WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOUR GROUP ARRIVES

 

1. BE PREPARED. Your personal preparation can make a huge difference in the quality of the group experience. We strongly previewing both the DVD teaching by Chip Ingram and study guide.

 

• GET THE VIDEO READY. Each video session on the DVD will have 3 components. The first 2-3 minutes Chip will introduce this week’s topic. Then, you will watch the actual teaching content that Chip taught live in front of an audience. This portion of the video will be roughly 20 minutes in length. Finally, Chip will then share some closing thoughts and set up the discussion time for your group.
  
  
• TEST THE EQUIPMENT. The video segments flow from one right into the next. So, once you start the session, you won’t have to stop the video until Chip has finished his closing thoughts and prepared the group for the first discussion questions. Be sure to test your video equipment ahead of time and make sure you have located this week’s lesson on the DVD menu.
  
  
• HAVE AMPLE MATERIALS. Before you start the video, also make sure everyone has their own copy of the study guide. Encourage the group to open this week’s session and follow along with the teaching. There is an outline in the study guides with an opportunity to fill in the outline.
  
  
• ARRANGE THE ROOM. Set up the chairs in the room so that everyone can see the television. And, arrange the room in such a way that it is conducive to discussion.

 

 

2. PRAY FOR YOUR GROUP MEMBERS BY NAME. Ask God to use your time together to touch the heart of every person in your group. Expect God to challenge and change people as a result of this study.

 

 

3. PROVIDE REFRESHMENTS. There’s nothing like food to help a group relax and connect with each other. For the first week, we suggest you prepare a snack, but after that, ask other group members to bring food so that they share in the responsibilities of the group and make a commitment to return.

 

 

4. RELAX. Don’t try to imitate someone else’s style of leading a group. Lead the group in a way that fits your style and temperament. Remember that people may feel nervous showing up for a small group study, so put them at ease when they arrive. Make sure to have all the details covered prior to your group meeting, so that once people start arriving, you can focus on them.