In this episode, Kurt Garceau and Kisha Sheppherd talk about What's Next for Groups in 2024. Listen to why we have decided to switch to a seasonal model of Community Groups. For details and FAQs see the episode notes below:

EPISODE NOTES:

WHAT’S CHANGING: Historically we had an ongoing model of groups but starting in 2024 we are shifting to a seasonal model of groups. Instead of just having groups ongoing and just leaving it up to the leader to communicate start and end dates, we are providing clarification on what we believe are natural rhythms of group life.

WHY THE CHANGE: To encourage healthy group rhythms, and to allow space to intentionally carve out time in the calendar to equip and shepherd Community Group Leaders.

WHAT’S THE PLAN: TIMELINE FOR 2024 – 52 WEEKS

GROUPS WILL BE IN SESSION FOR 10 WEEKS 3 TIMES A YEAR – 30 WEEKS IN TOTAL

• Winter Kick-Off – 10 Weeks - 1/28/24 through 3/31/24
• Spring Kick–Off 10 Weeks - 4/28/24 through 6/30/24
• Fall Kick–Off – 10 Weeks 9/22/24 through 11/24/24.

GROUP LEADER EQUIPPING WILL BE 9 WEEKS or (3) 3-WEEK SESSIONS

Before each Group kick-off, we want to pull all our leaders together for 3 weeks sort of like Mini Session Community Group for Group Leaders. These are local training courses with your Pastoral Staff & Group Directors and Coaches that will happen 3 times a year.
First Equipping Session Starts the week of January 7th through January 22nd
Second Equipping Session Starts the week of April 7th and through April 22nd
Third Equipping Session is a little weird because of the summer: There will be 2 weeks at the end of August and 1 Week in September.

GROUP RALLY –– 1 Week

September 8th, 2024 will be our GROUPS RALLY, this is an annual event where we get to gather ALL our leaders in one place to celebrate all that God has done.

GROUPS WILL BE ON A SABBATH BREAK – 12 WEEKS OR (2) 6-WEEK SESSIONS

• SUMMER SABBATH BREAK – 7/7/24 - 8/11/24
• HOLIDAY SABBATH BREAK – 12/1/24 - 1/6/25

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - FAQs

Question: What happens if I want my group to continue and not stop meeting during Group Leader Equipping sessions? Answer: We encourage you to pause and really focus on engaging during this week as a leader. There will be videos to watch and chapters to read to prepare for the session, and it's really a time for you to receive and be shepherded by the Lord and other leaders around you. Suggestion: Maybe this is a time to identify a Future Group Leader or Co-Leader who can Facilitate the Group meetings during this time.

Question: If we are moving to a seasonal model, will content be provided for every session like in the Fall Series?

Check out our Vox Groups Leader Resource on RightNow Media for more practical tools to lead healthy, vibrant, growing Community Groups. https://app.rightnowmedia.org/.../interact.../863245/details

• If you don't have access to RightNow Media join today: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/VoxChurch
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