August 5th, 2022
by Austin Duncan
by Austin Duncan
An important element in every Connect Group is the mood or tone. The group environment can enhance (or sometimes hurt) your group members’ experiences. A comfortable environment can help your members feel not only more physically relaxed but also more comfortable sharing personal things.
Creating an Engaging Environment
1. Arrange the seating so everyone can easily see one another.
Sitting in a circle at the same level will help. Also, be aware of the distance separating each member. Try to sit close enough so each person has eye contact and can hear one another easily, but not so close that people feel uncomfortable or that their personal space is being invaded.
2. Take steps to minimize distractions and interruptions.
Sitting in a circle at the same level will help. Also, be aware of the distance separating each member. Try to sit close enough so each person has eye contact and can hear one another easily, but not so close that people feel uncomfortable or that their personal space is being invaded.
3. Provide snacks (especially the first few weeks).
In addition to just being awesome in general, snacks help warm up the group and give people something to do at the beginning of the meeting. After your group gets going, you can have members take turn bringing snacks - or even appoint a snack coordinator to organize it all for you.
4. Make sure you have good lighting.
Good lights help create a good, warm feeling. No one should have to be looking out of a bright window or endure flickering lights. If there's not enough light, however, sleep-deprived group members or people exhausted after a long day at work may have trouble staying awake.
5. Have extra Bibles.
Some members may forget to bring one or won't have one in a translation that works well for the group. If you need extra Bibles for your group, let Austin Duncan know so we can be sure to provide them for your group.
In addition to the physical environment, make sure you create a positive interpersonal environment. As a Connect Group leader, make sure you welcome everyone who comes and let them know that you are genuinely glad they are there. In the discussion, you set the tone and can facilitate people talking with each other instead of looking to you for answers. Make sure people feel like they are part of a conversation, not attending a sermon.
Developing the right environment helps establish a sense of belonging. The environment will influence how people feel about your group, how well they learn, and sometimes, even if they will come back.
Developing the right environment helps establish a sense of belonging. The environment will influence how people feel about your group, how well they learn, and sometimes, even if they will come back.
Next Steps:
Think about the atmosphere you‘ll be creating in your Connect Group and determine what you need to do to prepare for your group.
- What can you do to communicate to the people who come that this is a safe and welcoming place?
- How can you help people be comfortable?
- How can you minimize distractions?
- What conditions will enhance learning?
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