Genoa Baptist Church

Welcome to The Truth Project Small Group.

Launching a new small group is never easy. Thank you facilitators for taking the time to “jump in”! There are some broad factors that can increase your chances of success when launching a new small group. Group facilitators who take these simple steps before launching will increase the likelihood of that new group taking flight, I hope these suggestions will help as you get started.

1) Pair Up

Jesus sent out his disciples two-by-two when they first did ministry together (find a friend and tell them you'd love for them to partner with you in the start-up of a new group).

2) Pre-vite

Make the effort to invite people into your group before it even starts. Contact your friends and invite them to be a part of your group, then invite them to invite their friends, too. The goal is to create your group's nucleus before you even go public.

3) Plan Ahead

Have a vision for what you'd like to see happen in your group:
Affinity. What people hold in common has a way of attracting and bonding them together in a group.
High frequency. Groups that launch meet uninterrupted every week have a much greater chance of sticking together for the entire tour than those who don't.
Food. Don't underestimate the power of food. It's the ultimate ice-breaker! Food conveys hospitality—it brings people together, makes people feel more at ease (at home), creates conversation, and enables people to open up more together.
Childcare. As soon as you know you'll have people in your group with childcare needs, talk about options for childcare so you can convey this to other people inquiring. If your host home has a play area for the kids, communicate that. People with young kids will be instantly drawn to groups that express an early plan for childcare (no matter how simple it may be).

4) Stay in Contact!

Remember that the pastoral staff is always here for you. I am praying for you weekly as a leader and am here to help in any way I can. Please contact me early on with questions before things get out of hand.

5) Use Resources!

Truth Project Small Groups Handbook - With tour outlines.
Truth Project Small Groups Student and Leaders Questions.
Truth Project Small Groups Powerpoint Outlines.

Thank you again for your commitment to Truth,