Life Cycle of a Connect Group Meet > Connect > Belong Creating a relational culture in your small group means taking the people from the “meet” stage to the “connect” stage and landing in the “belong” stage. Community takes time, and cannot be rushed. Here’s what you may see in the following stages as time goes on. THE MEET STAGE Meetings 1 - 4 A key to building a relational culture in your small group is creating a safe environment. Making your group a safe place opens the door to authenticity. Modeling this yourself as a group leader will be key to letting others know they can do the same. Remember, people are just beginning to get to know each other at this stage. Help facilitate conversations towards building common relational grounds, fostering an atmosphere of trust. The Meet Stage - What A Group Leader Is Thinking Communicate the vision of the group Model and generate trust Encourage people to share about themselves The Meet Stage - What A Group Visitor Is Thinking Do I like the people in the group? Will the group be worth it? Do I fit here? THE CONNECT STAGE Meetings 5 - 8 When people in your small group begin to connect with one another, a new dynamic of relational care has been established. You’ll notice people are on a first-name basis and even ask about each other’s family or work life. Connecting with others means we’ve gone beyond the surface level of knowing others. People will connect over different things—for some, it’s sports or work; for others, it may be kids or a season of life.
Life Cycle of a Connect Group The Connect Stage - What A Group Leader Is Thinking Express group expectations Empower group members in their gifts Celebrate progress The Connect Stage - What A Group Member Is Thinking Can I be vulnerable here? Am I growing spiritually? Is this group authentic? THE BELONG STAGE Meetings 8 - 13 Everyone has the desire to know others and to be known by others. This becomes the sticky factor in whether or not a person stays with the group, or ultimately, stays at the church. By relationally digging deep, you as a grou pleader will begin to know their character. Knowing others goes beyond just knowing their names, knowing people on a deeper level will reveal their character. “As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.” John 1:47–48 Jesus was intentional about being relational. He knew that in order to call the first disciples, they had to see Jesus knew them personally. Jesus proved it by speaking to their character. You have the same power and authority as a Gateway Group Leader, to speak into people's lives by investing in them relationally first. The Belong Stage - What A Group Leader Is Thinking Celebrate vulnerability / authenticity Serve together as a group Be fruitful and empower emerging leaders The Belong Stage - What A Group Member Is Thinking Others need this too! I can't wait for the next group meeting! I'm comfortable being myself here.