Feedback on 2009 initiatives
2009 has been a great year for the LG ministry. We had a record attendance on Feb. 22, and we have added five groups. Thanks to all our leaders for their faithful service!
We launched several initiatives in the first part of the year, and we would love to hear feedback from participants and others. Below are descriptions of the events, along with reflections from CH leaders. Please read and send your thoughts to the LG ministry leaders.
1. Training in January -- 40 adults attended three 2-hour sessions
The three week training worked, although, more for landing new leaders than really “training” someone how to be a group leader. Perhaps we could run another three week course on three main issues for those that are interested, with a combo of Buddy Bell/other training info.
For those already through the training, Buddy Bell is getting old.
Perhaps we could identify three current LIFE group leaders to talk for ten minutes at each class about a challenge they have faced and how they have overcome the challenge and then spend the other thirty minutes on a topic of challenge?
I would love for us to continue to develop new leaders within our groups. I believe that our current leaders and even our new leaders need to constantly be encouraged to do this.
2. Campaign in February -- three weeks of connected sermons, LG, and reflection cards
Many people turned in reflection cards each week with thoughtful responses. Good tie-in of cards, sermon, and groups.
Some groups found it helpful to be together 3 weeks in a row, others said it was too much.
Calendar – avoid holidays & Winterfest.
Confusing to add a date right after we shuffled our meeting dates.
3. Table Talks -- 20-30 people attended a three-week open group at the CH building
Table talks were an easy entry point for guests. Two attended who might not have found their way to a home group. Continue to develop.
Might want to consider always having one group meeting at the building for “table talks” and rotating that responsibility around to multiple groups to host.
4. Appreciation dinner in March -- 75 adults enjoyed steaks and success stories
Steak dinner was nice. A good celebration and a fun evening.
Good to tell the stories – grab those more often.
I would love to see a dinner hosted like this at least twice a year for the life group leaders. The steaks were absolutely awesome and the fellowship was even better. Great event. Very well done.
5. Reflections on the last three months as a whole package
Good emphasis on groups – multiple events highlighted importance of being in a group.
Spread out events so that each one can get full attention of LG team.
“I’m beginning to appreciate even more the value of discussing the sermon in small groups.”
Communicate more & better
6. Moving ahead with the LG ministry -- possible directions to pursue
We need a bigger push on our next program: a special announcement each Sunday, a skit, a video, special/out of the ordinary slides in the announcements, special announcements in each of the adult classes, an "advertisement" in the bulletin, posters, etc. I also agree STRONG endorsements by a variety of "leaders" would be useful so that it is not John Grant's or the LG Coaches' program. Our approach might be coming across as "we are a church that, by-the-way, has life groups."
We might need to consider how we can modify the program to suit the diversity of new and existing members e.g., more "permission" to meet on Saturdays or during the week. Not everyone is in a position to meet on Sundays and/or to host events in their homes.
A lot of good that goes on at College Hills is somehow related to a Life Group. I would love to see an increase in the pulpit’s recognition and promotion of this truth.
Periodically “shuffling” the groups appeals to many members. While a total shuffle would not be good, we need to consider offering sign-ups on a limited basis (4-6 groups). This could be a strategy to launch new groups.