Circle Up:
A 4-Part Study to Begin a Group
North Point Groups
A small group should be a community that supports the spiritual growth of every one of its members. But that's not automatic. To succeed, the leader and group members have to decide to build that kind of community together.
This 4-week study will give you practical approaches to building healthy relationships and pursuing spiritual growth so you can make the most of your new group.
Part 1
Overview
Video run time: six minutes
In this session, Andy Stanley explains that you can’t grow spiritually unless you’re connected relationally, and your host, Toni Collier, challenges group members to show up, join in, and be real.
Group Discussion Overview:
The goal of Part One’s discussion is for your group to begin getting to know each other. Question three gives everyone a safe way to start talking about themselves. Pay attention to your group members’ responses. They may help you understand behavior you see in the future. Question four will help your group move into prayer to close your time together. For the first few group meetings, be prepared to lead the group prayer yourself. Praying out loud can be intimidating for many people, so it may be wise to wait a couple of weeks before asking if anyone else would like to lead your prayer time.
For groups without a leader, the video will last an extra three minutes and provide an overview of what a group should be looking for in a group leader.
Part Two
Overview
Video run time: seven minutes
In this session, Jenny Boyett discusses the opportunity your group has to encourage and support one another’s spiritual growth.
Group Discussion Overview:
The goal of Part Two’s discussion is for your group members to begin talking about their faith. In response to question three, group members may begin sharing more personal information. Affirm anyone who opens up and ask the group to extend confidentiality if necessary. Also, be alert that discussion could get sidetracked by personal stories. If that happens, nudge the conversation back on topic.
Next session, each group member will have the chance to share a little about themselves. It’s helpful to decide ahead of time the order in which you’ll share, so group members can be prepared. Question five will help you do this. And consider pointing out the “About Me” homework (in the workbook) that can help them organize the information they want to share.
Part Three
Overview
Video run time: six minutes
In this session, Chris Kim discusses some practical ways your group can begin building authentic community.
Group Discussion Overview:
Group discussion for this session will be spent giving group members the opportunity to share about themselves. As the group leader, go first and set the tone by sharing transparently and concisely.
It’s common for people to lose track of time when sharing, so consider setting a timer for 7 minutes to remind the person talking that they should begin to wrap up. If you run out of time for every group member to share, continue at your next meeting(s).
For groups without a leader, the video will last an extra two minutes and provide an overview of what a group should be looking for in a group leader.
Part Four
Overview
Video run time: eight minutes
In this session, Samer Massad introduces the idea of ownership and says that for your group to be successful, every member must jump off the sidelines and join in.
Group Discussion Overview:
The goal of Part Four’s discussion is to help every member see how they can contribute to the success of your group. You’ll notice that the questions are divided into two sections. The first section will help you discuss the video. The second will help you discuss if/how the group will operate moving forward. Your group may have already decided on some of these details. Feel free to skip questions that may not apply, or consider using this as an opportunity to review and clarify your group norms. Setting clear expectations at the start is key to a successful group experience.
