Ideas for how to grow as a Lifegroup

Use these ideas after discussing which stage of growth you think your Lifegroup is in.
To print this for discussion, check out the Google doc version here.

PLANTING  

Strengthen spiritual growth
  • Initiate discipleship relationships with core LIfegroup members (consistent & committed).
  • Share testimonies of what God is doing in your lives.
  • Take communion together, remembering Jesus' sacrifice for His Church.
Deepen Friendships
  • Get involved in each others’ lives during the week (ex: in your group chat, share prayer requests, encouragements, etc.) As leaders, you set the level of trust and vulnerability.
  • Set aside time in Lifegroup or outside activities to deepen relationships with one another.
  • Initiate one-on-ones or small group times to get to know group members better and the giftings they have.
Be on mission together
  • Ask God for a vision for a particular group of people, neighborhood, etc. to reach out to.
  • Serve together - this is an easy way to love others and also grow in our sense of purpose as a group.

SPROUTING

Empower group members
  • Invest in core members and pray about inviting them as interning leaders (new leaders).
  • Create space for group members to speak into the vision and direction of the group.
  • Invite group members into “open” leader meetings to you may raise up as interning (new) leaders.
  • Continue talking about the vision of multiplication with group members.
Reach out to folks who don’t know Jesus
  • Each member prays for and reaches out to their oikos (friends, family, co-workers, etc.).
  • Plan Lifegroup events that are specifically for unchurched friends. Or encourage group members to do Discovery Bible study with friends who don’t know Jesus.
  • Fast together as a Lifegroup for particular people or situations you want to see God bring breakthrough to.
  • Consider doing a local or international outreach as a Lifegroup (talk to Ruth Lam about this).

MULTIPLYING

Raise up new leaders & cast vision
  • Continue to pray and talk with your Lifegroup members about possibly multiplying. Continue to meet and pray with interning leaders: start making potential multiplication plans.
  • Have interning leaders pray into the vision and direction of the new groups.
  • Equip your new leaders by…
  • Meet with your coach to discuss the next step of multiplying.
  • Share specifics on multiplication as you finalize details.

Transitioning Leadership and/or closing a Lifegroup

At times, leaders may feel the need to step down, or the group may experience a lot of changes or group members transitioning out that leads you to close it. Learn more about making a healthy transition here.

Things to discuss with your Lifegroup co-leaders:

  • What stage do we think we’re in as a Lifegroup?
  • Who are the core members of our lifegroup, and which of us are discipling and investing in them? Who can we potentially raise up as new leaders?
  • What next steps do we need to take this quarter to lead our lifegroup into the next stage?
  • What are 2-3 tangible goals for our lifegroup this quarter? (specific, measurable, achievable)
  • How can we strengthen healthy communication and trust among us as co-leaders?