We are coming up to the end of one of the best lifegroup seasons ever at Abundant Life. We saw over 800 people sign-up for a lifegroup this fall. We had over 60% of our average weekend attendance connected to a group. We have had hundreds of people go through the Monvee assessment and begin to discover how God has best wired them to grow spiritually. We had groups serving together on Sunday nights, at the Serving Socks and Stew event, and in the community. New friendships were formed, next growth steps were taken, and care was distributed.
As we prepare for the end of the season I wanted to share a few tips for leaders on how to finish out the season strong. It is said that often how we finish is more important than how we started because how we finish is most remembered. So as a leader I want to encourage you to not drift or fade, but to finish out your season strong. Here’s how:
1. Clarify End Dates: Make sure everyone in your group knows when the last meeting will be. This helps everyone prepare and plan for the end of the season, so everyone is on the same page and knows what to expect. Resist the temptation to drag on the group through the break. The breaks between the season were designed to guard against burn out for leaders and group members and to keep everyone excited about participating in a lifegroup. A desire to want to continue is not a bad thing…the breaks between seasons help keep that desire alive.
2. Close with a Celebration: One of the best ways to finish out a season is to throw a party together as a group. Food, Fun, games and sharing is a great way to wrap up a season together. This is a time to celebrate the end of study together and also a chance to look back on the friendships that have been formed, the life that has been shared, and the ministry that has been accomplished. You might take a minute to have everyone share one thing they learned from this past season, or one thing they appreciated about being part of the group.
3. Challenge Others to Take a Next Step and leader: Now is the time to be encouraging someone to consider taking the step to start a new group. This takes great selflessness on the part of the leader. But this may also be the greatest next step of faith for someone in your group. Look for someone in your group who has the potential to lead (notice I said potential, not perfection), and begin affirming the leadership you see in them and challenge them to consider taking this step. Remember: the best leaders are often reluctant leaders. This means they need someone to believe in them and encourage them to take this next step. Who in your group just needs some encouragement from you to take the next step? As the group leader, are you willing to let them go?
4. Conclude Your Study: Do everything you can to bring your study to a conclusion at the end of the season. Finishing the study will help everyone feel like you completed the season together and gives a sense of accomplishment. This will also allow everyone in your group the freedom to rest during the break and the freedom to join a new group next season if they choose to do so.
5. Communicate what’s Next: Talk to your group about your plans for next season. If you plan on leading a group again let your group know, so they know what to expect. If you do not plan on leading a group again next season, look for someone in the group who would lead a group next season. If you have someone in your group who is planning on starting a new group next season let your group know as others in the group might want to help them. The more you can communicate to your group what’s ahead the greater the likelihood of your group members signing up for a group next season.
Have a great finish to your season!
