Healthy Group Meeting

LEADERSHIP THOUGHT:

A healthy small group is foundational for fostering discipleship, building community, and encouraging spiritual growth. As leaders, we shape the culture of our group by what we encourage and what we redirect. This means creating an environment where people feel welcome, engaged, and connected—not just with one another but with God. A thriving group focuses on three key areas: Environment, Discussion, and Prayer. By prioritizing these, we can create a space where everyone feels safe, valued, and inspired to grow in their faith.

Marks of a healthy group meeting:

1. Environment

The environment of your small group sets the tone for meaningful connection and discussion. A healthy environment ensures accessibility, comfort, and a welcoming atmosphere.

• Accessibility
  The group location should be easy to find and conducive to conversation. Consider factors like parking, seating arrangement, and noise levels. Limiting distractions is also important to ensure people feel comfortable to reflect and share deeply.

• First Impressions
  First impressions matter. From the moment a new guest enters, they should feel welcomed and included. Greetings, introductions, and icebreakers help create a warm environment. Healthy groups make everyone feel welcomed and included, especially new people.

2. Discussion

Great small groups thrive on meaningful discussions centered around God’s Word. It’s not just about what’s said but how it’s shared and received. Leaders must guide conversations intentionally and inclusively. 

• Facilitation
  A healthy discussion centers on the small group discussion guide which provides the framework for authentic reflection and sharing. Leaders steer the discussion towards the biblical truths put forth in the weekend sermon and the discussion guide and help maintain the flow of the conversation ensuring everyone participates.

• Engagement
  Healthy groups ensure everyone feels included. Members are attentive when someone is speaking, maintaining eye contact and adopting a listening posture. Leaders act as facilitators, encouraging quieter members to share while gently steering dominant voices. 

• Participation
  A thriving group reflects balance. Everyone should have opportunities to share without one or two people dominating the conversation, including the leader. Leaders model good listening and draw out contributions from the whole group. Leaders also ask good questions to draw out the thoughts and reflections of others.

3. Prayer

Prayer is the spiritual heartbeat of the group, connecting us to God and to one another. We want to start each group with prayer and give adequate time for meaningful prayer to conclude the meeting.

• Involvement
  Encourage different members to pray, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility. Leaders can assign prayer points or have the group pair up and pray for one another. 

• Experience
  Be mindful of guests and their comfort levels. Avoid using overly churchy language or practices that might alienate newcomers. Instead, create a prayer experience that’s accessible and meaningful.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Environment:

• How does the current time and meeting location impact the group’s experience? What adjustments could make it more inviting and fruitful?

• What steps can we take to improve the first impression for new guests?

Discussion:

• How well do we stick to the discussion guide while allowing organic conversation? How do you handle those who dominate the discussion?

• What strategies have been effective to engage quieter members without putting them on the spot?

Prayer:

• How can we invite more members to participate in group prayer?

• What do you do to be mindful of the comfort levels of new guests during prayer times?

• How can we make prayer a more meaningful and accessible experience?

PRAYER POINTS:

• Pray that every meeting is filled with God’s presence, guiding our discussions and deepening our connections.

• Pray for healthy small groups that grow spiritually and numerically, creating a discipleship-centered community.

• Pray for leaders to rise up and take ownership of the group’s mission and vision.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

UPCOMING CLASSES:

Discipleship Track:

• Main Campus Discipleship Track, August 3, 17, 24, 31, and September 7 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am in Classroom 1 at Main Campus

Freedom Weekend:

• Kapolei Women’s Freedom Weekend, Saturday, March 1, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at Lanakila Baptist School

• Kahala Men’s Freedom Weekend, Saturday, March 1, from  9:00 am - 2:30 pm in the Hub at Main Campus

• Main Campus Men’s Freedom Weekend, Saturday, March 8, from  9:00 am - 2:30 pm in Classroom 1 at Main Campus

• Main Campus Women’s Freedom Weekend, Saturday, March 1, from  9:00 am - 3:30 pm in the Hub at Main Campus