Growth Groups @ The Journey
Fall 2015 Growth Group Important Dates Sunday, September 20 – Membership Class Sunday, September 27 – Baptism Sunday, October 4 – Kick-off of “The New Testament Challenge” Monday, October 5 – Fall 2015 Growth Groups Begin Week of October 26 – GG Servant Evangelism Week Week of Monday, Dec 14 – Final Week of GG’s – Christmas Party! Sunday, January 10 – Sign Ups for Spring 2016 Growth Groups Begin Monday, February 15 – Spring Growth Groups Begin Growth Group Semester System Overview Spring Semester
Summer Semester
Fall Semester
February – May
June – August
October – December
Growth Groups @ The Journey The Journey exists to give the people of New York City the best opportunity to become fully developing followers of Jesus. CORE BELIEF: At The Journey, we believe God wants our church to… grow
and
at the same time.
As a result, The Journey has 2 Types of Church Meetings: Large Group: Sunday Services Small Group: ________________________________ “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 Two non-requirements to be a Growth Group Leader: 1. Being a ____________________________________. 2. The gift of __________________________________.
Two Requirements to be a Growth Group Leader: 1. A sincere _______________________________. 2. A sincere ________________________________.
“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40
2
The Journey
Fall 2015 Growth Groups Growth Group Responsibilities WHAT DOES MY GROWTH GROUP DO?
§ Meets together once a week § Serves together once a month § Reaches out together once a semester § Plays together once a semester WHAT DOES A GROWTH GROUP LEADER DO? §
Pray for group members once a day.
§
Lead the group once a week.
§
Meet with Team Leader in a Growth Group Huddle once a semester.
§
Form new groups from their current group once a semester.
WHAT DOES A GROWTH GROUP COORDINATOR DO? §
Prepares to become a Growth Group Leader 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 Coordinator sends 2 emails to the group: 1. Record prayer requests and email them to everyone in the group. 2. Send an attendance reminder email to everyone in the group each week two days before the group is to meet (and before group events).
3
Four F’s of Leading a Growth Group 1. _________________________________________ Who can I invite to be a part of my Growth Group? •
People in previous Growth 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 Growth Group? • Serve at the GG Table on Sundays and hold a poster at the end of a service. • Email/call/text anyone I know to invite them to my group. • Post about my Growth Group on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. 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 GG Coordinator for your Group List 4 people you can invite to join your Growth Group: 1.
3.
2.
4.
*Challenge: _______________________________________________________ 4
2. ______________________________________ How do people sign up for my Growth group? Sunday Sign Ups from the services and the GG Info Table are sent to you on Mondays Online Sign Ups: you receive an automatic email
Three types of communication…. 1. ____________________________________ • As soon as someone signs up, email them all the details for your Growth Group. • Within a few days of someone signing up, call them to introduce myself and try to meet them on Sunday.
2. _____________________________________ • 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. _____________________________________ • 2 Weekly Emails o Prayer Request o Meeting Reminder
*Challenge: _______________________________________________________ 5
3. ______________________________________________ How can I prepare for my FIRST Growth Group Meeting? Pray for your group and the individuals who sign up. •
When someone signs up, immediately add them to your growth group list (keep an excel file with everyone’s contact information).
•
Keep a 3” x 5” index card with the names of everyone who signs up for your Growth Group.
•
Place this index card in a place that you will see every day so you can pray for your Growth Group Members.
Prepare for your first meeting & have a place for your group to meet. •
Secure a meeting location NOW and let everyone know about it immediately.
•
Think through your itinerary (1st Group Meeting Itinerary).
•
Share the Syllabus with your Group (before the first meeting by email and at the first meeting).
Lead your group through the GG Covenant & Syllabus • GG Covenant
*Challenge: _______________________________________________________ 6
4. ______________________________________________ How can I lead a successful Growth Group EVERY TIME we meet? •
Begin and end on time, every time.
•
Encourage everyone to participate in discussion:
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 GG Members & Communication to Staff.
•
Serve at a Sunday service once a month this semester.
•
Participate in one Growth Group SE Project this semester.
*Challenge: _______________________________________________________
7
Four F’s Checklist: FILL-UP CHECK LIST: __ Secure a Coordinator for your Growth Group. __ Serve at the GG Info Table and ask people on Sunday to join my group. __ Invite friends, neighbors and co-workers to join my group. FOLLOW-UP CHECK LIST: __ Email every person who signs up for my group immediately with all of the information: day/time/location, start date, syllabus, contact info, etc. __ Call everyone who signs up for my group within a few days of them signing up to introduce myself. __ Send an email reminder each week leading up to my first meeting. __ Send an email reminder the day before the first meeting. __ Call my group members the week of my first meeting to remind them of the first meeting. __ Follow up with those who don’t show up for Growth Group at least 2 weeks into the group (don’t remove their name from the list unless they request it). FOCUS CHECK LIST: __ Pray daily for those who have signed up for my group. __ Secure a place for my group to meet. __ Have the Syllabus and GG Covenant ready at the 1st group meeting. FACILITATE CHECK LIST: __ Send two weekly emails to my Growth Group: Prayer Requests (day after group meets) and Group Reminder Email (day before next group meeting). __ Write down my group’s Service and SE dates and communicate those dates to my group. Be faithful in leading my group to serve. __ Continually identify potential leaders from my group and give them the opportunity to serve/lead within my group.
8
The Journey Fall 2015 Growth Groups
Itinerary for your 1st Growth 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): 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. 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. 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! The Name Game: Tell the story behind your name – are you named after someone, does your name mean something special, etc. 4. Introduce the New Testament Challenge: Hand out GG Syllabus, Bookmarks, share the NT Information on the Week #1 Discussion Guide. Answer any questions – 5-10 minutes. 5. Growth Group Covenant: Read through the Growth Group Covenant 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.
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New Testament Challenge Syllabus The Journey’s Fall 2015 Growth Groups Monday, October 5 – Saturday, December 19 Welcome to your Fall 2015 New Testament Challenge Growth Group. Your group will meet weekly beginning the week of October 5 through the week of December 14. Have you actually ever read the New Testament? Most people haven’t. This group is your big chance to read it through and learn more about your faith than ever before! This Fall, you and your Growth Group will have the opportunity to read through the New Testament in its entirety. Every day you will be reading several chapters from the New Testament (see the reading plan below). Then, on Sundays at The Journey, the teaching will connect to the readings that you discuss in your group that week. Be sure to keep up with your reading and come to the group prepared to participate in discussion each week. If you do – God will change your life! Below is a week-by-week syllabus for your group. Note that you will need to add in the dates that your group serves on Sundays and participates in its Servant Evangelism event. So, strap in and join the entire Journey Family on this spiritual adventure as we explore the New Testament together this Fall!
GG Week #1: Week of October 5 First Growth Group Meeting: Introductions, Group Orientation, Growth Group Covenants
GG Week #2: Week of October 12 Day #1 – Monday, October 12 – Read Matthew 1-2, Acts 1-3 Day #2 – Tuesday, October 13 – Read Matthew 3-4, Acts 4-6 Day #3 – Wednesday, October 14 – Read Matthew 5-6, Acts 7-9 Day #4 – Thursday, October 15 – Read Matthew 7-8, Acts 10-12 Day #5 – Friday, October 16 – Read Matthew 9-10, Acts 13-15 Day #6 – Saturday, October 17 – Read Matthew 11-12, Acts 16-18 Day #7 – Sunday, October 18 – Read Matthew 13-14, Acts 19-21 10
GG Week #3: Week of October 19
Day #8 – Monday, October 19 – Read Matthew 15-16, Acts 22-24
Day #9 – Tuesday, October 20 – Read Matthew 17-18, Acts 25-27 Day #10 – Wednesday, October 21 – Read Matthew 19-20, Acts 28 Day #11 – Thursday, October 22 – Read Matthew 21-22, Romans 1-3 Day #12 – Friday, October 23 – Read Matthew 23-24, Romans 4-6 Day #13 – Saturday, October 24 – Read Matthew 25-26, Romans 7-9 Day #14 – Sunday, October 25 – Read Matthew 27-28, Romans 10-12
GG Week #4: Week of October 26 Day #15 – Monday, October 26 – Read Mark 1-2, Romans 13-15 Day #16 – Tuesday, October 27 – Read Mark 3-4, Romans 16 Day #17 – Wednesday, October 28 – Read Mark 5-6, 1 Corinthians 1-2 Day #18 – Thursday, October 29 – Read Mark 7-8, 1 Corinthians 3-4 Day #19 – Friday, October 30 – Read Mark 9-10, 1 Corinthians 5-7 Day #20 – Saturday, October 31 – Read Mark 11-12, 1 Corinthians 8-10 Day #21 – Sunday, November 1 – Read Mark 13-14, 1 Corinthians 11-13
GG Week #5: Week of November 2 Day #22 – Monday, November 2 – Read Mark 15-16, 1 Corinthians 14-16 Day #23 – Tuesday, November 3 – Read Luke 1-2, 2 Corinthians 1-3 Day #24 – Wednesday, November 4 – Read Luke 3, 2 Corinthians 4-6 Day #25 – Thursday, November 5 – Read Luke 4, 2 Corinthians 7-9 Day #26 – Friday, November 6 – Read Luke 5, 2 Corinthians 10-11 Day #27 – Saturday, November 7 – Read Luke 6, 2 Corinthians 12-13 Day #28 – Sunday, November 8 – Read Luke 7, Galatians 1-3 11
GG Week #6: Week of November 9 Day #29 – Monday, November 9 – Read Luke 8, Galatians 4-6 Day #30 – Tuesday, November 10 – Read Luke 9, Ephesians 1-3 Day #31 – Wednesday, November 11 – Read Luke 10, Ephesians 4-6 Day #32 – Thursday, November 12 – Read Luke 11, Philippians 1-2 Day #33 – Friday, November 13 – Read Luke 12, Philippians 3-4 Day #34 – Saturday, November 14 – Read Luke 13, Colossians 1-2 Day #35 – Sunday, November 15 – Read Luke 14, Colossians 3-4
GG Week #7: Week of November 16 Day #36 – Monday, November 16 – Read Luke 15, 1 Thessalonians 1-3 Day #37 – Tuesday, November 17 – Read Luke 16, 1 Thessalonians 4-6 Day #38 – Wednesday, November 18 – Read Luke 17, 2 Thessalonians 1-3 Day #39 – Thursday, November 19 – Read Luke 18, 1 Timothy 1-3 Day #40 – Friday, November 20 – Read Luke 19, 1 Timothy 4-6 Day #41 – Saturday, November 21 – Read Luke 20, 2 Timothy 1-2 Day #42 – Sunday, November 22 – Read Luke 21, 2 Timothy 3-4
GG Week #8: Week of November 23 (Groups Don’t Meet Thanksgiving Week) Day #43 – Monday, November 23 – Read Luke 22, Titus 1-3 Day #44 – Tuesday, November 24 – Read Luke 23, Philemon 1 Day #45 – Wednesday, November 25 – Read Luke 24, Hebrews 1-2 Day #46 – Thursday, November 26 – Read John 1-2, Hebrews 3-4 Day #47 – Friday, November 27 – Read John 3-4, Hebrews 5-7 Day #48 – Saturday, November 28 – Read John 5-6, Hebrews 8-10 Day #49 – Sunday, November 29 – Read John 7-8, Hebrews 11-13 12
GG Week #9: Week of November 30 Day #50 – Monday, November 30 – Read John 9-10 Day #51 – Tuesday, December 1 – Read John 11-12, James 1-3 Day #52 – Wednesday, December 2 – Read John 13-14, James 4-5 Day #53 – Thursday, December 3 – Read John 15-16, 1 Peter 1-2 Day #54 – Friday, December 4 – Read John 17-18, 1 Peter 3-5 Day #55 – Saturday, December 5 – Read John 19-20, 2 Peter 1-3 Day #56 – Sunday, December 6 – 1 John 1-5
GG Week #10: Week of December 7 Day #57 – Monday, December 7 – 2 John 1, 3 John 1, Jude 1 Day #58 – Tuesday, December 8 – Revelation 1-4 Day #59 – Wednesday, December 9 – Revelation 5-8 Day #60 – Thursday, December 10 – Revelation 9-12 Day #61 – Friday, December 11 – Revelation 13-16 Day #62 – Saturday, December 12 – Revelation 16-19 Day #63 – Sunday, December 13 – Revelation 20-22
GG Week #11: Week of December 14 *Growth Group Play Group Week* *Every Growth Group is assigned service opportunities during the semester. SERVING ON SUNDAY DATES: _______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
SERVANT EVANGELISM DATE:
GG PLAY GROUP DATE:
____________________
______________________
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The Journey Fall 2015 Growth Group Covenant Welcome to your Fall 2015 Growth Group at The Journey. Congratulations on your desire to grow deeper in your relationship with God through this weekly study and the relationships that will begin in this Growth Group. As a member of this group, you will be asked to enter into a covenant with the other members to make this Growth Group a priority. To be a part of the group, you are asked to make the following commitments: 1. I will make this group a priority by attending each week, keeping up with my assignments and participating in group discussion. 2. I will regularly attend The Journey services and contribute to the ministry of the church through my attendance, giving, service and inviting of others. 3. I will strive to build authentic relationships with those in this group by showing care, providing encouragement and praying for their needs. 4. I will intentionally share my faith with those around me by reaching out to lost and unchurched friends by praying, giving a verbal witness, and inviting them to The Journey. 5. I will serve together with my group once a month during the semester and will participate in a Servant Evangelism Project and play together with my group at least once. 6. I will explore honestly my next steps for spiritual growth.
________________________________ Sign Your Name
_______________ Date
________________________________ Print Your Name
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Fall 2015 Serving Schedule UWS Group Leaders Josh/Sarah Anthony Catherine Bonnie/Doris
Date #1 October 11 October 18 October 25 November 1
Date #2 November 8 November 15 November 22 November 29
Date #3 December 6 December 13 December 20 December 20
Midtown Group Leaders Dawn Tim Dave/Ivana/Amy/Italo Susan Marie/Iris Hillary/Elizabeth Sophia Chelsea/Tee/Rachel Tyler/Patrick Taylor Tre Reid Group Leaders Kerrick Mia Jeremy Laura/Alex/Michelle Seth/Shelley Anna/Julie Diamond/Brandon Khadeen/Jessica Anita/Sherika Brendan/Anita/Jeff Haidee/Christina Ariane Matt/Claire Gina
Service 10:00am 10:00am 11:30am 11:30am 1:00pm 1:00pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm Service 10:00am 10:00am 10:00am 11:30am 11:30am 1:00pm 1:00pm 1:00pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm
Date #1 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 Date #1 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18
Date #2 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8
Date #3 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6
Date #2 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15
Date #3 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 15
Group Leaders Ravi Wayne Janice Austin Christine/Setphanie Mandy Tiffany/Carissa Richard Nate/Candace Lyndi/Sofia Chandra/Jackie Aniella/Aileena Michele/Cindy Calvin/Sharise Eriana/Tayloir Max Group Leaders Arlene/Adeline Angie/Arlene Marcia Danna/Kristen/Morgan Will Andy/Annabell Scott Beth Juliana Alwina/Mia/Avery Stephanie Phenice/Brionna TJ/Leslie Rafael/Laura Al
Service 10:00am 10:00am 10:00am 11:30am 11:30am 11:30am 1:00pm 1:00pm 1:00pm 1:00pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm Service 10:00am 10:00am 10:00am 11:30am 11:30am 11:30am 1:00pm 1:00pm 1:00pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm
Date #1 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 Date #1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1
Date #2 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 Date #2 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29
Date #3 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 Date #3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3
16
Fall 2015 Servant Evangelism Schedule Monday, October 26 – 7:00pm Union Square – 15th Street (American Eagle) Sophia Dave/Ivana/Amy/Italo Tuesday, October 27 – 7:00pm Upper West Side – 96th Street & Broadway Mia Josh/Sarah Kerrick Tuesday, October 27 – 7:00pm Union Square – 15th Street (American Eagle) Susan Tyler/Patrick Diamond/Brandon Matt/Claire Reid Taylor Wednesday, October 28 – 7:00pm Upper West Side – 96th Street & Broadway Hillary/Elizabeth Mandy Angie/Arlene Max Wednesday, October 28 – 7:00pm Union Square – 15th Street (American Eagle) Anita/Sherika Brendan/Anita/Jeff Aniella/Aileena Nate/Candace Janice Beth
Tre Tim
Seth/Shelley Marie/Iris Gina
Dawn Chelsea/Tee/Rachel Anna/Julie Laura/Alex/Michelle Ravi
Anthony Khadeen/Jessica Ariane
Calvin/Sharise Tiffany/Carissa Christine/Stephanie Scott Wayne
17
Thursday, October 29 – 7:00pm Upper West Side – 96th Street & Broadway Alwina/Mia/Avery Phenice/Brionna Danna/Kristen/Morgan Marcia Rafael/Laura Saturday, October 31 – 12:00pm Union Square – 15th Street (American Eagle) Haidee/Christina Andy/Annabell Michele/Cindy Lyndi/Sofia Chandra/Jackie
TJ/Leslie Catherine Richard Stephanie WIll
Austin Eriana/Tayloir Bonnie/Doris Al Arlene/Adeline
18
HOW TO LEAD YOUR NEW TESTAMENT CHALLENGE GROWTH GROUP THIS FALL 1 – BEGIN WITH AN • •
.
Gets people warmed up for discussion Helps new people feel more welcomed
2 – PRAY 3 – GIVE AN OVERVIEW OF THE • • • • •
Weekly Discussion Guide Pictorial Guide to the New Testament New Testament Overview New Testament & Life of Jesus Timelines Flash Cards
4 – ASK – “WHAT •
THAT WEEK.
DO YOU HAVE FROM THIS WEEK’S READING?”
As you read during the week – note your questions and areas of interest
5 – PICK SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK FROM •
.
Don’t feel pressured to get through all of the questions we give you.
6 – SEE IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS OR INTERST FROM •
.
Balance TRUTH (Scripture) with LIFE (Personal Experience) in discussion.
7 – SHARE
AND PRAY.
*HOW DOES MY GROWTH GROUP “WIN”? Ø My Growth Group “WINS” when we apply to our lives and
. 19
The Journey Fall 2015 Growth Group Leader/Coordinator Covenant Thank you for serving as a Growth Group Leader/Coordinator at The Journey. As a Growth Group Leader/Coordinator 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 Growth Group Leaders/Coordinators by making the following commitments: 1. I will embody and reflect the values and principles of The Journey and will follow the leadership of the Staff Team. 2. I will faithfully attend The Journey on Sundays and: • Participate in the church by becoming a member and giving in a measurable way. • Leading my group in serving together once a month. 3. I will make my Growth Group a priority by: • Faithfully attending my Growth Group. • Preparing beforehand for my group each week. • Inviting/welcoming others to join my group. • Identifying New Leaders in my Growth Group. 4. I understand that I am responsible for the care of my Growth 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. 5. 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. 6. I will intentionally share my faith with those around me by: • Reaching out to lost and unchurched friends and inviting them to The Journey. • Encouraging my Growth Group Members to reach out to lost and unchurched friends and inviting them to The Journey. __________________________________ Sign Your Name
_______________ Date
__________________________________ Print Your Name 20
Summer Semester
Fall Semester
February – May
June – August
October – December
Growth Groups @ The Journey The Journey exists to give the people of New York City the best opportunity to become fully developing followers of Jesus. CORE BELIEF: At The Journey, we believe God wants our church to… grow
and
at the same time.
As a result, The Journey has 2 Types of Church Meetings: Large Group: Sunday Services Small Group: ________________________________ “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 Two non-requirements to be a Growth Group Leader: 1. Being a ____________________________________. 2. The gift of __________________________________.
Two Requirements to be a Growth Group Leader: 1. A sincere _______________________________. 2. A sincere ________________________________.
“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40
2
The Journey
Fall 2015 Growth Groups Growth Group Responsibilities WHAT DOES MY GROWTH GROUP DO?
§ Meets together once a week § Serves together once a month § Reaches out together once a semester § Plays together once a semester WHAT DOES A GROWTH GROUP LEADER DO? §
Pray for group members once a day.
§
Lead the group once a week.
§
Meet with Team Leader in a Growth Group Huddle once a semester.
§
Form new groups from their current group once a semester.
WHAT DOES A GROWTH GROUP COORDINATOR DO? §
Prepares to become a Growth Group Leader 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 Coordinator sends 2 emails to the group: 1. Record prayer requests and email them to everyone in the group. 2. Send an attendance reminder email to everyone in the group each week two days before the group is to meet (and before group events).
3
Four F’s of Leading a Growth Group 1. _________________________________________ Who can I invite to be a part of my Growth Group? •
People in previous Growth 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 Growth Group? • Serve at the GG Table on Sundays and hold a poster at the end of a service. • Email/call/text anyone I know to invite them to my group. • Post about my Growth Group on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. 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 GG Coordinator for your Group List 4 people you can invite to join your Growth Group: 1.
3.
2.
4.
*Challenge: _______________________________________________________ 4
2. ______________________________________ How do people sign up for my Growth group? Sunday Sign Ups from the services and the GG Info Table are sent to you on Mondays Online Sign Ups: you receive an automatic email
Three types of communication…. 1. ____________________________________ • As soon as someone signs up, email them all the details for your Growth Group. • Within a few days of someone signing up, call them to introduce myself and try to meet them on Sunday.
2. _____________________________________ • 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. _____________________________________ • 2 Weekly Emails o Prayer Request o Meeting Reminder
*Challenge: _______________________________________________________ 5
3. ______________________________________________ How can I prepare for my FIRST Growth Group Meeting? Pray for your group and the individuals who sign up. •
When someone signs up, immediately add them to your growth group list (keep an excel file with everyone’s contact information).
•
Keep a 3” x 5” index card with the names of everyone who signs up for your Growth Group.
•
Place this index card in a place that you will see every day so you can pray for your Growth Group Members.
Prepare for your first meeting & have a place for your group to meet. •
Secure a meeting location NOW and let everyone know about it immediately.
•
Think through your itinerary (1st Group Meeting Itinerary).
•
Share the Syllabus with your Group (before the first meeting by email and at the first meeting).
Lead your group through the GG Covenant & Syllabus • GG Covenant
*Challenge: _______________________________________________________ 6
4. ______________________________________________ How can I lead a successful Growth Group EVERY TIME we meet? •
Begin and end on time, every time.
•
Encourage everyone to participate in discussion:
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 GG Members & Communication to Staff.
•
Serve at a Sunday service once a month this semester.
•
Participate in one Growth Group SE Project this semester.
*Challenge: _______________________________________________________
7
Four F’s Checklist: FILL-UP CHECK LIST: __ Secure a Coordinator for your Growth Group. __ Serve at the GG Info Table and ask people on Sunday to join my group. __ Invite friends, neighbors and co-workers to join my group. FOLLOW-UP CHECK LIST: __ Email every person who signs up for my group immediately with all of the information: day/time/location, start date, syllabus, contact info, etc. __ Call everyone who signs up for my group within a few days of them signing up to introduce myself. __ Send an email reminder each week leading up to my first meeting. __ Send an email reminder the day before the first meeting. __ Call my group members the week of my first meeting to remind them of the first meeting. __ Follow up with those who don’t show up for Growth Group at least 2 weeks into the group (don’t remove their name from the list unless they request it). FOCUS CHECK LIST: __ Pray daily for those who have signed up for my group. __ Secure a place for my group to meet. __ Have the Syllabus and GG Covenant ready at the 1st group meeting. FACILITATE CHECK LIST: __ Send two weekly emails to my Growth Group: Prayer Requests (day after group meets) and Group Reminder Email (day before next group meeting). __ Write down my group’s Service and SE dates and communicate those dates to my group. Be faithful in leading my group to serve. __ Continually identify potential leaders from my group and give them the opportunity to serve/lead within my group.
8
The Journey Fall 2015 Growth Groups
Itinerary for your 1st Growth 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): 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. 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. 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! The Name Game: Tell the story behind your name – are you named after someone, does your name mean something special, etc. 4. Introduce the New Testament Challenge: Hand out GG Syllabus, Bookmarks, share the NT Information on the Week #1 Discussion Guide. Answer any questions – 5-10 minutes. 5. Growth Group Covenant: Read through the Growth Group Covenant 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.
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New Testament Challenge Syllabus The Journey’s Fall 2015 Growth Groups Monday, October 5 – Saturday, December 19 Welcome to your Fall 2015 New Testament Challenge Growth Group. Your group will meet weekly beginning the week of October 5 through the week of December 14. Have you actually ever read the New Testament? Most people haven’t. This group is your big chance to read it through and learn more about your faith than ever before! This Fall, you and your Growth Group will have the opportunity to read through the New Testament in its entirety. Every day you will be reading several chapters from the New Testament (see the reading plan below). Then, on Sundays at The Journey, the teaching will connect to the readings that you discuss in your group that week. Be sure to keep up with your reading and come to the group prepared to participate in discussion each week. If you do – God will change your life! Below is a week-by-week syllabus for your group. Note that you will need to add in the dates that your group serves on Sundays and participates in its Servant Evangelism event. So, strap in and join the entire Journey Family on this spiritual adventure as we explore the New Testament together this Fall!
GG Week #1: Week of October 5 First Growth Group Meeting: Introductions, Group Orientation, Growth Group Covenants
GG Week #2: Week of October 12 Day #1 – Monday, October 12 – Read Matthew 1-2, Acts 1-3 Day #2 – Tuesday, October 13 – Read Matthew 3-4, Acts 4-6 Day #3 – Wednesday, October 14 – Read Matthew 5-6, Acts 7-9 Day #4 – Thursday, October 15 – Read Matthew 7-8, Acts 10-12 Day #5 – Friday, October 16 – Read Matthew 9-10, Acts 13-15 Day #6 – Saturday, October 17 – Read Matthew 11-12, Acts 16-18 Day #7 – Sunday, October 18 – Read Matthew 13-14, Acts 19-21 10
GG Week #3: Week of October 19
Day #8 – Monday, October 19 – Read Matthew 15-16, Acts 22-24
Day #9 – Tuesday, October 20 – Read Matthew 17-18, Acts 25-27 Day #10 – Wednesday, October 21 – Read Matthew 19-20, Acts 28 Day #11 – Thursday, October 22 – Read Matthew 21-22, Romans 1-3 Day #12 – Friday, October 23 – Read Matthew 23-24, Romans 4-6 Day #13 – Saturday, October 24 – Read Matthew 25-26, Romans 7-9 Day #14 – Sunday, October 25 – Read Matthew 27-28, Romans 10-12
GG Week #4: Week of October 26 Day #15 – Monday, October 26 – Read Mark 1-2, Romans 13-15 Day #16 – Tuesday, October 27 – Read Mark 3-4, Romans 16 Day #17 – Wednesday, October 28 – Read Mark 5-6, 1 Corinthians 1-2 Day #18 – Thursday, October 29 – Read Mark 7-8, 1 Corinthians 3-4 Day #19 – Friday, October 30 – Read Mark 9-10, 1 Corinthians 5-7 Day #20 – Saturday, October 31 – Read Mark 11-12, 1 Corinthians 8-10 Day #21 – Sunday, November 1 – Read Mark 13-14, 1 Corinthians 11-13
GG Week #5: Week of November 2 Day #22 – Monday, November 2 – Read Mark 15-16, 1 Corinthians 14-16 Day #23 – Tuesday, November 3 – Read Luke 1-2, 2 Corinthians 1-3 Day #24 – Wednesday, November 4 – Read Luke 3, 2 Corinthians 4-6 Day #25 – Thursday, November 5 – Read Luke 4, 2 Corinthians 7-9 Day #26 – Friday, November 6 – Read Luke 5, 2 Corinthians 10-11 Day #27 – Saturday, November 7 – Read Luke 6, 2 Corinthians 12-13 Day #28 – Sunday, November 8 – Read Luke 7, Galatians 1-3 11
GG Week #6: Week of November 9 Day #29 – Monday, November 9 – Read Luke 8, Galatians 4-6 Day #30 – Tuesday, November 10 – Read Luke 9, Ephesians 1-3 Day #31 – Wednesday, November 11 – Read Luke 10, Ephesians 4-6 Day #32 – Thursday, November 12 – Read Luke 11, Philippians 1-2 Day #33 – Friday, November 13 – Read Luke 12, Philippians 3-4 Day #34 – Saturday, November 14 – Read Luke 13, Colossians 1-2 Day #35 – Sunday, November 15 – Read Luke 14, Colossians 3-4
GG Week #7: Week of November 16 Day #36 – Monday, November 16 – Read Luke 15, 1 Thessalonians 1-3 Day #37 – Tuesday, November 17 – Read Luke 16, 1 Thessalonians 4-6 Day #38 – Wednesday, November 18 – Read Luke 17, 2 Thessalonians 1-3 Day #39 – Thursday, November 19 – Read Luke 18, 1 Timothy 1-3 Day #40 – Friday, November 20 – Read Luke 19, 1 Timothy 4-6 Day #41 – Saturday, November 21 – Read Luke 20, 2 Timothy 1-2 Day #42 – Sunday, November 22 – Read Luke 21, 2 Timothy 3-4
GG Week #8: Week of November 23 (Groups Don’t Meet Thanksgiving Week) Day #43 – Monday, November 23 – Read Luke 22, Titus 1-3 Day #44 – Tuesday, November 24 – Read Luke 23, Philemon 1 Day #45 – Wednesday, November 25 – Read Luke 24, Hebrews 1-2 Day #46 – Thursday, November 26 – Read John 1-2, Hebrews 3-4 Day #47 – Friday, November 27 – Read John 3-4, Hebrews 5-7 Day #48 – Saturday, November 28 – Read John 5-6, Hebrews 8-10 Day #49 – Sunday, November 29 – Read John 7-8, Hebrews 11-13 12
GG Week #9: Week of November 30 Day #50 – Monday, November 30 – Read John 9-10 Day #51 – Tuesday, December 1 – Read John 11-12, James 1-3 Day #52 – Wednesday, December 2 – Read John 13-14, James 4-5 Day #53 – Thursday, December 3 – Read John 15-16, 1 Peter 1-2 Day #54 – Friday, December 4 – Read John 17-18, 1 Peter 3-5 Day #55 – Saturday, December 5 – Read John 19-20, 2 Peter 1-3 Day #56 – Sunday, December 6 – 1 John 1-5
GG Week #10: Week of December 7 Day #57 – Monday, December 7 – 2 John 1, 3 John 1, Jude 1 Day #58 – Tuesday, December 8 – Revelation 1-4 Day #59 – Wednesday, December 9 – Revelation 5-8 Day #60 – Thursday, December 10 – Revelation 9-12 Day #61 – Friday, December 11 – Revelation 13-16 Day #62 – Saturday, December 12 – Revelation 16-19 Day #63 – Sunday, December 13 – Revelation 20-22
GG Week #11: Week of December 14 *Growth Group Play Group Week* *Every Growth Group is assigned service opportunities during the semester. SERVING ON SUNDAY DATES: _______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
SERVANT EVANGELISM DATE:
GG PLAY GROUP DATE:
____________________
______________________
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The Journey Fall 2015 Growth Group Covenant Welcome to your Fall 2015 Growth Group at The Journey. Congratulations on your desire to grow deeper in your relationship with God through this weekly study and the relationships that will begin in this Growth Group. As a member of this group, you will be asked to enter into a covenant with the other members to make this Growth Group a priority. To be a part of the group, you are asked to make the following commitments: 1. I will make this group a priority by attending each week, keeping up with my assignments and participating in group discussion. 2. I will regularly attend The Journey services and contribute to the ministry of the church through my attendance, giving, service and inviting of others. 3. I will strive to build authentic relationships with those in this group by showing care, providing encouragement and praying for their needs. 4. I will intentionally share my faith with those around me by reaching out to lost and unchurched friends by praying, giving a verbal witness, and inviting them to The Journey. 5. I will serve together with my group once a month during the semester and will participate in a Servant Evangelism Project and play together with my group at least once. 6. I will explore honestly my next steps for spiritual growth.
________________________________ Sign Your Name
_______________ Date
________________________________ Print Your Name
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Fall 2015 Serving Schedule UWS Group Leaders Josh/Sarah Anthony Catherine Bonnie/Doris
Date #1 October 11 October 18 October 25 November 1
Date #2 November 8 November 15 November 22 November 29
Date #3 December 6 December 13 December 20 December 20
Midtown Group Leaders Dawn Tim Dave/Ivana/Amy/Italo Susan Marie/Iris Hillary/Elizabeth Sophia Chelsea/Tee/Rachel Tyler/Patrick Taylor Tre Reid Group Leaders Kerrick Mia Jeremy Laura/Alex/Michelle Seth/Shelley Anna/Julie Diamond/Brandon Khadeen/Jessica Anita/Sherika Brendan/Anita/Jeff Haidee/Christina Ariane Matt/Claire Gina
Service 10:00am 10:00am 11:30am 11:30am 1:00pm 1:00pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm Service 10:00am 10:00am 10:00am 11:30am 11:30am 1:00pm 1:00pm 1:00pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm
Date #1 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 October 11 Date #1 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18 October 18
Date #2 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8
Date #3 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6
Date #2 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 15
Date #3 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 15
Group Leaders Ravi Wayne Janice Austin Christine/Setphanie Mandy Tiffany/Carissa Richard Nate/Candace Lyndi/Sofia Chandra/Jackie Aniella/Aileena Michele/Cindy Calvin/Sharise Eriana/Tayloir Max Group Leaders Arlene/Adeline Angie/Arlene Marcia Danna/Kristen/Morgan Will Andy/Annabell Scott Beth Juliana Alwina/Mia/Avery Stephanie Phenice/Brionna TJ/Leslie Rafael/Laura Al
Service 10:00am 10:00am 10:00am 11:30am 11:30am 11:30am 1:00pm 1:00pm 1:00pm 1:00pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm Service 10:00am 10:00am 10:00am 11:30am 11:30am 11:30am 1:00pm 1:00pm 1:00pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm
Date #1 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 October 25 Date #1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1 November 1
Date #2 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 November 22 Date #2 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29 November 29
Date #3 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 Date #3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3 January 3
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Fall 2015 Servant Evangelism Schedule Monday, October 26 – 7:00pm Union Square – 15th Street (American Eagle) Sophia Dave/Ivana/Amy/Italo Tuesday, October 27 – 7:00pm Upper West Side – 96th Street & Broadway Mia Josh/Sarah Kerrick Tuesday, October 27 – 7:00pm Union Square – 15th Street (American Eagle) Susan Tyler/Patrick Diamond/Brandon Matt/Claire Reid Taylor Wednesday, October 28 – 7:00pm Upper West Side – 96th Street & Broadway Hillary/Elizabeth Mandy Angie/Arlene Max Wednesday, October 28 – 7:00pm Union Square – 15th Street (American Eagle) Anita/Sherika Brendan/Anita/Jeff Aniella/Aileena Nate/Candace Janice Beth
Tre Tim
Seth/Shelley Marie/Iris Gina
Dawn Chelsea/Tee/Rachel Anna/Julie Laura/Alex/Michelle Ravi
Anthony Khadeen/Jessica Ariane
Calvin/Sharise Tiffany/Carissa Christine/Stephanie Scott Wayne
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Thursday, October 29 – 7:00pm Upper West Side – 96th Street & Broadway Alwina/Mia/Avery Phenice/Brionna Danna/Kristen/Morgan Marcia Rafael/Laura Saturday, October 31 – 12:00pm Union Square – 15th Street (American Eagle) Haidee/Christina Andy/Annabell Michele/Cindy Lyndi/Sofia Chandra/Jackie
TJ/Leslie Catherine Richard Stephanie WIll
Austin Eriana/Tayloir Bonnie/Doris Al Arlene/Adeline
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HOW TO LEAD YOUR NEW TESTAMENT CHALLENGE GROWTH GROUP THIS FALL 1 – BEGIN WITH AN • •
.
Gets people warmed up for discussion Helps new people feel more welcomed
2 – PRAY 3 – GIVE AN OVERVIEW OF THE • • • • •
Weekly Discussion Guide Pictorial Guide to the New Testament New Testament Overview New Testament & Life of Jesus Timelines Flash Cards
4 – ASK – “WHAT •
THAT WEEK.
DO YOU HAVE FROM THIS WEEK’S READING?”
As you read during the week – note your questions and areas of interest
5 – PICK SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK FROM •
.
Don’t feel pressured to get through all of the questions we give you.
6 – SEE IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS OR INTERST FROM •
.
Balance TRUTH (Scripture) with LIFE (Personal Experience) in discussion.
7 – SHARE
AND PRAY.
*HOW DOES MY GROWTH GROUP “WIN”? Ø My Growth Group “WINS” when we apply to our lives and
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The Journey Fall 2015 Growth Group Leader/Coordinator Covenant Thank you for serving as a Growth Group Leader/Coordinator at The Journey. As a Growth Group Leader/Coordinator 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 Growth Group Leaders/Coordinators by making the following commitments: 1. I will embody and reflect the values and principles of The Journey and will follow the leadership of the Staff Team. 2. I will faithfully attend The Journey on Sundays and: • Participate in the church by becoming a member and giving in a measurable way. • Leading my group in serving together once a month. 3. I will make my Growth Group a priority by: • Faithfully attending my Growth Group. • Preparing beforehand for my group each week. • Inviting/welcoming others to join my group. • Identifying New Leaders in my Growth Group. 4. I understand that I am responsible for the care of my Growth 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. 5. 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. 6. I will intentionally share my faith with those around me by: • Reaching out to lost and unchurched friends and inviting them to The Journey. • Encouraging my Growth Group Members to reach out to lost and unchurched friends and inviting them to The Journey. __________________________________ Sign Your Name
_______________ Date
__________________________________ Print Your Name 20
