LifeGroup Leader Guide

LifeGroup Structure: Tier 3

Shepherd Group Leader

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A SHEPHERD GROUP LEADER?

The Shepherd Group Leader is responsible for ministering to 4–8 people (2–4 couples).

WHAT DOES THE SHEPHERD GROUP LEADER DO?

Serves as the relational connector between the Shepherd Group members and the LifeGroup
Contacts Shepherd Group members at least once a month to discover prayer requests and ministry needs that the LifeGroup can meet
Invites Shepherd Group members from the Occasional and Engaged groups to group socials

Note: your greatest potential for future ministry expansion is with your Engaged group. You should spend the greatest amount of time with this group as they will be the next generation of LifeGroup leaders.

HOW DOES A MEMBER COORDINATOR FORM SHEPHERD GROUPS?

There are two ways for a member coordinator to form Shepherd Groups.

ATTENDANCE PATTERNS

Divide the roster into three groups using these attendance pattern breakdowns:

Committed: Those who attend 26+ times per year
Engaged: Those who attend 7–25 times per year
Occasional: Those who attend less than 7 times per year

Determine the number of Shepherd Groups by assigning each group

Two Committed members/couples
Two Engaged members/couples
One Occasional member/couple

Note: Each group should be organized so that it has people from each of the three groups. For an example of how this process works, see the chart below.

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

Determine the number of Shepherd Groups by assigning groups by location
Incorporate attendance patterns as much as possible to connect group members who attend less often

Social Coordinator

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SOCIAL COORDINATOR?

To provide opportunities for group members and guests to build relationships with each other, and more importantly, to help assimilate new members and guests into the group
To create an entry point to reach prospects and unsaved or unchurched friends
To reclaim inactive members
To build fellowship with believers who are serving
To build fellowship with the members of your LifeGroup

WHAT DOES THE SOCIAL COORDINATOR DO?

Plans meaningful activities and socials for members and prospects
Enlists a team for each function
Sets the date, time, place and activities involved
Invites all members and prospects
Shows sensitivity to costs involved
Arranges for childcare, if appropriate
Encourages members to bring unsaved/unchurched friends

HOW OFTEN SHOULD SOCIALS BE PLANNED?

Ideally, each group will have 3–5 events each year

GROUP SIZES

Work with Director to plan socials
Smaller groups may desire monthly socials
Larger groups, with Shepherd Groups that meet regularly, may only have quarterly or twice-a-year group fellowships

Note: Group socials should normally be in homes or public places rather than at the church building.

Greeter

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE GREETER?

To create an environment where group guests have a positive first impression and returning members are welcomed

WHAT DOES THE GREETER DO?

Arrives 10 minutes early to greet guests
Recruits group members to remain at the door to greet all guests
Welcomes everyone into the classroom
Hands out name tags to members and guests
Introduces guests to group members
Enlists group members to pair up with guests
Works the room, serving as a host for the group

Missions Liaison

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE MISSIONS LIAISON?

To challenge group members to participate in four to six approved mission opportunities each year (local, national or international)

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MISSIONS LIAISON?

To be INFORMED: communicates to the LifeGroup the mission opportunities available

Local: community ministries
National: church planting/establishing
International: by age division; Prestonwood-sponsored
Regularly visits prestonwoodmissions.org

To be INTENTIONAL: leads the group to become directly involved in mission opportunities

Leads the group to participate in at least four church-associated mission opportunities
Leads the group to be regularly prayerful of all ongoing missional needs
Leads the group to be aware of mission opportunities that are division specific

To be INVOLVED: leads the group in missions by personal involvement

Brings people into what you are already doing
Prays about participating in something outside of Missions Liaison’s comfort zone

Men’s Ministry Liaison

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE MEN’S MINISTRY LIAISON?

To inform and involve men in Prestonwood Men’s Ministry

WHAT DOES THE MEN’S MINISTRY LIAISON DO?

Is involved in Men’s Ministry
Serves as a liaison between the Men’s Ministry and men in the group
Involves men in approved Men’s Discipleship Classes, Friday Morning Men’s Bible Study, and the Men’s Conference
Creates awareness of opportunities for men to minister to others
Encourages volunteerism within the church
Develops specific men’s social events for the LifeGroup

Women’s Ministry Liaison

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE WOMEN’S MINISTRY LIAISON?

To inform and involve women in Prestonwood Women’s Ministry

WHAT DOES THE WOMEN’S MINISTRY LIAISON DO?

Is involved in Women’s Ministry
Serves as a liaison between the Women’s Ministry and women in the group
Connects women to approved Women’s Bible Studies, the Women’s Conference, and other women’s events hosted by Prestonwood
Creates awareness of opportunities for women to minister to others
Encourages volunteerism within the church
Develops specific women’s social events for the LifeGroup

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