14 Feb SGL Meeting Notes 2/13/18

Small Group Leader Meeting

February 13, 2018

Mary Ann Parsons (Map) welcomed the leaders and after dinner encouraged the leaders saying that although Small Group is difficult to do sometimes; she understands that people are tired at the end of their day and it can be tough opening your home every week for group but speaking for herself she is always happy that she did.  At the end of the night it always ends up being a positive experience.   Map asked the Apprentices to stand and told them to be encouraged; you will be amazed at how much you grow leading a group.  You benefit as much as the members do.

• Map introduced new groups leaders: Colleen Regan, Len Barnet, Karla Caballero, Jeannine Collins. Mike & Deb Pavao, Peggy Perry and Dean &Trish Harrington.  She urged them not to be discouraged if it takes time to get members.  She also spoke about how happy she was that Len agreed to do an afternoon group specifically for retired people. She had approached a couple who had been attending Waters for quite awhile and asked if they were in group.  They said they were not because they are unable to drive at night.  This is filling a need in the church and Len is now starting with 2 couples in his group.
• Map also commended Priscilla and Shawn Hardy who agreed to go to a host home in Milford to apprentice a group for a couple who will be Small Group Leaders for that campus down the road. When Shawn and Priscilla were approached they said “they would love to”.  Map knows that they will be blessed by this.   

• Map did a devotional on Integrity: As Small Group Leaders we want to lead a life of integrity.  She defined it that we must “Live our life in private as we do in public”.  We shouldn’t be cavalier about it and whether you realize it or not people do look up to you as leaders.  We are shepherding a portion of the flock; we are not teaching we are facilitating but God called each of us to this role.  We need to demonstrate the same vision and mission as Waters Church.

Proverbs 10:9 (ESV)

Proverbs 11:3 ESV 

Map went on to say that we need to talk/walk in the way of Jesus; steering clear of hypocrisy and understand our roles in leadership.  She asked us to use caution in how we use social media; what we post and even what we “like”.  People are watching.  If you are struggling; go to your coach; talk to them they can strengthen you and remind you that you do no walk alone.  She encouraged us to live out the Fruits of the Spirit. 

Chris MacEwen spoke about Next Steps and Discipleship.  He said that Greeters and Next Steps volunteers were recently asked to take Growth Track even if they took Access Class 7 years ago or even Discover a little over a year ago.  He invited the leaders to also take the course or even Starting Point.  It may encourage some of the people in your group to do the same.  It is a great tool to helping move people along their path.  He commended Map for a huge disciple shift since 2013.  In 2013 about 25% of Waters Church was in Small Group and that was when we numbered about 400 people.  We now see about 1500 people each weekend and 40% of the church is now in small group. 

He then spoke about Discipleship and Mature Christians. 

A mature Christian:

1. Abide in Christ in Word and Prayer
2. Bears Much Fruit
3. Responds to God’s love with obedience
4. Possess Joy
5. Loves as Christ loves

   John 15 (ESV) 

2 Peter 1 (ESV) 

Chris spoke about emulating Christ which is an ongoing process and reminded us that people are watching us.  He has three points on how we can disciple:

1. Get “Grubbin” – get fed; read the bible and pray every day. Encourage people to come to the Weekend Experience; watch the Podcasts on Wednesdays.
2. Get “Growing” – This is done through Small Groups, Baptism, Starting Point there will be fruit if you help people get connected. Chris commended two groups:  Michael McGary’s and the David Challis Jr group for multiple baptisms, people volunteering; both groups are showing great “fruit”.
3. Get “Going” – Bear fruit, disciple, volunteer, tithe. He reminded us that this benefits us.

Chris spoke about life change through Starting Point; he had a recent class with a recent divorce, someone questioning the bible regard LGBT, an unmarried couple living together who got convicted and he married them last weekend.  Starting Point is a forum that creates honest, loving place where difficult conversations can happen in an environment that will bear fruit.  He encouraged everyone to get involved – take people by the hand and lead them.

Michael McGary reviewed Planning Center and the Small Group Leaders hub.  The hub link is:  http://sgl.waterschurch.org  this is where you will find your small group guide; you can see the service if you missed it; and the corresponding bible verses can also be clicked on right from your phone or computer.  The Hub is very user friendly.  You can click on upcoming events and register for them; you can go to Group Rants which is Map’s blogs and also access Pastor Tim’s blogs and other useful information to aid you in your small group leadership. 

Michael also showed us how to manage our groups in Planning Center.  He asked us not to do two things:  Do not change the format on the time and date of your group and also please do not change your image with your own photo.  They want the site to uniform and professional.  You can write up your description however you wish to attract members to your group. 

Michael reminded the leaders to please respond to people’s request to join their group as soon as possible.  Email or call them so you can accept them into your group quickly so they do not get discouraged.  You should also be tracking Small group attendance to your group in Planning Center; they will be sending out email reminders. 

Michael asked that if you see something is not running properly; please let him know.

Nicole Nichols spoke about E-Groups which are the Elevate Small Groups; after worship and their lesson they also connect in Small Groups.  This is where the teens connect, bond and create intentional relationships.  She also spoke about integrity and ensuring what you say and what you do line up.  She spoke Social Media and how it is beneficial and also detrimental.  As an E-Leader they are in a position of influence and you are accountable.  Nicole found that it really helps in your walk giving you an “excuse” why you live your life in a certain way.  They must lead by example; watching their attitude and their choices as the teen’s watch how you live, how you serve, encourage and respond.   Mary Ann commended Nicole for volunteering her time to lead this in addition to being on staff as Director of Waters Kids. 

Map covered the following housekeeping issues and events:

• Small Group Leader Training for Apprentices will be March 13^th.
• Registering for events – please respond ASAP. Going forward there will be an end date to respond to avoid not having enough food, tables, chairs, and babysitters. 
• 15 Miracles – Only 4 or 5 people have submitted requests for vetting by Pastoral Team. This program is geared toward community outreach; reaching people in need in our local towns.  If it is someone in group it is fine but only if the group cannot help them on their own.  Also, if you are submitting someone from group please do not tell them as they may not get selected. 
• Game Night – Very successful evening; over 100 people attended. There will be more events to come; maybe a pizza party next time.
• Communication – Map sends out one email at the beginning of the week; she does not want to inundate you with lots of email. She also publishes the email content on the SGL Facebook page (if you are not in the group; let her know she will friend you and put you in the group); she also uses Messenger.  Map asked that the leaders please read the email and respond if necessary.  These are meant to encourage you.  Please use your coaches; they are there to help you and should be the first people you go to.  Map’s door is always open and her phone is always on but the process is in place for a reason.

Testimonies:

John Walker shared a testimony about his Small Group.  He spoke about a woman and her adult son who came into his group.  They were very unlike everyone else in the group; at a different stage of life; lived a very different life and John wondered why they chose their group.  They kept coming and the mom shared many unusual stories along the way.  Her dad was very sick and the group supported her and truly rallied around her.  She also became terminally ill losing almost 100 pounds in 3 months and the group has been extremely supportive.  The woman called John when her father died and asked if he would do his funeral at his house which he did during the AFC Championship Game.  The Walkers embraced this family and with the support of their entire small group were able to truly bless them and the 30 people who came to the service. 

Mary Ann shared a testimony from someone who was formerly in her small group that she received during the fast; Karen & Tony were going through an extremely difficult time in their marriage and were headed for divorce and the Small Group supported them and rallied around them.  Karen sent Map a message saying how much she loves Tony and how grateful she is that her heart softened through the power of God and that she was able to submit to His will and her marriage was better than ever.  This couple came so far through the support of small group.  They are now in the Bond’s group and they are continuing to grow in their walk and discipleship with Christ.

Map closed the meeting with the Leaders praying for each other and then closing prayers for Coaches, Leaders, E-Groups and the meeting.

Next Meeting:  T/B/A