Wednesday Small Group Leader Involvement Expectations // 2013-2014
Show up on Wednesday nights
Every Wednesday evening from 6:15-9:00pm. We are asking small group leaders to be present at 6:15pm to be there earlier than the students so we can be ready for them as a team when we open the doors. Small group leaders can leave when all of their students have left. The doors will close at 9pm. Everyone has to leave by 9pm.
Participate in the following events
The idea is to set a rhythm of events and get-togethers. Not too ideal, but realistic. Not a random plan, but strategic plan. Jeremy and Jessica will help you with any and all of these events. There is money available for food (unless you’re going to Famous Dave’s, then no!). When you’re hanging out with just your small group, make sure you have another adult around (i.e. a parent).
August
Back 2 School Bash
Wednesday, August 28 from 5:30-8:30pm
September – October
Small group get-together
Pizza party (or some kind of party with food) at your house with just your small group students. It’s an initial way for your small group to enter your world and for you to invite them into your world. If you don’t want students over to your house (for whatever reason, which is okay), you can use the fireside room at the church or you can go to Coop’s.
This is the first event. It’s a chance for the leader to get to know the students and the students to get to know you. You can do something organized at your house: like play games. Or you can do something unorganized: like watch a football game or a movie.
Don’t go too big, too fast. The idea for this first event is to get to know each other in a more personal, not-at-church way. Don’t over-promise and under-deliver with your small group… under-promise and over-deliver.
November – December
Collection of Small groups
A party or a get-together of some sort with other small groups (see collection below). This is to get to know and hang out with other students above and below their grade, and for small group leaders to partner with other small group leaders.
Collection:
- Grades 6, 7 and 8 GUYS
- Grades 6, 7 and 8 GIRLS
- Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 GUYS
- Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 GIRLS
Ideas:
- Nerf War
- Christmas shopping
- Ice Skating Party
- Movie night
- Games at the church
January
Lock-In
Students just love lock-ins here in Hayward. They are always asking if we can have one. So we’re going to have one. This will be a Friday evening through Saturday morning. We are looking at getting parents to take an hour of supervision and a few key people to help program the night.
**Small group leaders are invited and welcome, but not expected to attend this event.
February – March
Small group get-together
This is just like the first small group get-together, however you’ve been living life and sharing experiences for the past 6 months. Your get-together will have more meaning and more relational depth.
You can do whatever you want as long as it is just with your small group.
Ideas:
- Sledding
- Snowshoeing
- Crafting
April – May
Collection of Small groups
This collection is just like the first: A party or a get-together of some sort with other small groups… however, the collection category is a little different.
Collection:
- Grade 6 GUYS and GIRLS
- Grade 7 GUYS and GIRLS
- Grade 8 GUYS and GIRLS
- Grade 9 GUYS and GIRLS
- Grade 10 GUYS and GIRLS
- Grade 11 GUYS and GIRLS
- Grade 12 GUYS and GIRLS
Ideas:
- Work project
- Airsoft
- Hiking
- Movie night
- Games at the church
June
Mount Olympus Trip
End of the year trip
**Small group leaders are invited and welcome, but not expected to attend this event.
Youth Camp
Sunday, June 22 – Friday, June 27, 2014
**Small group leaders are invited and welcome, but not expected to attend this event.
Responsibilities as a Small Group Leader at events
- Be Conversational. Talk with them! Ask questions, be interested and listen to what they do, what they are interested in, what they have to say. Listen and learn about who they are.
- Be a Leader. Leaders are those who aren’t wishy washy or shallow. Leaders are firm but loving, strong yet compassionate, courageous and also humble. Good leaders help others to get from one place to another through encouragement, love, clear instructions and guidance.
- Be Consistent. being consistent means your small group will know what you expect from them, what you will not allow and that you will consistently reinforce those guidelines.
- Encourage Teamwork/Respect. Realize that youth (and us too) struggle with being self-conscience and selfish. Encourage thinking of others, working together, and being caring and compassionate for one another. Teach and model respect. Do not allow criticism and hurtful remarks from anyone.
