Hello amazing Small Group Leaders, I hope this post finds you well. As your small group kicks off again, I wanted to pass along some ideas and some encouragement.

THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING…

I came across this article called “The Single Most Important Thing In Leading a Small Group”, and I wanted to share it with you: https://churchleaders.com/smallgroups/small-group-articles/300143-single-important-thing-leading-small-group-jim-egli.html

While I’m not suggesting this truly is the most important aspect of being a small group leader, I thought it contained an important reminder for each of us. Please take an opportunity to read and let me know what you think.

ROAD MAPS

I know many of you have used studies from Rightnow Media. I also know that sometimes, choosing a next study can be challenging for a group. With that in mind, Rightnow media has created something they call roadmaps. Roadmaps are a year-long study plan for a small group. I would encourage you to take a look at these study plans at https://www.rightnowmedia.org/roadmaps. Even if this doesn’t work for you, it might give you some ideas for your group.

THANK YOU

Finally, I realize the past 12 months have been incredibly disorienting. The events of the past year have impacted every aspect of our lives, including our small groups. In light of that I want to say thank you again for your faithful leadership in your group and the lives of people in your group. If there is any way I can serve you or your group, please let me know.

Thank you, JG

Hello Group Leaders, and thank you again for faithfully leading through all of the challenges of this pandemic. I was reminded again today of the incredible importance of the community you are fostering and the care/guidance/shepherding you each give. Believe me, I know this season has been more than difficult. As I talk with each of you I hear the struggle, but I also see the way you have persevered and continued to make your group a priority. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

STUDY IDEAS

As we move forward, many have asked about ideas for your next group study. In light of that, I wanted to pass along some recommendations. Each of these studies has been utilized by other groups here at FCC. Even if you don’t use them now, I would recommend keeping them in mind for the future.

PSALM 23: https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/352010

REDEEM THE SCREEN: https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/434086

THE BOOKS OF 1ST, 2ND, & 3RD JOHN: https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/229858

RACE AND THE GOSPEL: https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/437634

As always, I am here to help, so please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for leading!

• JG

Hello everyone, and welcome to the final week of the At the Movies series. I hope your small group time went well last week. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

AT THE MOVIES WEEK 5

Below is the small group guide for week 5 of the At the Movies series. Please feel free to download the guide and share it digitally with your group members.  There will also be paper copies available at the Welcome Center if you would prefer to pick them up there.

Here is the study guide for this week: 

Here is the video for this week. If you aren’t able to see the video, please click here.

Thank you again for joining us for this series. Next week I will send ideas for next studies for your group.  I hope you have a great discussion this week.

God Bless, JG

Hello everyone, I hope your small group time went well last week. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

AT THE MOVIES WEEK 3

Below is the small group guide for week 3 of the At the Movies series. Please feel free to download the guide and share it digitally with your group members.  There will also be paper copies available at the Welcome Center if you would prefer to pick them up there.

Here is the study guide for this week: At the Movies Week 3 Discussion Guide

Here is the video for this week. If you aren’t able to see the video, please click here.

Thank you again for joining us.  I hope you have a great discussion this week.

Thank you, JG

Hello everyone and Happy Thursday.

AT THE MOVIES WEEK 2

Below is the small group guide for week 2 of the At the Movies series. Please feel free to download the guide and share it digitally with your group members.  There will also be paper copies available at the Welcome Center if you would prefer to pick them up there.

Here is the study guide for this week: At the Movies Week 2 Discussion Guide

Here is the video for this week. If you aren’t able to see the video, please click here.

Thank you again for joining us.  I hope you have a great discussion this week.

Thank you, JG

Hello Grow Together Leaders, and welcome to another year! I am so excited to see what God is going to do in and through your group this year.

AT THE MOVIES

This weekend we begin this year’s edition of At the Movies. For those who were unable to attend the Leader Huddle last week, below is a video from Pastor Brian about the series.

This weekend’s (Sept 12/13) movie deals with the topic of community. In light of that, we decided to use this weekend to promote small groups one more time. As a result we will be having Small Group Launch (for new groups) next weekend, and there will not be a study to accompany this weekend’s sermon. If your group is planning to meet next week, we would encourage you to take this time to reconnect with your group and talk about goals you have as a group this year.

Starting next Thursday, I will be posting a study to be used the following week in small group. So, next Thursday (Sept. 17) I will post a video and study guide for your group to be used the following week: Sept. 20-26

AT THE MOVIES TOPICS

Below are the topics we will be discussing during At the Movies. Each week we will reveal the movie to you as the leader of your group, but we would ask that you keep that confidential. We have heard that keeping the movie titles confidential increases participation.

Also, due to copyright laws we will not be able to make the sermon available on-demand. So, we will be doing a replay on Wednesday evenings. In light of that, please encourage your group members to catch the service on the weekend, especially if your group meets before Wednesday evenings.

HERE ARE THE TOPICS:

• Sept 12/13: Community
• Sept 19/20: Forgiveness
• Sept 26/27: Physical/Emotional/Mental Trials & Care Giving
• Oct 3/4: Racial Reconciliation
• Oct 10/11: Identity

SMALL GROUP 101

While this video focuses on basic group leadership, I found it to have some great reminders for me as a small group leader. For those who didn’t see this at the leader huddle, I would encourage you to take a few minutes to watch it and see what ideas stick out to you.

Thank you again, and please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you, JG

FINAL LEADER HUDDLE – MAR 22

Our final Leader Huddle of the Small Group season is coming up on Sunday, March 22.  We will meet from 6-7:15 pm in Mosaic Cafe, and dinner is provided.  Please reply to this email to let me know if you are able to make it or not.      

 

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JESUS SAID – WEEK 3

Below is the small group guide for week 3 of the Jesus Said series. Please feel free to download the guide and share it digitally with your group members.  There will also be paper copies available at the Welcome Center if you would prefer to pick them up there.

Here is the study guide for this week: Jesus Said – Study Guide Week 3

Here is the video for this week. Click here if you can’t see the video

Thank you, JG

MEN’S RETREAT

I recognize that not every group has men, but for those who do, I would love for you to join me at our Men’s Retreat on March 27 -28.  I am so excited about both the fun and the content.  I think it’s going to be our best yet.  Having said that, this is a great event to come to with the other men in your small group. Please share this opportunity with them and encourage them to come with you.  The cost is $60 (which covers food, lodging, and all activities), but it is half price for first-timers.  Please invite friends.  Here is the link to register: https://www.firstdecatur.org/grow/men/

JESUS SAID – WEEK 2

Below is the small group guide for week 2 of the Jesus Said series. Please feel free to download the guide and share it digitally with your group members.  There will also be paper copies available at the Welcome Center if you would prefer to pick them up there.

I also want to give a big thank you to Jim Andrews, who wrote this week’s study.  THANK YOU JIM!!!

Here is the study guide for this week: Jesus Said – Study Guide Week 2

Here is the video for this week.  Please click here if you are unable to see the video.

I look forward to hearing how this study goes.  Please let me know if you have any questions, and thank you for all that you do to care for, guide, and lead the people in your groups.  Have an awesome weekend!

Thank you, JG

First of all, Happy almost March!  Secondly, welcome to the first week of the Jesus Said study.  Thank you so much for joining us during this series as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

JESUS SAID – WEEK 1

Below is the small group guide for week 1 of the Jesus Said series. Please feel free to download the guide and share it digitally with your group members.  There will also be paper copies available at the Welcome Center if you would prefer to pick them up there.

Here is the study guide for this week: Jesus Said – Study Guide Week 1

Here is the video for this week.  Please click here if you are unable to see the video.

I look forward to hearing how this study goes.  Please let me know if you have any questions, and thank you for all that you do to care for, guide, and lead the people in your groups.  Have an awesome weekend!

Thank you, JG