Leading a group is not time-consuming, but it does require you to be prepared and plan ahead.
Logistics. Most materials have already been prepared, but your responsibility is to coordinate this for your group.
Think through topics. We cover several different topics during the year. Depending on the group's makeup, you might want to adjust the book or assignments.
Meeting time. Pick a time that will have the least impact on your group and their families. Early morning meetings work better than evening or midday meetings. Most men can consistently manage their schedules for morning meetings, but the busyness of the day can derail the best of us. Most importantly, the meeting must work for you, the leader.
Meeting place. Have a private place to meet where the group feels comfortable sharing.
Plan to get together outside of meetings. It is difficult to build an effective relationship with your group only during meeting times. Plan a night to do something fun or get the families together at your house. Meeting one-on-one for a meal or coffee is a great way to get to know each other.
Launch well. You only have one opportunity to make a good first impression. Before starting your regular meetings, have a pre-meeting or event to cast vision and help the group get to know each other. This can be as simple as a meet and greet or as complex as renting a cabin for the weekend. Even if your group already knows each other, do something to start with momentum.
Read the Leader Guide (opens in a new tab) in advance. Know where you are going before you start your journey.
Pray for your group. You can't effectively talk to your group about God until you have talked to God about your group.
