04/12/17
Juggling Your Way to Small Group Success
The Test: How many balls can you keep in the air at one time????
This time of year is very busy for SpiritGroup Program Leaders, with the winter series and spring series being back-to-back. The transition from one series to the next involves dotting several I’s and crossing multiple T’s. A lot of work must be done simultaneously.
In the past, I’ve had a pattern of becoming overwhelmed when I am being pulled in lots of directions. Just as I’m working on one thing, a fear-based voice pops into my head “But what about XY and Z? And don’t forget AB & C?”
Of course the tone of this voice is one full of panic and criticism! If I’m not “prayed up” or rested or fed (some basic human needs), I get pulled off my center and respond to the voice with frantic energy.
That leads me to the list of tips for managing this transition between series:
1. Make time for and DO your own daily spiritual practice. At my most busy times, my stinkin' thinkin' says “I don’t have enough time,” but I’ve learned that I truly do. I’m more inspired and can bring my best to my work, family and LIFE when I do! When I take time to meditate, pray, journal, commune with a tree, my actions are Spirit-led because I’ve tuned in and listened. Then I can be a role model for others. For these and many more reasons, this one is at the top of the list!
2. Plan strategically. Set your event dates and as many tasks as you can think of way ahead of time. For example, send out a calendar with your year’s dates for series kickoffs, service project weeks, community celebrations, New Host Orientations, Advanced Leadership Trainings and Connection Events (you'll find a suggested calendar in our Resource Area for SpiritGroup Program Leaders). When the whole community knows what’s coming, people can plan ahead. And so can you!
3. Have the right tools in place. Tons of forms, docs and lists are available in the Program Leaders Support Portal of SpiritGroups.org so don’t reinvent the wheel.
For example, you will find posted a template of an Interest Form I created that has people note how they want to participate in the next series (member, host, host mentor) as well as contact information. I hand these out to everyone that attends the Community Celebration and find these very handy as I line up my hosts. Let me know what you need and I may have already created it. Or one of the other Program Leaders may have a template!
4. Enlist the support available to you as well! Don’t go it alone! A partnership between you and your minister(s) is a key component to a successful program. During this transition, lean on your minister for ideas, emotional or spiritual support and even helping you enlist your leaders! (More about that relationship follows!)
Another very important and useful resource is the Program Leaders Support Community (have you joined yet??). Reach out and let us know what you need.
To really hit it home, I want to return to #1 and reiterate the importance of continuing our own spiritual practice. When we’re coming from a calm, centered place, we can handle anything!
Now it's YOUR turn. What are your secrets to being more efficient with each new SpiritGroup launch? Share your ideas in the comments area below...