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Reasons To Have an Annual Class Growth Planning Day

By Jonathan Jordan · Comments (0)
Tuesday, August 16th, 2016

MyplanWHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

We attend our group each week and many times do the “same ole, same ole.” Our people come each week and often we really don’t have a plan for our class.  If the truth was known, I feel that people get bored with their group if there is not a plan, a goal, mission, organization or anything!  The idea that our teaching of the lesson is enough for engaging lifechange for the people of our group is just not true.  Christ has called us to more than a “sit & soak” mentality.  The mission of our groups is so important to the kingdom there is no way it can be ignored.

WHAT DO I DO?

Make an announcement one Sunday that in a few weeks that the class will have a Planning Day.  Send some emails, put the announcement on your FB Group, send cards whatever it takes to inform people.  Next begin working with a couple of people who are like minded and begin to outline what the class time will look like.  The trusted group will assist you in devising a plan for that day that will include enlisted additional leaders, a discussion of mission projects the class can get involved in to help the community.  Mission projects for community and those outside the church are more compelling.  Then get ORGANIZED.  It is difficult to accomplish anything without being organized – Leaders for Social, Missions (have a mission project every semester), Communications & Class Calendar need to be addressed.  Get out there and do what Christ has called you to do… You’ll never be the same!

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Jonathan P. Jordan, state missionary
Georgia Baptist Convention

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Categories : 100 Small Changes
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How To Set Up A Closed Group On Facebook

By Jonathan Jordan · Comments (0)
Tuesday, August 9th, 2016

Why is this important?

Many of our group members are on FaceBook.  I know, I know… Sometimes FaceBook is not that great but it can be used as a great ministry tool  We all know how important it is to stay in communication with our class throughout the week.  Love it or hate, depending on the day for me, FaceBook is everywhere.  There is a little known tool that leaders can set up just for your group.  Believe it or not, it’s called “Groups.”  I belong to a ton of them and the interests are vast.  But as the leader can set up a “group” for your Small Group or Sunday School class.  It can be as private as you would like it & you control who belongs.

What do I do?

If you have a FaceBook account look at the top menu – See below

Facebook Tool Box Bar

The small triangle arrow on the right is where you begin.  Click the arrow and you will see a drop down menu.  Under this menu you will see “create a group.”  Once you click the “create a group”button you can set up the group however you would like.

Just a few “rules of the road” for Groups on FaceBook.

  • Keep the group Private- if you are going to be sharing events, details, names etc. in this group
  • You do not have to be “FB friends” with everyone in the group – You just share “group” space
  • If a person leaves your group, delete them from the group

 

The Group will appear on the left hand side of you page.

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Jonathan Jordan is the Groups and Faith Development Leader for the Georgia Baptist General Convention.

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Categories : 100 Small Changes
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Groups Increase Sharing

By Jonathan Jordan · Comments (0)
Thursday, August 6th, 2015

smallgroup2One of the first lessons we all learn, or at least should learn, is to share.  Many times I find that adults really don’t share that well.  They revert back to the “mine, mine, mine” stage.

To be a follower of Jesus requires more of us.  More of what we have been graciously given from God in forms of gifts and money and of US.  Our faith is not something that is held close, or to hide from the world.  Our faith is not only important to those who don’t know him, but those brothers and sisters in Christ that need us, and some don’t even know it.

One of the major struggles in churches is to have your congregation get involved in a group.  Groups are the lifeblood of our churches and getting people in those is not only important to the life of the church but also to their Christian walk.

Gifts

  • People in Groups give more of themselves by contributing their gifts to work. Those that attended a group at church were more than 30% greater to contribute by serving others than those who did not attend a group.
  • People in Groups were over 35% more likely to have responsibilities as a teacher, mentor, Bible Study leader etc.
  • People in Groups were over 20% likely to serve those in the community that are not affiliated with your church.

Money

  • People in Groups will give over 4% more to the church

 Faith

  • People in Groups were 25% more likely to pray for the spiritual status of those who don’t follow Jesus
  • People in Groups were almost 2.5% more likely to invite someone to church

The idea of being in a Group has less to do with us but more to do with those around us and following Jesus.  That idea is sometimes misunderstood and believed that the Group is about us, and is there to serve our needs.  The problem that arises is when EVERYONE believes the Group is for them and not others, honoring Jesus, serving the community and so on.

Groups help us in many ways and I have been a part of many and find when I am ready to give much, I receive FAR more from others than I imagined.

People in Groups share more:

  • Their Gifts
  • Their Money
  • Their Faith

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Jonathan P. Jordan is a Sunday School Missionary for the Georgia Baptist Convention. Stay current with Georgia’s “Growing Groups” Strategy at gabaptistgroups.org

 

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