Understanding the Role of Community Group Leader

Leadership Team:

I would like to join in this week's online discussion entitled "Understanding the Community Group Leader's Role". Whether I'm listening to Chip present his plan for Student Ministries or considering how our ministry can become more transformational, I believe Community Groups are the key. And as I consider the potential of our Community Groups, I don't believe it will ever exceed the capacity of our Community Group leaders. As we begin to address this crucial ministry need within our church, I believe we need to...

1) Clearly Define the Role for our Community Group Leaders

2) Get Buy-In From Our Community Group Leaders

3) Train Our Community Group Leaders in Keeping with Our Vision

3) Create Systems for Encouraging and Equipping Our Community Group Leaders

I believe the development of our Community Group leaders is Westwood Church's highest and most immediate priority. Review the below listed information and let me know your thoughts.

Community Group Leadership Understanding the Role

This month in our coaching calls we are asking, “How would you describe your role as a Community Group Leader?” “What terms or descriptions would you use?” Obviously multiple words could be utilized to describe the different aspects of a group leader. And our giftedness or comfort level usually causes us to gravitate more to some than others.

Some of the terms suggested won’t necessarily be unfamiliar to you--like facilitator, host, and Bible study or discussion leader. And, even though each of them may capture certain aspects of what it means to be a group leader, none of them does so fully.

The broader term I would like us to consider is “shepherd”. Though the word itself is familiar to most of us, it’s not one immediately associated with a group leader. Typically we correlate it with the role of a Pastor and the Elders of a church, or with Jesus as the “Good Shepherd.”

But for the same reasons we apply it to a Pastor or an Elder, I think we should adopt in reference group leaders as well. What I hope to accomplish through this communication is to explain why, and hopefully, to enlist your support and commitment.

As we begin to transform the role from simply “group leader” to “shepherd,” we do so because of four key responsibilities which need to be understood and accepted by the leader. And, because of the importance of each of these responsibilities, we believe a group leader can only effectively shepherd twelve or fewer people.

Responsibility #1: A shepherd chooses to KNOW.

Just like a shepherd knows his sheep, a group leader chooses to know her group. She knows their name, their story, and even their needs. In our fractured, mobile world, this knowledge hardly comes naturally. Instead it results from four regular choices the leader must be willing to make:

First, she must be intentional. Think of all the obstacles that stand in the way of the development of relationships. Let me identity just a few.

Obstacle #1: Our world is big and fractured. No longer do we live in small communities with limited mobility, which dictate we will grow-up, live, work, and worship together. Many of us live as part of multiple communities—our neighborhood, our children’s schools, the Little League, our place of employment, our church, etc. Therefore, relationships almost always require the element of intentionality.

Obstacle #2: Our world is busy. Never before have people filled their days with so much. We operate as if we can have it all. And rather than making choices, we continue to perfect the skills of cramming and multitasking. Technology has removed the normal boundaries that used to subdivide our world. Therefore, relationships almost always require the choice of intentionality.

Obstacle #3: Our world is diverse. In the church, our unity is found in Christ. And as the Body of Christ we embrace our diversity of maturity, economics, age, and culture. Yet in such a community, relationships will require intentionality.

Secondly, in order to know her group, the shepherd must be focused. Beyond the obstacles already mentioned, the group leader will need to choose to know her group members on a deeper level than the rest of the Body of Christ. Just like Christ had differing levels of relationship – with the group of 70 followers; the 12 disciples; the group of 3 (Peter, James and John); and the disciple He loved (John) – the group leader will have a distinct relationship with her community group.

And finally, the shepherd understands the power of shared experiences in creating relationship. In our fast-paced “Mc”-world we often forget that great relationships develop over time through shared experiences. It’s journeying together through life’s varying stages – being there through the “shadows of death,” as well as the celebrations of life – that create lasting connection and allow us to really know each other.

Since group leaders choose to know their group (and knowing takes time), it is anticipated that groups will choose to meet as a community for an extended period. But it should also be noted that groups have a life cycle of birth, growth, maturity, and death. Therefore, we recognize that new groups are continually being birthed, as others are being buried. And, because it is relationships that connect group members to each other, we would rather not identify groups by the material being studied.

Responsibility #2: A shepherd assumes RESPONSIBILITY.

A shepherd assumes responsibility for his sheep. A shepherd makes sure the sheep entrusted into his care have green pastures in which to eat, water to drink, a sheltered area to sleep, and protection from potential harm. As group leaders, we assume responsibility for the discipleship of our community group. We want to assist them in maturing and developing as followers of Christ. And as you think of discipleship, let your mind wander beyond the normal boundaries of the formal teaching environment. Rather, think of Jesus walking through life with His disciples. Far more than formal teaching, Christ allowed His journey through everyday life with His disciples to become teaching moments.

Responsibility #3: A shepherd chooses to focus on our MISSION.

A shepherd is purposeful in her work with her sheep. She knows what she’s trying to accomplish. Westwood Church has a Biblical Mission and Vision that provides direction for group leaders, and they are captured in the following three statements.

Statement #1: We love God through relevant worship.

Statement #2: We love others through creating places to belong.

Statement #3: We serve the world through participating in opportunities that make a difference.

For each of these statements, key qualities have been identified which group leaders can nurture through the community group experience.

These qualities are called Westwood Church’s Essential Qualities. They are…

Love God Love Others Serve the World Worshipping Connecting Reaching

Growing Caring Serving

Giving

Further definitions and their relationship to each other are reflected in the attached document entitled “Discipleship Chart”.

Focusing on mission does not necessarily mean the utilization of certain teaching materials. Rather it is nurturing the Essential Qualities through the full community experience. Group leaders are encouraged to pick a focus for their group every three months. Because they know their group and have assumed responsibility for discipleship in the group, leaders can be creative in how each specific quality is nurtured through the community experience. Therefore each group’s focus will be reflected differently. We call this the group’s Discipleship Focus. Every week, Coaching is made available to assist leaders with this component.

In addition to the coaching experience, the Community Groups Team is creating a resource list of materials, experiences, and ideas for each Essential Quality. This will help leaders to generate further creativity.

Responsibility #4: A shepherd chooses to create MOVEMENT.

A shepherd moves his sheep from pasture to pasture to enhance their growth. Staying too long in one place will deplete a particular area’s resources and hinder the sheep’s growth and eventual maturity. As group leaders we too want to create movement – through Westwood Church’s Mission, Vision and Essential Qualities.

Choosing to move the group through the full discipleship experience…

1) Prevents the group from becoming bogged down because of a leader’s or a group’s strengths, weaknesses, likes or dislikes

2) Allows the Community Group to have a balanced experience

3) Allows the full Mission and Vision of Westwood Church to be expressed

Every three months the group leader will be asked to pick a different Essential Quality in a different quadrant of the Discipleship Chart for their group’s quarterly Discipleship Focus.

As mentioned earlier, the application of the Discipleship Focus process is enabled through the coaching experience. Through the coaching experience, group leaders will utilize the creativity and experience of other group leaders to identify and create their own Discipleship Focus plan. The typical agenda for these conversations (either by phone or live) consists of…

1) A relevant discussion topic related to group leadership.

2) An update from each group leader about their group’s identity, issues and previous Discipleship Focus.

3) The identification and brainstorming of each group leader’s next Discipleship Focus.

SWOT - Silver Pines

Leadership Team Discussion
S.W.O.T Analysis of Community Outreach at Silver Pines Apartment Complex

Thank you to those who responded to the discussion about our Fall/Winter event schedule. Your input will be helpful for the appropriate MATs and Staff to reach a consensus about direction.

I do hope you will choose to participate in these online discussions. Your input matters and it provides the opportunity for us to maximize our MAT, Staff, and Leadership Team meetings.

This week, I would love to get some feedback on our recent outreach at Silver Pines Apartment Complex. On August 13th and 14th we held a VBS for the residents from 9:00 AM to Noon. And on August 14th we held a block party for the complex from 1 to 3 pm. Please give us some feedback.

Please provide you input by clicking on www.ideasforministry.blogspot.com

I know each of you had different exposure to the event. But from your vantage point, even what you hear the Body talking about, what are your thoughts? Your evaluation?

To help with the discussion, I would like your answers to the following questions, utilizing the SWOT analysis.

Please provide you input by clicking on www.ideasforministry.blogspot.com

STENGTHS
1. What were the strengths of the event?
2. Strengths for the Silver Pines Community?
3. Strengths for Westwood Church?

WEAKNESSES
1. What were the weaknesses of the event?
2. Weaknesses for the Silver Pines Community?
3. Weaknesses for Westwood Church?
4. If we did the event again (or one like it), what should we do differently?

OPPORTUNITIES
1. What are some things we didn’t do this time we should consider doing next time?
2. What were some missed opportunities?
3. What can we build upon next time?

THREATS
1. Were there any dangers or threats we need to consider next time we do this event?
2. What could cause this event to fail in the future?
3. What are some threats (From Westwood, Community, Event, Goals, Purposes) we should consider?

Other thoughts or comments regarding this event?

Any other recommendations?

Thank you for interacting in this evaluation.

Please provide you input by clicking on www.ideasforministry.blogspot.com

Fall/Winter Schedule Discussion

In our Leadership Team meeting Tuesday evening, we discussed our fall/winter schedule. I’m hoping we can continue the discussion online. Take a moment and peruse this document, but go ahead and click on the link and post your comments or ideas on the blog I am utilizing for this purpose.

Christmas Eve

Staff will be putting their final touches on our plan for our Christmas Eve Services. From our discussion it appears there exists strong support for a schedule similar to last year’s. This would consist of…

4:30 PM Family Christmas Eve Children’s Program.

8:30 PM Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship Service

Both services would have coffee, wassail, and Christmas cookies. Kelly M.’s Team would hopefully take on this responsibility. Kelly, do you think we could get a team leader for our Christmas decorations? What do we want to do about the lobby tree? Christie D. in the past has helped in this area. You might want to ask her.

It would also be nice to have carolers outside the front doors before the services. What do you think Dave and the Creative Arts Team?

What do you think about the outside luminaries? Drew K and Facilities, do you think you could put together a small team?

Community Outreach Events

In years past, we have held two major community events on the grounds in the fall and winter. On October 31, we have done our Fall Festival. In December we have held our Winter Wonderland with snow.

We need to answer the following questions.

1) Should we hold 0, 1, or both of the events?

2) Should we hold them at Westwood Church or possibly off-site at Silver Pines Apartment Complex.

3) Winter Garden holds a large event for both these times of year. If we don’t hold our own events, should we participate in these events?

The following thoughts should be considered in our discussion and final decision.

1. We have built some good momentum in our congregation for serving our community. Holding them off campus would allow us to “ride the wave of that enthusiasm.”

2. Each event is expensive and can cost between $2500 - $5,000.

3. There is no major event like we hold done in Pine Hills. Winter Garden and Ocoee both hold such events.

4. Should we consider another area in Pine Hills like the Wayne Densche YMCA?

5. Will our people be willing to come to Silver Pines to participate and work the event?

6. Doing we have a safety issue holding it at Silver Pines?

7. Does Silver Pines have adequate room?

8. If we had to choose one, isn’t Winter Wonderland the most original? After all Fall Festivals are a dime a dozen on Halloween.

9. If we do Fall Festival, should we do it during the daytime? Should we do it on different day than Halloween?

10. Is not holding it at Silver Pines or in Pine Hills good PR to the community about our message of service? Can’t we build some additional momentum from such a plan? Can we not still advertise in our normal zones inviting them to join us in our service to the community?

There is probably much more to consider. But let’s get the discussion started. Let me know what your thinking? Other ideas? Blog ‘em. Leave your comments.

Thanksgiving

What about doing a Thanksgiving picnic at Silver Pines? What about teaming up with a local agency either to bring in food or transport residents to their dinner? What do you think? What contacts do you have? What other ideas do you have?

On Good Friday, our team created a prayer experience through the utilization of Group's Transformation Stations. Experiencing Jesus' Passion (http://www.group.com/). Though we need to advertise the experience better, those who participated were touched with this self-directed experience of reflection. Below you can get a taste of the experience through the video.

The kit includes the instructions and DVD for the experience.

Christ's Passion Prayer Experience

Christ’s Passion Prayer Experience
Good Friday, 2009
Initial Review

I wanted to take a moment to give you my initial rundown on the Prayer Experience we held at Westwood Church on Good Friday.

This prayer experience is similar to the Stations of the Cross experience of many traditional Christian congregations. The material we utilize is provided by Group publishing. Most of the materials necessary for the experience we had purchased in previous years and we hold in storage for future events. I need to clarify this year’s cost and overall costs for supplies, etc.

Whitney Rumeau and her family volunteered to set-up the prayer experience. This was the best setup of the room yet. The video on the website can give you a feel for what it look and felt like. I will get from Whitney the time and number of volunteers necessary for setup and teardown.

This year we added the experience of communion in the Prayer Room with one of the staff members. We had very positive feedback on this addition.

The Prayer Experience was open from noon -1 PM and 5 PM – 8:00 PM

Initial Stats

136 participants
26 participants from the community
110 participants from the Body of Westwood Church

26 Guests from the Community
20 of the participants came during the Noon Experience
6 participants came during the Evening Experience
1 guest took the additional step of inquiring and connecting with one of our small groups.
Guests gave very positive feedback on the experience
3 of the guests were reconnections with Westwood from other Westwood experiences.

110 participants from the Body of Westwood Church
47 different families were represented
Good positive feedback
Surprised by the low representation of our Leadership Team. Not sure if this is because oftravel, lack of interest, or not understanding the importance.

Initial Ideas for Next Year
- Improve promotion inside and outside of Westwood

- Consider adding a second site…possibly outside…possibly even downtown Winter Garden…possibly with some other congregations…possibly with the showing of the Passion of Christ Film.

- Impress upon Leadership Team the importance of this weekend’s events. I guess I need to require staff to participate and work the event.

- Does adding the Spring Fling add too much to the weekend? Should we push hard or ration our energy and resources?

Let the Community Speak

As a pastor, leader, and student of God’s Word, I believe in the tremendous value of learning in the context of community.  Obviously, much of that opportunity exists right within my own church.  This community specifically is found in...

Two small groups I am part of

Involvement in weekly staff meetings

Monthly meetings with two different leadership teams

But I also believe I need to intentionally add an element of diversity to my community.  For example, I see a therapist who is not part of the evangelical community. Hearing a voice from a different perspective is so refreshing in trying to understand who you are.   I listen to podcasts outside of ministry and church stuff.  Two of my favorites are...

Econ Talk

Entrepreneurs Thought Leaders

I also have recently joined a group of clergy outside of my normal circle.  (By the way, it is interesting to hear how they view us “Evangelicals”)  These are few ways I allow the community to speak into my life.  

I would encourage you to embrace community.  But as you do, keep in mind the following...

Real community takes time to develop.

Real community often is messy and at times complicated

Real community values and seeks diversity

Stepping on toes, the possibility of being offended, the realities of hurt are as real as the hearing the broader voice of God and experiencing the encouragement and love of others.  Community always challenges us; often changes us; and certainly connects us.

Seek it!

Memorial Service- Non Church Attender

Here is a rough copy of a memorial service I recently conducted for someone who did not attend church.  

Opening Scripture:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

A memorial service serves as a marker in our lives.  In the Old Testament often when God did some great act of deliverance, it would be marked in some way.  Often it was done with a pile of stones.  It was a monument.  It was a pile of rocks.  

But it was that pile of rocks that would cause a young Israelite child to ask his father a question.  “Dad, why are those rocks piled up over there?”  Dad would then proceed to tell the story of God’s movement.  “That’s when God...”

These pile of rocks.  These simple monuments that scattered the countryside were called “Standing Stones”.  

Today as we gather in this place at this time we are reviewing some of the “Standing Stones” of _______________ life.  

Those standing stones are captured in the the pictures displayed on the screen and throughout the room.  

They are heard in the stories that have and will be told.

They stand tall and prominent in our memories from our shared experiences with _______________.

And as others encounter us...experience us, there will inevitably  be those questions generated by each of us being a Standing Stone because of Lee’s impact upon us.  His children, his wife, his family and friends, all in different ways testifying to the life of Lee Kasten. Each a Standing Stone telling the story of __________’s life.

As we begin this tour...this recalling...this honoring...

Let us ask for God’s comfort and guidance.

Prayer (Prayer for the family...comfort)

Standing Stones - Lee’s Life

I would like to begin our time together by sharing some of those Standing Stones in our memories from our shared experiences with Lee. Each of us have those memories that “stand out” and tell a little bit of the story of Lee’s life.  I would like to encourage you from where you are and share some of those stories, impressions, influences...Standing Stones.

(Have the family & Friends Share stories)

Close with the Poem - The Dash (Selected by the Family)

Standing Stones: Marking the Realities of Life

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, the writer of wisdom writes these words...

 1 There is a time for everything, 

       and a season for every activity under heaven:

 2 a time to be born and a time to die,
       a time to plant and a time to uproot,

 3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
       a time to tear down and a time to build,

 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
       a time to mourn and a time to dance,

 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
       a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

 6 a time to search and a time to give up,
       a time to keep and a time to throw away,

 7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
       a time to be silent and a time to speak,

 8 a time to love and a time to hate,
       a time for war and a time for peace.

 9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

 15 Whatever is has already been,
       and what will be has been before;
       and God will call the past to account. ^[a^]

Just like a hurricane Katrina wreaked devastation in Louisiana reminding us that no matter how advanced intellectually we become as a people, there are some things that are out of control.  

Time passes.  It is filled with events that at times we influence and others in which we have absolutely no control.  

No matter how smart...

No matter how advanced...

No matter our wealth...

No matter our good works...

The passing of time, the aging in life, the sickness in our bodies reminds us that we are not God.  There is only one God who is above and beyond all and yet chooses to share with us His hope, His eternal life through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

This memorial service is a “Standing Stone”, a pile of rocks, a monument to reality that we are not absolutely in control of our world.  It reminds us that we are not God.

As we navigate this world filled with many things beyond our control, Christ has come blazing into our world, revealing a certain path found in relationship with Him.  

Take comfort in these words as Christ’s disciples did as they pondered his impending death.

1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God^[a^]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going." 5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:1-6)

In our world that at times seems to be marked only by the certainty of passing time, God introduced Christ to reveal the certainty of His love for us and the path to God.

Psalm 23, a Psalm of God’s presence, reminds us of who God in Christ offers to be for us during this time.  As I read the Psalm, imagine God saying, being, this to you.

 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
       he leads me beside quiet waters,

 3 he restores my soul.
       He guides me in paths of righteousness
       for his name's sake.

 4 Even though I walk
       through the valley of the shadow of death, ^[a^]
       I will fear no evil,
       for you are with me;
       your rod and your staff,
       they comfort me.

 5 You prepare a table before me
       in the presence of my enemies.
       You anoint my head with oil;
       my cup overflows.

 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
       all the days of my life,
       and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
       forever.

Standing Stone: Saying Good Bye

This service also is our Standing Stone marking us saying good bye to ________________ presence upon the earth.  

As we look at this time and reflect upon this moment, may we forever remember ___________________ footprint he left in our world.  He, like each of us, was made in the image of God and his presence in its own unique way reflected that image.  As we mark this moment, may we now take a moment of silence to ponder his impact upon our lives.

(Silent Moment)

As we mark this moment, may we as well take some time to ponder what his death brings to mind.  May we each in silence reflect upon the realities of our limitations and that we are not God.  May we each reflect upon the certain hope and relationship Christ offers us in this world of uncertainty.

(Silent Moment)

Life at best is short.  We brought nothing into this world, and we can carry nothing out.  In the midst of life we are in the midst of death.  “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27), let us here purpose to seek the Lord with all our hearts and respond to the opportunities of salvation extended through His grace.

The Scriptures say it is “God’s kindness” that “leads us toward repentance (Romans 2:4). And repentance leads us to His greatest gift, the gift of eternal life through the Lord Jesus Christ.  May each gift of God’s kindness remind us of His love toward us in Christ.  We now say good bye to the bodily presence of _____________; the spirit we leave with God, for “will not the Judge of all the earth do right? (Genesis 18:25) (From Pastor’s Handbook C&MA)

And now..

May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26)

Amen