04/22/19

Ideas for Creating Your Own Newcomers Group...

In a recent coaching call, the topic came up regarding the creation of Newcomers' Groups using the SpiritGroups format. You reached out wanting more details:

"Can you send me details of your newcomers group? You mentioned it on Zoom call... We want to do that & looking for a format, so would like to know exactly what you're doing."

Here is how I would structure a Newcomers' Group to fit with the SpiritGroups cycle. Keep in mind, you would be creating custom content for this, since each church or spiritual center would want to convey unique information.

Here are some ideas for how a series like this could be structured. The idea was to have the minister lead it live for a couple of sessions, then record it on video so others could lead it as the church grew.

The idea would be that new people could join in at any time until they had been through each of the primary content areas. This series could also be used as a membership requirement, providing information on how the church operates, helping them connect with new friends, and experiencing your mission through services and sharing.

Week 0 - Getting to Know You & Introduction to SpiritGroups

Week 1 - Who We Are (History, Mission & Core Values of our Center)

Week 2 - The Bigger Movement (History of the New Thought Movement and our impact today)

Week 3 - Affirmative Prayer (introduction to prayer chaplain program)

Week 4 - Sacred Service (finding a place to volunteer)

Week 5 - Generosity & Abundance (giving to our mission + tithing principles as a spiritual practice)

Week 6 - Open Q&A

Week 7 - Social Event

Week 8 - Service Project

Week 9 - Celebration Event + invitation to join a new SpiritGroup

Each session would follow a "typical" SpiritGroup structure with a check-in question, group discussion & sharing, and a closing prayer/call to action for the week.

Have fun with it and enjoy this special opportunity to engage your newcomers in a powerful way!