LIBERTY GROWTH GROUP LEADER TRAINING

Vision and Purpose LIBERTY’S VISION-Connect the unconnected to Christ and TOGETHER grow to full devotion to HIM GROWTH GROUP VISION-Growth Groups are a safe place where people come together to Share life, Study Gods Word, Support and Serve one another. GROWTH GROUP PURPOSE- To promote spiritual growth through community with fellow believers. (Develop 4G followers)

Biblical Basis for Growth Groups Acts 2: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. (ministry) 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God (worship) and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Genesis 2:18- "It is not good for man to be alone.” Proverbs 27:17- “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Hebrews 10: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”

8 Essentials of an Effective Group Leader

Leader Essentials Stay Connected Cultivate Relationships Promote Participation Serve Together Celebrate Change Provide Care Replace Yourself End Well

Stay Connected This essential reminds us to stay spiritually nourished. In John 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to instruct his followers to “abide.” As you facilitate you growth group it is important to be open to what the Holy Spirit would have for you to say and do. DON’T FORGET HE is in CHARGE! Ways to Stay Connected: Pray regularly Study the Word Serve others Be mentored and mentor someone Question to ask yourself: Are you staying rooted in your relationship with Jesus Christ, realizing that apart from him you can do nothing?

Cultivate Relationships This essential is focused on how we build community. By encouraging and facilitating connections outside of regular group meetings, you demonstrate the priority of community. Ways to Cultivate Relationships: Have a good attitude and demeanor Have people over for dinner Be available to talk when needed Question to ask yourself: How are you and your group members connecting outside of group time?

Promote Participation This essential focuses on how you involve your group members. Shared participation creates broader ownership of the group. Ways to Promote Participation: What everyone says has importance to the group Understand you should be talking only 20 percent of the time. Encourage others to share and listen attentively when others speak Have someone help guide the discussion Corral the “Talker” Prepare for difficult questions and discussions but limit their own opinions and input Ask Effective Questions Question to ask yourself: How are you involving your group members in supporting the group?

Serve Together This essential expands the focus of the group beyond itself. Serving those outside of the group is a great way to leverage the influence of the group while strengthening the relationships within the group. Be His hand and Feet! Ways to Serve Together: Neighborhood Evangelism Serve at a Food Pantry Fischer House on Ft. Bragg Bus Ministry Gather an offering to support a missionary Victory Ranch Question to ask yourself: Is service a consistent part of your group experience?

Celebrate Change This essential helps us stay focused on the purpose of the group. If we truly value the life change God brings about in people, it is important we take the time to celebrate it in our groups groups. Ways to Celebrate Change: Throw a party Pray about it Send an encouraging card Give a group gift to encourage continued growth Commit to accountability Share testimonies Question to ask yourself: How do you and your group members celebrate the growth you see occurring in each other?

Provide Care This essential focuses on the big and small ways we can provide care. Often people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Ways to Provide Care: Make a hospital visit Arrange a meal train Collect a donation Offer childcare Send an encouraging gift/card Make a phone call Start a prayer chain Question to ask yourself: Do you make it a priority for your group to support and care for each other?

Replace Yourself This essential challenges us to prepare others for leadership. (Discipleship) By passing on knowledge, skills, and opportunities, you are preparing others for future leadership while sharpening your own. Ways to Replace Yourself: Mentor someone Have members over for dinner Have others lead discussion Begin the leadership conversation early Lift others up in front of the group Question to ask yourself: How are you intentionally investing in a potential leader in your group?

End Well This essential prepares us to transition our groups well. As all groups have a natural life cycle, leaders must work with their group members to craft a picture of a strong finish. Goes back to having a Calendar or Syllabus What Does your group have in common (families/activities) Ways to End Well: Have a cookout Have a Holiday Party Serve Together Do something FUN! Question to ask yourself: How are you planning today for a successful end to your current group?

4S’s Essential to leading Groups 4S’s Essential to leading Groups 

Key Dates Semester Dates: January 11 th – May 22nd Growth Group Registration: January 17 th,24 th and 31 st Band of Brothers Kickoff Event: January 16 th Married People Night Out: February 12 th Valentines Day: February 14 th Easter: March 27 th Spring Break: March 28 th – April 1 st