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Group Idea Guide
Idea to get started
When you lead a group, you can help people experience the transformative power of community (and have fun)! Groups can be many things: A place to meet new people, explore and grow in faith, find hope and healing, and make a difference in your community.
Here are some ideas on what types of groups you can lead and how to lead your group week-to-week.
Types of groups
Groups at Willow can be many things! We just ask that you and your group practice one of the Rooted rhythms.
Categories
Our group directory categorizes groups into five main areas:
- Rooted
- Bible & Faith
- Care & Support
- Life Stage
- Shared Interest
- Serving
Your group can fall into multiple categories.
Wondering what type of group to start? Here are some ideas for the summer:
Roller Coaster riders • Cooking/BBQ/Cookout • Hiking • Bird watchers • Yacht Club • Bibles in Backyards • Summer blockbuster movies • Dog park • Kayaking group • Playground crawl • Bonfires and Bibles • Gardening • Summer Concert Crawl • Softball league • Camping • Summer book club • Walking and chatting • Crossfit • Brunching • Biking • Motorcycle riders • “The chosen” view party • Flea market group • Farmers market group • Trees and tots • Ice Creamery tour • Coffee shop hop • Fishing derby • Pop up group (new location each week, announced day before) • Golf group • Sand volleyball
Time Expectations
Leading a group can be easy, but it does take intentionality and time to prepare! Here’s what you can expect
- A group leader training (2–3 hours, once a term)
- Time to prepare for your group (20–60 minutes/week, depending on content)
- Note: Rooted groups include daily readings
- A weekly small group meeting (ranging from 1–3 hours)
- Connecting with your coach (1 meeting per term with digital check ins, as needed)
Resources for your weekly meeting
Framework
As a leader, you have a ton of flexibility in how you structure your group meeting! Rooted groups have a more solid framework than shared interest groups, but most great groups have a few key components:
- Personal connection/Check-in
- Experience / Facilitate Discussion
- Closing & Prayer
Check out this universal group guide for some ideas!
Resources
Simple check-in questions
- What was the best/hardest part of your week?
- Pow, Wow, & Chow
- Pow: Something hard you went through this week
- Wow: Something good or anything worth celebrating
- Chow: The best thing you ate this week
- How can we be praying for you?
- What is God teaching you right now?
Share the leadership load
Leading a group is a fantastic opportunity to empower and develop someone else (and share the leadership load). Instead of leading the group yourself, find someone who can lead with you.