A week before the first meeting
- Check your roster and call all new members to welcome everyone to your group.
- Share insights about your small group—size, stage of life, how long your group members have been together and why you love your small group.
- If possible, meet your new group members at church prior to your first meeting.
- Email everyone in your group and provide the location and time your group will meet. Communicate specifics about the first night—food, study materials, childcare, parking.
- Confirm any roster changes with your small group with the Small Group Coordinator.
- Begin praying for God to be working in your small group.
30 minutes before your first meeting
- Make your home inviting, clean and comfortable.
- Have a clear plan for the evening with questions and things you want to accomplish.
- Put out snacks, drinks or dessert. Don’t overthink or overdo it, simple is good.
- Set up extra chairs and ensure sufficient seating.
- Make sure the room has good lighting for people to read their Bible/study.
- Put pets in another room or outside.
- Double check that your bathroom is clean for guests.
- Give final instructions to children and thank them for sharing their home with others.
- Unlock your front door and turn your porch light on.
- Anticipate that God will work in the lives of your small group members.
During the first 15 minutes of your meeting
- Welcome each small group member and greet them by name.
- Thank each person for coming and help people feel comfortable.
- Discern the attitude, mood and comfort level of each person.
- Engage anyone who appears distant or by themselves.
- Pull your group together once everyone has arrived.
- Start with a few questions to help your group members get to know each other.
The rest of the meeting
- Share your heart for small groups and what you want to see happen this year.
- Introduce the study and make sure everyone has their own copy or knows how to get one.
- Explain the Eight Commitments of Small Groups and the importance of mutual ministry.
- Go over the dates of your small group schedule for the next month.
- End your first meeting 15 minutes early and allow time for group members to connect.
- Close with prayer and ask God to work in your small group.
After the meeting
- On CCB, mark your attendance, share a few notes about your group and include any prayer requests.