Sample Communications
Communicating clearly and regularly with your group is vital to being a great leader. This includes weekly outreach to let members know what’s coming up next and to stay connected between group meetings.
At the first meeting, your group will choose the means of communication (e.g., email, GroupMe, Slack, or group text). Encourage group members to engage weekly with each other. And remember you set the tone and guide the way.
For an upcoming weekly group meeting, send messages at least five days before, giving group members enough time to prepare. Create your own communication or personalize the sample provided. Also, send a reminder the day before.
During the week, encourage connections by sharing prayer requests, updates on life, fun experiences, and encouraging devotionals or verses.
Sample Communications:
Welcome Email:
Subject: Welcome to Group! Send: Within 24 hours as group members register for your group
Hello!
Welcome to our Community Group! My name is (leader name) and I’m your NPCC Community Group Leader. You’ve taken a great step toward finding genuine friends who also want to grow their faith. This may feel out of your comfort zone, but you are not alone, and I’m here to help guide you.
We’ll meet on (date) at (time) at (location or over Zoom) for our first group meeting. As a reminder, this group is a (use the basic description from the Group Launch web page. For example: single/divorced women’s Community Group, age 40s–60s) that will meet ___ times/month. In the meantime, here’s a little information about me. (Leaders, put your info here and keep it brief.)
Example:
Name: Debbie McKinney My Family: My brother, mom, and dad live in Chattanooga. Where I’m from: I moved to ATL three years ago after living in Chattanooga all my life. One of My Favorite Things: I love watching movies with my friends. Please review the details, including the location. Then reply to this email and confirm your participation in this group. I’m excited to get to know you and look forward to learning and growing together!
Welcome Text
Hi (group member name). This is (leader name), your NPCC Community Group Leader. I just sent you an email with details about our new group. Please review it and confirm your participation. I look forward to meeting you!
Second Communication
Subject: Details for Our First Group Meeting. Send: To all group members three days before the group meeting
Hello! I want to welcome you to our group again and remind you of our first group meeting.
Date: Time: Location: (Include a link if meeting digitally.) My Cell Phone:
The first group meeting is an excellent opportunity to get to know one another and discuss what to expect during our time together. Make every effort to attend so you don’t miss this important part of the group experience. I look forward to getting to know you!
Unresponsive Member Text or Voicemail:
Hi (group member name). This is (leader name), your NPCC Community Group Leader. We missed you at our first group meeting, but it’s not too late to participate. We would love to have you be a part of this group. Text me back if you still want to join in. If I don’t hear from you by (fill in a date a few days before your next meeting), I’ll assume you can no longer be in the group and release your spot. Again, we’d love for you to join this group. I hope to hear from you! I wish you the best!
Weekly Group Communication:
Subject: Details for Our Next Group Meeting Send: At least five days before the group meeting
Hello!
Great discussion last week! This week, we’ll be talking about (topic of this week’s study). To prepare for our next group meeting, please complete (whatever preparation work is necessary for the study). (Add any extras like prayer requests or whatever feels important.) Please let me know if you have any questions, and text me directly if you can’t make it. I look forward to seeing each of you on (the date of the next group meeting)!