The Basics of Coaching Small Group Leaders
The Basics of Coaching Small Group Leaders Coaches exist to encourage, equip, and empower leaders - so that no leader is alone. W HAT IS A COACH? A small group coach is someone who supports approximately 4 small group leaders. Small group coaches exist so that no leader is alone. For us, when we use the term “coach” we are thinking less of expertise…less about knowledge transfer to leaders, but more on developing others. Being a small group coach is all encouraging, equipping, and empowering leaders. W e believe that encouraging, equipping, and em powering leaders is essential to the ongoing health and growth of the sm all group m inistry. W HAT DO ES A CO ACH DO ? Coaches are responsible for approximately 2-4 leaders. Specifically, we encourage our coaches to: • Pray for your leaders (weekly) • Touch base regularly with your leaders (bi-weekly) • Communicate with Small Group Pastor and/or Director (bi-weekly or as needed) • Meet with your leaders face to face (2 times per semester) The level of support your leaders will need differs on how experienced they are, how their group is going, and what life events they are facing. W e believe it is im portant for coaches to be aware of their sm all group leaders needs so they can provide an appropriate level of support. W HAT ATTRIBUTES/SKILLS DOES A COACH NEED? A coach needs to have the desire to develop others, as well as a growing belief that developing leaders is the most effective way to build the ministry of the church. Coaches ought to be the kind of people that are: • Relatable – “people people” • Growing Spiritually – growing spiritually • Teachable – possess humility and the desire to learn Coaches need some specific skills. Ideally coaches should be: • Organized – in order to schedule meetings and contacts • Follow through – in order to followup with leaders on a consistent basis • Outgoing – so that they can contact leaders proactively • Active listeners – so they can accurately hear and understand the leaders perspective • Wise/Discerning – able to respond to leaders with good advice as situations arise
W HAT TYPES OF GRO UPS DO W E HAVE? GROW – these are the “typical” small groups…meeting together, studying a subject, seeking to apply it to our lives, and praying together. SUPPORT – these are groups focused on helping individuals through specific life circumstances (grief and divorce) and through recovery (utilizing Celebrate Recovery’s “Step Studies”). ACTIVITY – these groups are centered around the group participating in a common activity. Generally, these groups are less focused on study and more on getting to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. NUTS • • •
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AND BOLTS Our groups have a “tri-mester model” meaning we meet 3 times a year (Fall, Spring, and Summer) Our Fall and Spring groups meet for 10-12 weeks (Sept – Nov / Feb – April) Our Summer groups meet for 4 weeks (June) • In the Fall and Spring semesters, we have a small group launch…where we advertise groups and have a signup period…after a few weeks the groups begin TIM E CO M M ITM EN T Below is an estimate of the time involved with coaching: Communicating with leaders = ½ hour - 1 hour a week Coaches Meetings = 6 meetings a year @ 1.5 hours Leader Rally and Celebration = 3 times a year @ 2 hours Leader Huddles (2x a semester) @ 1.5 hours
Q UESTIO NS? Don’t hesitate to reach out! You can contact Pastor John (pastor responsible for small groups) at [email protected] or by phone on his mobile 815.617.2082
You can contact Jim Riley (small group director and church board representative) at [email protected] or by phone at 815 830 3228.
You can contact Audrey (admin assistant to Pastor John) at [email protected] or by phone at the church office 815.434.3794.
W HAT TYPES OF GRO UPS DO W E HAVE? GROW – these are the “typical” small groups…meeting together, studying a subject, seeking to apply it to our lives, and praying together. SUPPORT – these are groups focused on helping individuals through specific life circumstances (grief and divorce) and through recovery (utilizing Celebrate Recovery’s “Step Studies”). ACTIVITY – these groups are centered around the group participating in a common activity. Generally, these groups are less focused on study and more on getting to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. NUTS • • •
• • • •
AND BOLTS Our groups have a “tri-mester model” meaning we meet 3 times a year (Fall, Spring, and Summer) Our Fall and Spring groups meet for 10-12 weeks (Sept – Nov / Feb – April) Our Summer groups meet for 4 weeks (June) • In the Fall and Spring semesters, we have a small group launch…where we advertise groups and have a signup period…after a few weeks the groups begin TIM E CO M M ITM EN T Below is an estimate of the time involved with coaching: Communicating with leaders = ½ hour - 1 hour a week Coaches Meetings = 6 meetings a year @ 1.5 hours Leader Rally and Celebration = 3 times a year @ 2 hours Leader Huddles (2x a semester) @ 1.5 hours
Q UESTIO NS? Don’t hesitate to reach out! You can contact Pastor John (pastor responsible for small groups) at [email protected] or by phone on his mobile 815.617.2082
You can contact Jim Riley (small group director and church board representative) at [email protected] or by phone at 815 830 3228.
You can contact Audrey (admin assistant to Pastor John) at [email protected] or by phone at the church office 815.434.3794.
