays together once a semester

WHAT DOES A GROUP FACILITATOR DO?

§ Pray for group members once a day § Facilitate/Lead the group once a week § Form new groups from their current group once a semester

WHAT DOES A GROUP CO-FACILITATOR DO?

§ Prepares to become a Group Facilitator by serving as an apprentice who supports and assists the Group Leader

§ Facilitates group discussion multiple times during the semester § Prays for the group

Each week the Co-Facilitator sends 2 e-mails to the group:

§ Record prayer requests and e-mail them to everyone in the group § Send an attendance reminder e-mail to everyone in the group each

week two days before the group is to meet (and before group events)

Take Action: - Read & Sign the Group Facilitator Agreement (pg. 23/24)

Send your signed GF Agreement to Julie Holley at jholley@calvarypsl.org or

drop it off at the church.

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Four F’s of Leading a Calvary Group 1. FILL-UP Who can I invite to be a part of my Calvary Group?

• People in previous Groups. • People I meet on Sunday. • People I meet when I'm serving. • People I meet at a Play Group.

How do I tell people about my Calvary Group?

• Serve at the Next Steps area at a weekend service. • Email/call/text anyone I know to invite them to my group. • Post about my Group on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.

What are other ways my group can fill up and be successful?

• People select a group because of location, day, time and topic (in that order).

• Secure a Group Co-Facilitator for your Group. List 4 people you can invite to join your Group: 1. 3. 2. 4. *Challenge: SERVE AT THE NEXT STEPS AREA THIS MONTH

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1) I understand that I am responsible for the care of my Group. As a result, I will:

• Pray for the individuals in my group. • Follow up with each person in my group. • Lead my group in providing care for one another.

2) I will strive to create an environment of growth in my group by:

• Involving as many people as possible in group discussion. • Creating a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment. • Beginning and ending on time.

3) I will intentionally share my faith with those around me by: • Reaching out to lost and unchurched friends and inviting

them to Calvary PSL. • Encouraging my Group Members to reach out to lost and

unchurched friends and inviting them to Calvary PSL. • Lead my group to participate in serving our community

during the semester. ___________________________ __________ Name Date

2. FOLLOW-UP How do people sign up for my group?

• Online sign-ups: you receive an automatic email Three types of communication…

1. Immediate Follow-Up • As soon as someone signs up, email them all the details for your

Group. • Within a few days of someone signing up, call them to introduce

yourself and try to meet them on Sunday.

2. Pre-Group Communication • Email your Group each week leading up to the first meeting. • Email the day before the first meeting. • Call your group members the week of your first meeting.

3. Ongoing Communication • 2 Weekly Emails

o Prayer Request o Meeting Reminder

*Challenge: CALL EVERYONE WHO SIGNS-UP FOR MY GROUP

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Calvary PSL Spring 2018 Calvary Group Facilitator/Co-Facilitator Covenant

Thank you for serving as a Group Facilitator/Co-Facilitator at Calvary PSL. As a Group Facilitator/Co-Facilitator you will be viewed by those in your group as a leader in the church. As a result, we ask that you enter into covenant with the other Group Facilitator/Co-Facilitator by making the following commitments:

1. I will embody and reflect the values and principles of Calvary PSL and will follow the leadership of the Staff Team.

2. I will faithfully attend a weekend service at Calvary PSL and: § Participate in the church by giving in a measurable way. § Lead my group in serving together once a month.

3. I will make my Group a priority by: § Faithfully attending my Group. § Preparing beforehand for my group each week. § Inviting/welcoming others to join my group. § Identifying New Leaders in my Group.

3. FOCUS How can I prepare for my FIRST Group Meeting?

• Pray for your group and the individuals who sign up.

o When someone signs up, immediately add them to your life group list (Add them to your group on PCO Groups Online Directory).

o Keep a 3” x 5” index card with the names of everyone who signs up for your Group.

o Place this index card in a place that you will see every day so you can pray for your Group Members.

• Prepare for your first meeting & have a place for your group to meet.

o Secure a meeting location NOW and let everyone know

about it immediately. o Think through your itinerary (1st Group Meeting Itinerary

pg. 11) o Consider how you will do childcare (“What About

Childcare?” pg. 13)

• Commit to lead your group through the Group Agreement

o Group Agreement pgs. 23/24 *Challenge: EMAIL Group Agreement after 1st meeting to

Pastor Jacob

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§ If you were given 24 hrs to live, what would you do? § If you were in a talent competition, what would your talent be? § What do you think the most ultimate gift of the world is. § What is your earliest childhood memory? § What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? § If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? § Name the most famous person you've had a face to face encounter

with. § Name your favorite children's story. § If you could spend 15 minutes with any living person, who would it be

and why? § What person in the Bible do you most closely identify with? § What article of clothing most closely describes your personality? § If you were to write a book what would it be about? § How many rings before you answer the phone? § What is the first thing you think of when you wake in the morning? § If you won a million dollars, what would you do with it? § Who was your favorite teacher and why? § Who do you admire the most? § Have you ever had a reoccurring dream? What was it? § What was your nickname growing up or now? § What is your favorite cartoon character & why?

4. FACILITATE How can I lead a successful Group EVERY TIME we meet?

• Begin and end on time, every time. (4 W’s for a Great Group Meeting - pg. 17)

• Encourage everyone to participate in discussion. (Use Ice Breakers to start the group - pgs. 21-22)

Ping Pong Ball… Pinball Machine...

• Don’t let one person ruin it for everyone else. • Ask open-ended questions. • Provide the “2 C’s”: Care to Members & Communication to Staff. • Serve at a weekend service once a month this semester. • Participate in serving your community this semester.

My Group WINS when together we apply eternal biblical principles to our lives

and pray for one another. *Challenge: Identify 2 potential Group Facilitators

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Ice Breaker Questions

§ If you could be one for just 24 hours, what cereal box cartoon character would you be? Why?

§ What is your favorite animal? List three adjectives to explain your choice.

§ What is your favorite color? List three adjectives to explain your choice.

§ If you could have any job in the world, which one would you want? § What were your best/worst subjects in school and what subjects

would you want to learn now? § What are you most talented at? § What is your worst nightmare today? § What is your favorite way to waste time at work without getting

caught? § If you could have had the starring role in one film already made,

which movie would you pick? § If you were to perform in the circus, what would you do? § Name your favorite song. § If you could play any musical instrument, what would it be and why?

If you already play an instrument(s), what do you play and why? § When trick-or-treating as a kid, was there any kind of candy that you

didn't like to get? § What was the weirdest food you've ever eaten? § When you were in grade school, what did you want to be when you

grew up? Why?

Four F’s Checklist:

FILL-UP CHECK LIST:

o Secure a Co-Facilitator for your Calvary Group. o Serve at the Next Steps area and ask people at a weekend service

to join my group. o Invite friends, neighbors and co-workers to join my group.

FOLLOW-UP CHECK LIST:

o Email every person who signs up for my group immediately with all of the information: day/time/location, start date, syllabus, contact info, etc.

o Call everyone who signs up for my group within a few days of them signing up to introduce myself.

o Send an email reminder each week leading up to my first meeting. o Send an email reminder the day before the first meeting. o Call my group members the week of my first meeting to remind them

of the first meeting. o Follow up with those who don’t show up for group at least 2 weeks

into the group (don’t remove their name from the list unless they request it).

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ABUSE POLICY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I understand that CalvaryPSL is a safe place for children and vulnerable adults and that CalvaryPSL complies with all Federal and State laws regarding reporting suspected child abuse is to be reported to the staff member who oversees the area in which I serve. I also understand the 4 types of abuse defined below: Physical: A physical act directed at a child or vulnerable adult that causes injury. Sexual: Contact or interaction between a child and an adult, or another child, when the child is being used for sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or another person. This includes exploitation through photographs, videos, or other communication methods. Emotional: Acts or omissions by the parent or other caregivers that have caused, or could cause, serious behavioral, cognitive, emotional, or mental disorders. Neglect: Failure to provide for the child or vulnerable adult’s basic needs. This includes adequate adult supervision, medical attention, housing, food, and clothing. Most cases of physical neglect involve inadequate adult supervision that has caused harm to the child or vulnerable adult, or places them in danger of such harm. I understand it is not my responsibility to investigate and in no instance will I confront a parent or care giver if abuse is suspected. As a Calvary Group Leader, I agree to comply with this policy and report any suspected abuse to the staff person who oversees the area in which I serve.

HONOR CODE As an essential part of the CalvaryPSL Leadership family, you have a responsibility to develop and exhibit mature Christian behavior. This should be the basic premise of your desire to serve in a Servant/Leader position here at CalvaryPSL. While serving the Body of Christ as a Group Leader at CalvaryPSL, you pledge to present a good appearance at all times. In both attire and behavior, you should strive to demonstrate Biblical standards in all situations. As Christians, the way we present ourselves is of vital importance to the way others perceive Christ. Our conduct should never be an embarrassment to Christ, but should exemplify the best qualities of a mature believer and servant-leader. Exemplifying the highest moral commitment, CalvaryPSL’s leaders are to maintain a disciplined life of Bible reading, prayer, and fasting. You must also refrain from such things as:

• Profanity

• Smoking or chewing tobacco

• Gambling

• Indulging in much wine or other alcoholic beverages

• Dishonest gain

• Illegal Drugs

• Pornography

• Sexual immorality which might cause Christ to grieve and others to

stumble

FOCUS CHECK LIST:

o Pray daily for those who have signed up for my group. o Secure a place for my group to meet. o Have the Syllabus and Group Covenant ready at the 1st group

meeting.

FACILITATE CHECK LIST:

o Send two weekly emails to my Group: Prayer Requests (day after group meets) and Group Reminder Email (day before next group meeting).

o Write down my group’s service dates and communicate those dates to my group. Be faithful in leading my group to serve.

o Continually identify potential leaders from my group and give them the opportunity to serve/lead within my group.

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WORD: (40 mins) FOCUS: God to Us AIM: Allow God to minister to us as we study His Word. The WORD TIME is based on a Biblical Passage from your Bible Study or Last week’s sermon. The goal is that group members learn together what the Bible is teaching, as well open up and share about their personal spiritual journeys. (Application is Key) We want to avoid theological rabbit trails and philosophical discussions that take away from God’s Word. WITNESS: (15 mins) FOCUS: God to Others – Through Us! AIM: Allow God to reach and minister to others outside this group through us. The WITNESS TIME is a time focusing on reaching others with the gospel of Christ. This includes a time of prayer with an expectation that God is going to use us to reach our community for Him. Along with a time of prayer, the group can spend together time creating strategies to reach those who do not know Christ, taking responsibility for one another’s lost friends and family members (e.g. Social Events and Special Outreach Events). This time is essential to the dynamics of the group, making growth and multiplication the normal expectation. **Take Time at the End of the 4 W’s to pray for one another and to dismiss with a time of hanging out, talking, & eating.**

Itinerary for your 1st Group Meeting

1. First 15 Minutes: Allow people to arrive, talk, and snack – 15 min. 2. Introductions: Have everyone introduce themselves and share

what they do, where they are from, and why they decided to join the group – 10 min

3. Ice Breakers (See some favorite ideas below): a. Two Truths and a Lie: Have everyone tell 3 things about

themselves (2 being true and 1 being false). Have everyone else try to guess which one is false.

b. A Penny for Your Thoughts: Bring a small bag of pennies from a variety of years to growth group. Everyone takes a penny as they pass the bag around, and they share a fond memory from the year that they chose. Have members put their penny back if they choose a year that they didn’t live through. If you don’t have many pennies, any other coins will do.

c. Little Known Facts: Ask each person in the group to think of two interesting, unusual, or humorous facts about themselves that no one else would know. Everyone takes a turn sharing their little known facts with the group. Be prepared for some wacky revelations!

d. The Name Game: Tell the story behind your name – are you named after someone, does your name mean something special, etc.

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4. Introduce Your Book: Hand out LG syllabus and any other important information. Answer any questions – 5-10 minutes.

5. Calvary Group Expectations: Read through the Life Group Expectations carefully with the group. Explain the points as you read each one. Answer any questions. If anyone tries to be difficult and disagreeable, offer to talk with them individually at the end of the meeting – 5-15 min.

6. Explain and ask for volunteers for the different roles within the group: Play Coordinator, Food Coordinator, etc. – 5 minutes.

7. Share prayer requests and pray together – 10 minutes. 8. Talk and eat – 15 minutes or until people go home.

4 W’s for A Great Group Meeting WELCOME: (15 min) FOCUS: One Another AIM: Building relationships within the group. The WELCOME TIME is an ice-breaker that gets the group sharing with each other. The Ice-Breaker needs to be able to be answered by anyone without requiring a lot of trust or intimacy. It should be a simple question that can be answered in one minute or so. The purpose is to build community in the group. **I’ve given you a page of IceBreakers in your packet** WORSHIP: (10 min) FOCUS: Us to God AIM: To focus our attention on the presence and awesome majesty of Jesus! The WORSHIP TIME is a time to focus the hearts of the group away from themselves and onto God. Some ways to do this is through singing of worship songs, reading a psalm or giving time to go around the group and give God praise for Who He Is! i.e. He is Great, He is Mercy, He is Love, etc. WORSHIP TIME can be spent in a wide variety of ways, but keep 2 things in mind:

• Each person must be able to participate • The focus must be on Jesus!

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I commit together with the other members of this group to honor this agreement.

Group Facilitator(s) ____________________________________

Group Members __________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

#1 Question – “What about Childcare?”

Each Calvary Group is responsible for its own childcare needs. Be prepared to give your group some creative and workable options:

o Have everyone in the group who has children pitch in financially to hire a baby sitter or two every week. When all of the parents give a little the cost is surprisingly minimal.

o Set up a rotation where a different couple in the group hangs out with the children each week. Make sure no one has to do this more than once or twice during the semester.

o Challenge every couple with children to find a solution before coming to group (baby sitter, relative, etc.). After all, they have to find childcare when they go out on a date or have a work function. Most parents have several childcare options.

o Create a child-friendly group where parents are encouraged to bring their children. And involve the children in the group dynamic.

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Group Guidelines

The group will meet from __/__/____ through

__/__/____.

The group will meet on _________________. (day of week)

The group sessions will begin at __ (am/pm) and end at __ (am/pm)

The group time will typically consist of ____ minutes of sharing, ____

minutes of study/discussion, and ____ minutes of prayer.

This group will be a closed group unless all members agree to add members.

Group members will attend and participate on a regular basis.

Members agree to pray for other group members on a weekly basis.

Calvary PSL Group Agreement

Purpose To provide a predictable environment where participants pursue healthy relationships and spiritual growth Values and Goals Relationships While prayer and discussion of curriculum are key elements, the driving force behind the group is the building of relationships. Authenticity The atmosphere should encourage openness and transparency among members. This is an environment where people should feel free to be themselves. Confidentiality For authenticity to occur, members must be able to trust that issues discussed within the group will not be shared outside the group. Respect Group members should never say anything that will embarrass their spouses or other members of the group. Availability A primary responsibility of the group is to prioritize for specific relationships. This requires a willingness to be available to meet one another’s needs. Multiplication Group members recognize that one of the goals of their group is to start a new group within the life cycle of the group. This allows others to experience the Community Group relationship.

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