Are you thinking about your group in terms of take-off, flight, and landing? These are key to intentionality and getting the most out of a group.

Group Tips:

Takeoff phase:

1. Share story first to set the tone of honesty, safety, and vulnerability.
2. Survey the group. See below for John’s survey.
3. Choose a service commitment and schedule it once a month or once a quarter. If possible, do it at the time you meet.

Flight phase:

1. Use the survey to help map out and plan the calendar for the year.
2. Be prepared to be flexible and have “one off” study options ready. Links below.
3. If you didn’t do a temperament study in the beginning, do it. Link to study below.
4. Be willing to have tough conversations. Have guys meet one on one to work things out.
5. Delegate responsibilities to other guys based on their wiring.

Land the plane:

1. Lay out options for each guy. Some guys need to lead some need to just be in another group for now.
2. Schedule the end, create a time period for expectations and so that guys can get ready for their next group.

Bonus tip:

• Avoid stale prayer. One way to mix it up is to create prayer partners.

Additional links:

• Book rec.: Imagine Heaven - John Burke https://www.johnburkeonline.com/imagine-heaven-3/ 
• https://groupleaders.org/np-men-mens-group-curriculum
• https://www.anthology.study/Studies/parts1-Part-Studies
• https://www.isaidyouheard.study

John’s survey:

Google Forms is a great, free way to survey the group.  Here’s an example that I’ve used.  I included the freeform answers as examples of what different men are seeking in our groups.

1. Are you open/available to host the group periodically? (Yes or No)
2. Where would you like to meet (excluding socials)? 

a. at John’s house

b. at my house

c. rotate among group members

d. no preference

    3. How would you like to handle summers?

a. Take entire summer off

b. Meet regularly just like the rest of the year

c. Don’t meet regularly, but have socials/infrequent meetings

d. Other

     4. What is your preferred activity/study in the group?

a. Books and discussion

b. Video series

c. Current series at NP

d. A combination of these

e. Other

     5. What cadence suits your best?

a. Meet four times per month

b. Meet three times per month (one off-week per month)

c. Other

     6. What are three things you want to get out of this group?(Freeform answer)