We are getting ready to launch a new season of connection groups. Let me give you a few things to avoid as you gear up this semester. These are 3 things that will certainly reduce your effectiveness if not outright kill your group.
- Forget the purpose. The purpose of Connection Groups are to connect to God, each other and the world. A connection group must pour into God’s word, reflect on it and pray. A connection group must do life with one another, laugh with one another and cry with one another. A connection group must serve the community, pray for those serving around the world and serve the church. That is the purpose of the group.
- Forget to prepare. I know you are busy. I know life can get crazy. But don’t try to wing it. Make sure you are read up, prayed up and rested up. If you know you are going to have a crazy week…suggest that someone else in the group take the lead for the week. Lack of preparation at the least makes groups awkward and at worst can be a stumbling block for new believers.
- Forget privacy. The Connection Group should be a safe place for people to share their hurts, habits and hang-ups. If a group becomes a gossip circle or if a person’s story becomes fodder for coffee talk, that poison can kill the trust of the group and thus the effectiveness.
Avoid these things by remembering the purpose, prepare, and respect one another. I am praying that you have the greatest season of groups ever.
Sean Rheaume 