Groups Leader Podcast

Vox Church Community Groups

Welcome to the Groups Leader Podcast where we talk through practical tools and skills to help you grow as a leader in order to lead healthy, vibrant, growing Community Groups.

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2: Facilitating Discussion

Groups Leader Podcast

02/01/23 • 17 min

In this episode, Kurt Garceau and Jake Rosekopf talk through 9 practical tools to help you make discussion time easier so that everyone has the opportunity and feels comfortable enough to share.
EPISODE NOTES:
1) Put in the work.

Prepare ahead of time, pray ahead of time, leave room for the Holy Spirit.

2) Set the tone.

Be honest and vulnerable as a leader and acknowledge you don’t have all the answers.

It challenges group members to think and come up with answers.
It takes the pressure off you. You don’t have to have all the answers.
It creates a safe environment for people to share.

3) Don’t do all the talking.

Don’t ask questions and then answer the questions first. Your goal is to have everyone feel comfortable enough to share.

4) Be comfortable with silence.

If no one shares after 10 seconds ask a transitional question. “If you had to answer that question in one word, what would it be?” When someone shares, ask “Why did you pick that word?”, and conversation will start.

5) Steer the conversation back.

“That is an interesting point. Help me tie it to our discussion."
“Let’s circle back on that, but for now, what do you think about this or that?”
“That was a great story, let’s get back on track here with this next question.”

6) Ask open-ended questions.

“Why do you think the author said that?”
“What are your thoughts?”
“What comes to mind when you think about this?”
“What are your thoughts about this particular subject/thought?”
“Why?”

7) Invoke different responses.

“Do we all feel the same way or does anyone have a different thought?”
“Do you really agree with what the author is saying?”
“If someone disagreed with our discussion, what do you think they might say?”

8) Involve everyone.

“Not everyone has had a chance to share on this subject. Anyone else before we move on?”
“What are your thoughts?”

9) Let them craft their own applications.

“What will we do next because of this great discussion?”
“How can put this into practice tomorrow?"
“What are some things you are going to do differently?”

Idea: Write down what members share and ask them to report back the next week.

Check out our Vox Groups Leader Resource page for more practical tools to lead healthy, vibrant, growing Community Groups. https://voxchurch.org/leader-resources and/or join our CGL & Coaches Facebook Group to keep connected: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NHVCGLsCoaches

02/01/23 • 17 min

1: Three things to know about Community Groups at Vox Church

Groups Leader Podcast

01/01/23 • 17 min

In this inaugural episode, Kurt Garceau and Jake Rosekopf talk about three important things that you, as a Community Group Leader or Host, need to know about Community Groups at Vox Church. Thank you for listening and leading your CG's.
EPISODE NOTES:

"He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Ephesians 4:16
1. Community Groups are where the rest of church happens.
Imagine what could happen in our cities if our church community transcended beyond Sunday mornings and went into our homes where we intentionally care for and inspire one another to walk with Jesus. New England will go from being the least churched region in the United States to the most spiritually vibrant place on earth.
2. Community Groups are interwoven into the fabric of our church.
Vox Church started in 2011, with a Community Group of 9 people and Community Groups are still a main focus of our church today. If you are a part of Vox Church as a Community Group Leader, we want you to believe in and be a champion of Community Groups. Our desire is that every person that attends Vox knows about, believes in, and participates regularly in a Community Group with other believers.
3. Community Groups reflect our 3 Core Values
Jesus at the Center, Intentional Community, and City Mission. Everything we do, including Community Groups, is guided by these 3 Core Values.

01/01/23 • 17 min

3: How to Lead a Dominant Personality

Groups Leader Podcast

03/01/23 • 19 min

In this episode, Kurt Garceau and Jake Rosekopf talk through 7 practical tools to lead a dominant personality and ultimately your group with grace and truth, in love.
EPISODE NOTES:
1) Pray for wisdom and words! (James 1:5, Colossians 4:6)

Pray for wisdom and for the right words and trust God to give them generously.
2) Set the stage.

“Hey guys, before we begin, I just want to remind everyone that we want to make sure everyone has a chance to talk tonight, so let’s give everyone an opportunity.”

3) Manage Eye Contact.
Dominant personalities often associate eye contact from the discussion leader as a green light to talk.
4) Call on a specific person to share their thoughts first.

“John, what do you think about this one?”
“Let’s hear from one of the guys/ladies (opposite gender of dominator) on this one.”

5) Steer the conversation.

“That's a really good point."

Immediately turn to the group, and say:

"What do you all think?"
“Do other people have an opinion on this?”
“Who haven’t we heard from?”
“Does anyone have an alternative view?”
“Let’s see if anyone else has something to add here."

6) Use something they’ve said as a turning point and spin it positively.

“John, I like how you patiently dealt with your difficult manager at work. Has anyone else experienced that?”

7) Give a silence time limit.

“I realize it takes people time to think when a question is asked. To make sure everyone gets a chance to engage with our discussion, let’s wait 5 seconds before we answer this one.”

Then call on someone specific by name...

“John, are you ready to answer?” If John is not, ask the next person.

What do you do if you have tried these methods and the problem continues....

1) Pray again! Ask God to help you see them as He does. Ask Him for wisdom and words and for the person to receive correction with humility.

2) Reach out to your Coach or your Campus Community Group Director for prayer/advice.

3) Meditate for a few days on Ephesians 4:2-3.

4) Ask to talk to the person outside of group time. Never confront the person during group time.

5) At the meeting:

Affirm them in what they do contribute.
Ask permission to bring up your other observations.
Remind them that the goal of the group is to give everyone a chance to share. Share that you perceive they are dominating the conversation and remind them that they will be blessed by listening to others as well.
Put them on a mission. Invite them to help in getting some of the other people in the group to open up and share.

03/01/23 • 19 min

4: Groups on Mission

Groups Leader Podcast

04/01/23 • 23 min

In this episode, Kurt Garceau, Jake Rosekopf, and Bru Hickey talk about how Community Groups are intertwined with Outreach at Vox Church. Bru will also give Community Group Leaders practical tools and resources to utilize regularly with their Community Groups.

EPISODE NOTES:

“The love of God compels us.” 2 Corinthians 5:14

What is Vox Church’s vision for outreach?

Vox Outreach exists to share the love of Christ with people across New England through serving the greatest needs in our cities and proclaiming the hope we have in Jesus.

What are the outreach opportunities through Vox?

1. Outreach Events by Campus

2. Partner organizations & impact groups

3. Serve together DIYs

4. Serve Our City Day

All of these opportunities can be accessed at https://voxchurch.org/outreach. Be sure to click the “Choose a City” button to see each campus-specific opportunity.

04/01/23 • 23 min

5: Life together beyond gatherings

Groups Leader Podcast

05/01/23 • 20 min

In this episode, Kurt Garceau, Jake Rosekopf, and Mickeve Regis talk about the importance of connection and community beyond the regular group gathering and offer many practical ideas to accomplish it.

EPISODE NOTES:
WHY should we focus on life together beyond the gathering?
- Follows the example of Jesus with his disciples.
- Creates family & satisfies the longing everyone has for community.
- Fosters greater authenticity inside gathering time.
- Encourages better attendance at the Community Group gathering.
- It’s a way to invite new people to join your group.
- Growth happens in the context of community.
HOW can we accomplish life together beyond the gathering?

1. COMMUNICATION

Texts and Group Texts
GroupMe
WhatsApp
Instagram
Create a Facebook group
Email chain

2. FELLOWSHIP

Dinner out together
Grill in the backyard and play outdoor games.
Go to a sports game together, or watch a game at someone’s house.
Host a game night.
Go on walks/hikes together and include kids if applicable.
Go boating together.
Mini golf, frisbee golf, virtual golf, regular golf
Trips - Camping trip, Beach trip, Mystic Trip, NYC trip, Boston Trip
Celebrate milestones - birthdays, anniversaries, the birth of a child/grandchild, graduations, retirement, and baptisms.
Meet for coffee at a local coffee shop.
Go to a movie or watch a movie at someone’s house.
Go out to lunch after church on Sunday.
Celebrate holidays together – Examples: Christmas Party, Friendsgiving

3. SERVING TOGETHER

Join a servant team and serve together at your campus.
Outreach opportunities (listen to Episode #5 for ideas).
Being there for each other in times of need, heartbreak.
Reach out to members who are sick - Get well soon cards, texts, phone calls.

05/01/23 • 20 min

6: When Your Group is Big

Groups Leader Podcast

06/01/23 • 26 min

In this episode, Kurt Garceau, Jake Rosekopf, and Jermaine Sheppherd talk about some of the practical upsides and downsides of having a big Community Group, as well as tools and skills for Community Group Leaders to utilize to make sure their group is healthy, vibrant, and growing.
EPISODE NOTES:
Community Groups at Vox Church, on average, range from 5-20 people.
Upsides of a big Community Group:

Increased chances of connecting with someone who is like you.
Increase of different life experiences and perspectives so people can learn and grow more.
Increase of opportunity to do fun things with a big group.
Increase of opportunity to meet each other’s needs.
Increased opportunity to develop future group leaders.
Increased community between members outside of the group.

Downsides of a big Community Group:

Potential for a lack of space.
Potential for a lack of participation.
Potential for a lack of shepherding.
Potential for a lack of attendance.
Potential for a lack of childcare.

Practical Tools and Skills:

Subgroup - Start your group time together for fellowship, worship and if you have a video to show for the Bible Study. Then break into multiple groups (subgroups) during your discussion time. We suggest breaking up by gender and in groups of 8-10 for greater participation and deeper discussion. Make sure you have a sub-group leader prepared for discussion. (This is a great tool to actually find future group leaders) Come back together at the end of the discussion time and someone report from each group the highlights of their discussion. Pray to end the time together.
Multiply - Recruit more leaders to take on more leadership roles within the group, or develop another leader who can either launch his/her own group, or take a small part of the group and start a new one. Be proactive instead of reactive, and you'll never let your group become “too” big.
Split up responsibilities - What a great way to relieve the burden for a few people to do all the work required for a big group. This will create teamwork, a spirit of serving, and more committed group members who feel a part of the group.
Recognition/communication of the size of the group needs talked about every so often. This will give people an opportunity to speak up if they believe the group is getting bigger than they are comfortable with. There are options! (Subgroup, multiply)

06/01/23 • 26 min

7: Summer Plans

Groups Leader Podcast

07/01/23 • 21 min

In this episode, Kurt Garceau and Jake Rosekopf talk about the pros and cons of different summer plans for Community Groups as well as offer practical ideas for each.
EPISODE NOTES:
1. Some groups keep meeting throughout the summer
IDEAS:

Study "one another" passages and creatively live them out together.
Have a night where people share their testimonies.
Have a worship/prayer night.
Involve the kids in the study.

2. Some groups change their frequency of meetings and/or location.
IDEAS:

If you meet weekly, try bi-weekly. If you meet bi-weekly try once a month.
Schedule group time around people’s schedules and vacations.
Take advantage of the weather! Meet at a beach or a park!
If someone has a pool, meet at their house for a pool party/Bible study.
Grill out on someone’s deck and have your Bible study there.

3. Some groups take a break until the fall.

IDEAS:

Keep communication ongoing throughout the summer.
Make sure everyone knows the fall re-start date and plan!

4. Some groups meet occasionally and do fun things together.
IDEAS:

Decide to meet every other Friday at someone’s house for dinner and a movie, or get a projector, set up a white sheet, and watch a movie together outside.
Watch the 4th of July fireworks together.
BBQ at someone’s house together.
Sit around a fire and make s’mores together.
Serve together. (To find out how, listen to Episode #4)
Take a day trip to the coast, mountains, or nearby state/national park together.
Decide to sit together at church and then head out for the beach after church.
More ideas are listed in Episode #5.

07/01/23 • 21 min

8: Getting Ready for Fall

Groups Leader Podcast

08/01/23 • 21 min

In this episode, Kurt Garceau and Jake Rosekopf talk about 4 practical steps to get ready for leading your Community Group in the fall.

EPISODE NOTES:

Typical Fall Timeline:

End of August – Fall Campaign Curriculum Released & Group Links

Groups Links are an opportunity for people to sign-up for Community Groups at each campus.

Early September – Groups Rally

The Groups Rally is an opportunity to build excitement around Community Groups, to prep for the Fall Campaign, to offer more specific equipping, and to give out leader resources)

Late September – Fall Campaign Begins

Practical steps to ensure that you are ready to lead an amazing group this fall:

1. PRAY

Start praying now! Prayer aligns your heart and the mission with God’s heart and His mission. Ephesians 3:14 &20

2. PLAN

Proverbs 16:3 reminds us “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

What needs planned?

Start date.
Meeting location.
Day of the week.
Time of the gathering.
Type of group. (Co-Ed, Men’s Women’s, Singles, Young Adults, Children Welcome, Marriage, Parenting, Online)

3. PREPARE

Every year, along with the sermon series, Vox will provide some sort of box or folder where the curriculum will be provided for each Community Group Leader for their gatherings.
As a CG Leader, you will need to pick up your box or folder, 1 per Community Group, look through it, and prepare to lead your group.

4. PROMOTE

Communicate with your campus Community Group Director the info of your group so that they can get your info on a sign-up sheet.
Plan to participate in Group Links, and/or recruit by word of mouth.
Communication is KEY! Communicate the time, the meeting address, the day of the week, what to bring, everything....and do it more than once!

08/01/23 • 21 min

9: Elements of a Healthy Community Group

Groups Leader Podcast

09/01/23 • 19 min

In this episode, Kurt Garceau and Jake Rosekopf talk about 7 elements of a Healthy Community Group and practical ways to ensure they are being accomplished in your group. For more practical ways to improve group health, see the note at the bottom.

EPISODE NOTES:
1. CONSISTENCY

Consistency of the scheduled gathering
Consistency of attendance of members
Consistency of fellowship, prayer, worship, and Bible study.

2. AUTHENTICITY

Definition: "The quality of being genuine or real."
Everyone is open and honest about their spiritual journey.
Starts with the leader. Leaders don't have to be perfect, just in process.

3. GROWTH

Bible knowledge is turning into life application.
Testimonies of real-life change and godly decision-making are being shared.
Fruits of the Spirit are evident. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Love for God and others is obvious.

4. FRIENDSHIP

Fellowship, laughter, and stories happen organically.
People come together around shared interests outside of the gatherings.
(Listen to Episode #5: Life Together Beyond Gatherings)

5. NEEDS MET

Group members support, pray for, and encourage each other.
Prayer as a first response, not a last resort.
Other ideas: meals, hospital visits, cards, flowers, texts, phone calls.

6. SERVING TOGETHER

Groups can and should serve together on Sundays, in local and global outreach opportunities.
Local outreach opportunities available here : https://voxchurch.org/outreach
Global outreach opportunities available here: https://voxchurch.org/global

7. INVITING

There is excitement about welcoming new people to the group.
When new people join they feel welcomed and included.

*Note: To discover which elements your group needs improvement, go to your account on https://voxchurch.org and click into your Community Group under "My Groups." From there, click on "Group Assessment" under the links and take the assessment. This will help you, your CG Coach and your Campus CG Director identify areas where growth is needed and offer practical ways to improve in those areas.

09/01/23 • 19 min

10: What's Next??? Groups 2024

Groups Leader Podcast

10/06/23 • 23 min

In this episode, Kurt Garceau and Kisha Sheppherd talk about What's Next for Groups in 2024. Listen to why we have decided to switch to a seasonal model of Community Groups. For details and FAQs see the episode notes below:
EPISODE NOTES:

WHAT’S CHANGING: Historically we had an ongoing model of groups but starting in 2024 we are shifting to a seasonal model of groups. Instead of just having groups ongoing and just leaving it up to the leader to communicate start and end dates, we are providing clarification on what we believe are natural rhythms of group life.

WHY THE CHANGE: To encourage healthy group rhythms, and to allow space to intentionally carve out time in the calendar to equip and shepherd Community Group Leaders.

WHAT’S THE PLAN: TIMELINE FOR 2024 – 52 WEEKS

GROUPS WILL BE IN SESSION FOR 10 WEEKS 3 TIMES A YEAR – 30 WEEKS IN TOTAL

Winter Kick-Off – 10 Weeks - 1/28/24 through 3/31/24
Spring Kick–Off 10 Weeks - 4/28/24 through 6/30/24
Fall Kick–Off – 10 Weeks 9/22/24 through 11/24/24.

GROUP LEADER EQUIPPING WILL BE 9 WEEKS or (3) 3-WEEK SESSIONS

Before each Group kick-off, we want to pull all our leaders together for 3 weeks sort of like Mini Session Community Group for Group Leaders. These are local training courses with your Pastoral Staff & Group Directors and Coaches that will happen 3 times a year.
First Equipping Session Starts the week of January 7th through January 22nd
Second Equipping Session Starts the week of April 7th and through April 22nd
Third Equipping Session is a little weird because of the summer: There will be 2 weeks at the end of August and 1 Week in September.

GROUP RALLY –– 1 Week

September 8th, 2024 will be our GROUPS RALLY, this is an annual event where we get to gather ALL our leaders in one place to celebrate all that God has done.

GROUPS WILL BE ON A SABBATH BREAK – 12 WEEKS OR (2) 6-WEEK SESSIONS

SUMMER SABBATH BREAK – 7/7/24 - 8/11/24
HOLIDAY SABBATH BREAK – 12/1/24 - 1/6/25

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - FAQs

Question: What happens if I want my group to continue and not stop meeting during Group Leader Equipping sessions? Answer: We encourage you to pause and really focus on engaging during this week as a leader. There will be videos to watch and chapters to read to prepare for the session, and it's really a time for you to receive and be shepherded by the Lord and other leaders around you. Suggestion: Maybe this is a time to identify a Future Group Leader or Co-Leader who can Facilitate the Group meetings during this time.

Question: If we are moving to a seasonal model, will content be provided for every session like in the Fall Series? Answer: No, going forward we will continue to encourage going through content as a whole church during the Fall Series ONLY. RightNow Media, Studying a Book of the Bible, and sermon questions are all options that you can continue to use.
Question: Where will the equipping sessions take place? Will I need to travel? How will I know what day of the week we are meeting? Answer: Your Campus Director and/or Pastor will reach out with suggested days/times of meeting.
Email [email protected] for any questions.

10/06/23 • 23 min

FAQ

How many episodes does Groups Leader Podcast have?

Groups Leader Podcast currently has 11 episodes available.

What topics does Groups Leader Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Religion & Spirituality and Podcasts.

What is the most popular episode on Groups Leader Podcast?

The episode title '2: Facilitating Discussion' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Groups Leader Podcast?

The average episode length on Groups Leader Podcast is 22 minutes.

How often are episodes of Groups Leader Podcast released?

Episodes of Groups Leader Podcast are typically released every 30 days, 23 hours.

When was the first episode of Groups Leader Podcast?

The first episode of Groups Leader Podcast was released on Jan 1, 2023.

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