Page 5 - Small Group Training Guide
P. 5
The Nuts and Bolts of Bayside Small Groups
1. They are designed around common interests with the goal of building
relationships and growing spiritually. For example, Life-stage (ex.
newlyweds, new parents, empty-nest), Subject/Curriculum (ex. Beth Moore
Video), Activity, or Combination (ex. Cross-Fit with Sermon discussion).
2. They meet weekly or bi-weekly.
3. They have 3 or more people attending, including the leader.
4. They develop and identify an assistant leader.
5. A group will last a minimum of 1 semester and may continue longer if they
choose.
6. Potential members will be able to choose their group by signing up on a
Small Group Weekend or going to our web page.
7. Leaders will choose the type of activity or subject for their group using
material approved by the Small Group Department.
What does an IRRESISTIBLE Bayside Small Group look like?
1. They are ____ and ____________!
● At Bayside, the services and events are fun, energetic and relational, so
most effective small groups mirror these qualities with crowd breakers,
games and music. If you aren’t having fun, neither is anyone else!
● No one gives up a night of the week to feel bored, awkward, frightened, or
excluded so make sure to greet people in the first few seconds after they
arrive and introduce them to other group members.
● Go on group outings such as road trips, camping, shopping, vacations,
BBQ’s to build a sense of belonging outside normal group times.
● It is a great idea to take the first meeting to build relationships by having
members tell how they got connected to Bayside. When we understand
each other’s story, friendships are formed.
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