Community Group Questions?

Question: At the March Summit, we were encouraged us to release our members into their giftings. Any suggestions on how to go about this?

Signed, Each One Unique

Answer: Dear, EOU

Great questions. There are not pat answers. Here are some suggestions to stimulate your thinking.

1. Observe your community group members and identify they gifts they are using. If they're quick to volunteer for a task, they may have gift of service. If they always bring a unique snack, they may have the gift of hospitality. If they are good at troubleshooting particular situations, they may have the gift of wisdom.
2. Study through a book on spiritual gifts in your group. Take 8-12 weeks and do an in depth study that will help you identify and better understand your gift. Discover Your God-given Gifts, by Don and Katie Fortune is a good reference.
3. Discuss what you observe each other's gifts to be. Have one person sit in the middle of a circle and take turns describing the gifts you see operating in their life. Be prepared with Kleenex.

Question: We've been encouraged us to embrace the prophetic work of the Spirit in our lives and in our community groups. Where can I go to observe and learn more about the prophetic ministry.

Signed, Desiring Prophecy

Answer: Dear, DP

I would suggest attending one of the Prophetic Activation nights led by Sandy Powell. Her organization, PowerHouse Ministries, regularly sponsors this class at Belmont. The event is an evening of pursuing the Lord through worship and responding to Him through Prophecy. Keep an eye on the calendar to see when the next one is scheduled, and come prepared to worship Jesus with other believers from the city and surrounding states. There will be opportunities for you to receive prophetic ministry.

Question: I don't seem to be able to hold visitors for long because our community group is so large. I've talking about multiplying the group but most aren't interested. What can I do?

Signed, One For All

Answer: Dear, OFA

Beware of making the focus of community group multiplication. The focus, instead ought to be on facilitating community, where your group members have opportunity to interact with each other in such a way that they leave cell mutually encouraged and better equipped to face the next day. Toward that end, small is beautiful. The benefit of a small group insures that every member has an opportunity to contribute, to minister, and to be ministered to. That doesn't mean, however, that a large community group must multiply. Think smart. A large cell (any group with more than 15 regular members) can, toward the end of the meeting, break into smaller groups of 4-8 people. These small groups can spend time ministering to each other. When the meeting concludes, everyone feels encouraged because they had the opportunity to connect with their friends (large group worship, discussion—and did I forget to mention snacks?). And they also had the chance to spend time in a small group where intimacy and accountability is fostered. It's the best of both worlds. Try it!

Question: I want to encourage my community group members more, but due to our schedules, I rarely see them. What can I do?

Signed, Share My Heart

Answer: Dear SMH,

Think about using email. A simple, brief email message from the heart can go a long way.

Question: I'm feeling a little burnout as a community group leader, though I love my community group. Any suggestions?

Signed, Ready for Refreshment

Answer: Dear RFR,

Burnout can affect all leaders at one time or another. In one sense, burnout is nature's way of saying it's time to realign your priorities. Here are some suggestions for doing that.

1. Tend your soul. Spend time with Jesus and allow Him to speak to you heart. Allow Jesus to minister to you. Remember, you're only able to give out what you've received.
2. Get rid of the Superman (or woman) syndrome. You're not supposed to have all the answers to all the questions and be able to solve all the problems everyone has. Tell your community group members this, then point them to Christ and pray for them. You can trust that God is working in their lives . . . and in yours.
3. Share responsibilities in community group. While you are the leader of your community group, it's not your responsibility to do everything that needs to be done in the groupl. Give others opportunity to serve. Sharing responsibilities affords ownership by the group.

Question: There's always more to do in our community group than I can do. I feel like if I don't do everything, much of what needs to be done won't get done. What can I do to delegate? I really don't want to be doing everything.

Signed, Carrying the Load

Answer: Dear CTL,

There are a number of ways to delegate what needs to be done in your community group. It sounds like you've taken the first step, and that is having a desire to share responsibilities. Too often it's the leader that ends up hoarding all the tasks and never letting anyone else lend a hand. That doesn't seem like your situation. Once you've caught the vision for shared responsibility, here are some additional things to think about.

1. Be honest with your group and explain in broad terms that you, alone, cannot do everything in cell that needs to be done.
2. Create a vision for volunteering among your members by speaking of the tasks that need to be done, in terms of the gifts in your members you want to see released. For example, encourage someone with a gift of hospitality to contact referrals, or those with a gift of organizing to work up a rotation for where to meet, or those with a love for children to bring some options to the cell for addressing the needs of the kids, etc..
3. Remind your members of the new reality, that is, if someone doesn't lend a hand, it won't get done because you are unable to continue doing everything. That translates into the simple fact that if no one offers to schedule who will bring snacks to your community group meeting, there won't be snacks! This kind of reality check will get your members attention—especially if they like snacks!
4. Heap praise on those who offer to help and follow through on their commitment. Point out what a blessing it is to you and the group that he or she volunteered to contribute.

Question: How can I best advise some members in my community group who, I think, are interested in starting a community group of their own? What do they need to do?
Signed, Potential Community Group Leaders

Answer: Dear PCGL,

First, congratulations on casting the vision. Your investment in your group members has helped to inspire their service and instill the confidence to pursue God's purposes in their life. Encourage them to come to the Leadership Summit with you. This will expose them to the leadership team at Belmont, along with others with similar interests who want to learn more. After the inservice training portion, they will be invited to the Balcony Conference Room for a time of instruction and Q & A. They will be challenged to speak to you if starting a community group is a real possibility. If they do, share your heart with them and encourage them to contact your District Pastor directly. The District Pastor can fill them in on details about actually launching a new community group.

Question: Is it okay to be in more than one community group?

Signed, One Or Many

Answer: Dear OOM,

All who attend Belmont should feel free to be in as many community groups as they desire, and have time for. Being in a community group is the way to connect to the community at Belmont. In one sense, those in more than one community group are potentially better connected. Being better connected may mean receiving better supported in times of difficulty. Someone, for example, might be in a family community group that involves their kids and spouse. They might also be in an equipping community group that's doing an Experience God study. They might also be leading a special interest community group that prays for public schools. Encourage your members to be in as many community groups as they want and to consider starting a community group that interests them.

Question: I like to plan ahead. Actually, planning ahead is something I want to work on in the new year. How can I get dates for upcoming events?

Signed, Being On Time

Answer: Dear BOT,

You can pick up a monthly calendar at a weekend assembly, or you access the calendar and cell dates on this web site.

Question: Why is change so hard for me? Sometimes community group members have to leave because of graduation from college, job relocation or any number of life situations. I hate it. Even the prospect of our community group multiplying is something I prefer not to talk about. What can I do to make all of this change easier?

Signed, Status Quo

Answer: Dear SQ,

Change is a part of life. Saying good-bye to someone or being part of a community group multiplication can be difficult. I would like to suggest several things that might help you. First, celebrate everything. As a community group leader, you have the opportunity to set the stage for how others will process change. There's no avoiding the sadness that everyone feels as one of our community group members moves on. It's important that we facilitate closure, bless each other, and talk about the things that we are thankful for during the months or years we had together. Second, when someone new is visiting your community group, let he or she know in front of the group that you encourage them to "shop around" to find the community group where they feel they belong. When someone makes a commitment to continue attending your community group, make a public announcement and celebrate. What's the best way to deal with change? Welcome it and celebrate. Bless each other and be thankful. Discuss it openly and talk about feelings. Remember, it's all a part of healthy family life and the advancement of God's kingdom.

Question: With recent events in our nation, I'm aware that we have an opportunity to mobilize in prayer like we have not done before. What are some ways I can encourage my community group to be praying?

Signed, Standing In The Gap

Answer: Dear SITG,

Several cell leaders have forwarded their suggestions for mobilizing prayer in community groups. Jeanine Siebold (Baluss District) writes, "Let a community pick one (or more) of the 50 States, perhaps the states where community group members were born. They can pray each week for the cities in that state, its borders, those in authority, protection over the children, schools, factories, industry, bridges, tunnels, natural resources, water supplies, farm fields, livestock holdings, food processing plants, etc. Pray for God to touch hearts and open the eyes of understanding to the truth that will set them free.

Another leader suggests using the seven mind-molders as an outline for prayer. "Pick one or two of the mind-molders each week to target intercession during community group. Pray for: families, government, the Church, education, business, arts and entertainment, and media."

Question: In the newsletter last month, there was an article on the specific expectations of community group leaders. What are the expectations for district pastors?

Signed, Let's Be Clear

Answer: Dear LBC,

The specific expectations for district pastors flow out of the specific expectations for community group leaders. The primary responsibility for district pastors is to insure that their community group leaders are pastored, supported and encouraged in their ministry, and that they are meeting the expectations of community group leaders. A district pastor should keep in mind the specific responsibilities of community group leaders. Community group leaders facilitate a regular community group meeting, attend the Leadership Summit, turn in a community group report after each meeting, welcome referrals, keep their community group focused, maintain communication with their district pastor. District pastors who work to ensure that their community group leaders are fulfilling these responsibilities are on track. District pastors are also expected to set an example in developing leaders by challenging community group members to birth new community groups, completing Belmont Team Training and encouraging others to do the same, as well as participating on the Assembly Ministry Team.

Question: How does someone become a new community group leader? Who do they talk to? What do they need to do? I want to keep my community group members informed.

Signed, Looking For Specifics

Answer: Dear LFS,

Anyone interested in birthing a new community group should first talk to you, the community group leader. If you see the potential in the individual, encourage them to contact your district pastor. Your DP will be interested in your input, since they are in your community group. You will have insight into their character, passion for the Lord, and readiness to start a community group. The DP will then meet with the prospective community group leader and go over a check sheet that summarizes the specific responsibilities and expectation of community group leaders. (See above.) Once the prospective leader understands the responsibilities and agrees to undertake them, they summarize for the DP the kind of community group they want to start, including it's meeting time and location, and a list of names and addresses of the initial members. Once this is done, the DP refers the prospective community group leader to the pastor of Community Life, who answers any further questions the prospect has and reviews the details of the launch of the new community group. He will also make arrangement for the new community group leader to obtain a Ministry Team badge, and community group leader's mailbox, and community group report forms. At that point the new leader starts his or her community group and makes plan to attend the next Leadership Summit.

Question: What can I do to guard against burnout among the community group leaders in my area. I can see that this could be a problem and I want to take steps now to keep burnout from happening later.

Signed, Planning Ahead

Answer: Dear PA,

This is a great question and one that is often not addressed. Burnout among community group leaders comes with the territory of leadership. That doesn't mean, however, that burnout is inevitable. Knowing the causes of burnout can lead to actions to safeguard against it. One cause of burnout is an open-ended commitment, whether real or perceived, to community group leadership. Everyone in community group leadership should be clear with themselves and their up-line about the expected length of service (See Coaches Clinic below). Lack of understanding can result in a community group leader feeling trapped. Sometimes a community group leader is unsure of Belmont's expectations of them. Or they may be unclear about their responsibilities (See community group leadership Expectations above). Sometimes a community group leader experiences burnout when they continue to lead even though they've entered a new season of life, such as going back to school, or getting married, or having a child. Regardless of the reason for burnout, everyone in community group leadership, whether community group leader or district pastor, should understand that stepping into a community group leadership position is not a lifelong commitment. It is for the season and duration of God's choosing.

Question: What are some ways I can grow my community group, while at the same time not over-extending my relationships or adding another meeting if we multiply?

Signed, Stretched Community Group Leader

Answer: Dear SCGL,

You've identified an area where there will always be a dynamic tension, growing a cell by adding more members while simultaneously supporting key relationships. Here are some considerations that may help.

1. Recognize that opening the door of your community group to new members is part of our mission. One of our values is grace, which works out practically in community group by accepting, showing compassion, and caring for others. Thus we welcome those who express an interest in community group and, as a result, our community groups grow.
2. Not all relationships are of equal intensity. You may feel closer to some folks than others. You can't be best friends with everyone. In a community group that is getting crowded, focus your energy on the members who are soakers—the ones who absorb every word you share. Watch where the Lord is working, and join Him.
3. Build vision for birthing new community group with those who are willing and able. Release ministry. If a new community group (or two or three or . . .) is started by one of your community group members, talk with your district pastor about becoming a district pastor yourself. This will afford you to stay connected in a community group while at the same time allowing you to continue pouring your life into new community group leaders.
4. Take advantage of the Leadership Summit each month. Built into the Summit is 30-60 minutes of connect time, the majority of which is intended for district pastors to touch base with their community group leaders. Being intentional with this time reduces the need to schedule additional meetings during the month.

Question: We talk about applying the Word in community group. How can I apply the vision of the church, as well? It seems like a worthwhile goal, but is it feasible?

Signed, Hands On Vision

Answer: Dear HOV,

What you are seeking is praxis, reflective action. That is, how can you think about the vision and then translate your reflections into practical action. I'd suggest start thinking about the vision in terms of yourself. You might ask yourself the following questions: How is my passion for knowing the Lord? How committed am I to community? Am I walking in accountable relationship? With whom? Where am I advancing God's kingdom on a weekly basis? What opportunities do I have at work, this week, to advance God's kingdom? Questions such as these may motivate you to prayer and action. They may serve as a thermometer of sorts to measure your spiritual temperature. Can you imagine any of these three spheres (relationship with Jesus, community, or the kingdom) that you can omit from your life and still be balanced? Second, you can think of the vision in terms of your spouse and family. Are you helping your spouse in these areas? Are you taking steps to equip your children (or grandchildren) in these three areas? What are you doing to encourage your kids to advance God's kingdom in their school and among their friends? Third, meditate on Belmont's vision relative to members in your community group for whom you have charge. Many of the same questions you would ask of your family are germane to your community group members. Finally, ask God how this vision might apply to others within your sphere of influence, whether at your place of employment or in your neighborhood. How might you encourage your favorite cashier at Kroger to grow in her passion for Jesus? You meet a lonely single mom at the pool. Can you give her hope by inviting her to visit your community group family? Can you encourage your workmate in the cubicle next to you, who goes to another church, to join you in prayer about advancing the kingdom in your place of work? I hope this gets you started!

Question: I'm a new community group leader and I guess I'm official now as I found my community group leader's mailbox this past weekend. I'm trying to get off to a good start on the administrative details side. Question, what do I do with all the stuff I find in my community group mailbox? Do I have to announce everything? That could take a while. How do I handle the mail I receive?

Signed, Perplexed By Volume

Answer: Dear PBV,

Good question about community group mailbox protocol. Here's the basics. First, the mailboxes are there to serve community group leadership. Copies of announcements, flyers, notices of upcoming events, etc… are put into your box to save you from having to locate them in the announcement rack in the foyer. Second, every piece of mail that is put into your box must be approved by the Community Life office. Third, mail put into your box is for your information. We encourage you to sift through it prayerfully and thoughtfully. Think of those in your community group and their interests. Would someone appreciate seeing one of the flyers in community group? Finally, important Belmont events will be accompanied by a cover letter. This will help you prioritize and identify specific items that should be announced in community group. Apart from these Belmont events, we rely on you to determine what other announcements need to be made in community group. Remember 99% of all material in your box is referenced in the weekly bulletin. Teach your community group members to read their announcements sheets well.

Question: If there was one Scripture or word the staff believes God has given about community groups, what would it be? I want to start praying not just for my community group, but for all our community groups.

Signed, Focused In Prayer

Answer: Dear FIP,

We're always glad to have prayer warriors storming the gates of heaven on behalf of those in community group and the community group leadership. If there has been one verse that has surfaced repeatedly in the last three years it's been Isaiah 54:2-3: "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities." Thank you for your willingness to pray and intercede. We advance through prayer. We believe God wants to expand our borders. Ask him for wisdom to know the timing and method(s) He would have us use to enlarge our tent.

Question: I've been a community group leader since January and am excited about what God is doing in me and in my community group. Could you help me understand how I can glean the most out of the Leadership Summit each month?

Signed, Yearning For All

Answer: Dear YFA,

I'm thrilled you are enjoying community group leadership thus far. Stepping into leadership is a practical way to advance the Kingdom using your gifts. In addition, I believe leadership is a fast track of sorts to maturity and life-change. Here are some suggestions for making the most out of the monthly Summit.

1. Remind yourself each month of the purpose of the Summit. It's important that your expectations be tethered to reality. The purpose of the Summit is essentially two fold, equipping and edification. Equipping typically takes the first 25-45 minutes. The focus is on-going leadership development. You might think of it as in-service training that can help you better understand and walk in your role and responsibilities as a community group leader. The second portion of Summit, the last 45-60 minutes, is a breakout time for districts, areas, and zones. This is a time primarily designated for personal edification and encouragement as the different levels of leadership meet together. The focus is first on how each other is doing in their walk with the Lord, their marriage and family, and their work outside of church.
2. Time might be spent in practical community group, zone, or area business, such as planning a joint event of some nature. This breakout time is important as many in leadership do not see each other on the weekends or later in the month. The breakout time provides a place to connect and edify one another. The Summit is a time each month when those in leadership meet together and build each other up. This time is extremely important. The encouragement factor of the Summit is really something that is caught by being there. While attendance at the monthly Summit is a requirement of community group leadership, the church staff understands that from time to time there may be scheduling conflicts, illness, or vacation/holiday travel that will result in missing a Summit. A cassette tape of the equipping portion is available for those who miss. In addition, audio files of this material are posted on this web site.
3. Participate in the Summit. Ask God to speak to you during the equipping portion. Give and receive ministry to your fellow cell leaders and district pastor during the edification portion. Share with others during the breakout time how you are doing, where you need prayer. Ask others how their passion for the Lord is, how you can pray for them over the next weeks, where they are advancing the Kingdom? Fourth, bring your interns or any in your community group even remotely interested in community group leadership. Use the Summit to build and deepen your relationship with your intern. Reflect together on the material presented and discuss how it might be applied in your community group. Finally, be willing to share your observations, insights, suggestions, and ideas for improvement with your district pastor. Alternatively, email Myron Goodwin your comments at: MyronG@Belmont.org.

Question: Years ago I was in community group leadership. I moved away in the mid-nineties and returned to Belmont early last year. I'm glad to be back in community group leadership but recognize that there have been some changes over the years. Some changes are obvious, like we now have area pastors. Others things I can't exactly put my finger on. My question is how do I get current with where Belmont is going with community group.

Signed, Catching Up

Answer: Dear CU,

As a member of the leadership team at Belmont, staying current is vitally important. Equally important is understanding the whys and wherefores of how we got to be where we are today. You referenced the addition of area pastors. Here are few of the significant improvements or changes in our community group network since '98.

1. In September 1998 we did transition to cell leader, district pastor, area pastor, district pastor format. This improvement meant lower ratios between cell leaders and district pastors. Formally, a district pastor might be responsible for 6-8 cells. Now a district pastor works with 2-4 cell leaders. Fewer cell leaders for a district pastor means a lighter load. The new format facilitates growth of additional cells without overburdening district pastors. Additionally, the new format makes it a little easier, in some cases, to have a geographic focus on a neighborhood.
2. During 1999, cell leadership training was streamlined. An attempt was made to take the vast amount of material on cell leadership and distill it down to the irreducible minimum that every cell leader needs. What are the essential issues everyone in cell leadership needs to address? This material was made available on cassette tape, and on the Belmont website.
3. In the fall of 2000, we refocused on the importance of relationships and being intentional about building community with one another, as opposed to viewing cells as a simply a program of the church. This move toward the importance of edifying one another began at the same time as posting the audio files of the monthly Leadership Summit. All new to cell leadership are encouraged to listen to the September, October 2000 Summits on the web.
4. Finally, another improvement to cells began this year with an emphasis on clarifying and aligning ourselves to purpose and values of cell life (See the January and February 2001 Summits on the web). What practically can you do to get "caught up"? I'd suggest the following: Arrange a time to get together with your district pastor or Myron Goodwin. Listen to the audio files of the Summits posted on the web. Attend as many of the Cell Leadership Training classes as you can. Listen to the four-tape, Cell Leadership Training available on cassette or this website.

Question: I have a desire to see my community group grow. The trouble is I never get any referrals to call. Now granted, I don't live in an area close to the church, but what can my community group do to grow?

Signed, Ready For Growth

Answer: Dear RFG,

Good question, and a question to which there is no one correct answer. I would encourage you, and your community group members, to be as offensive as possible. By that I mean to say, go on the offensive and look for ways to move out of the waiting for referrals mode and into a more aggressive recruiting strategy. Encourage your members to invite their friends from the neighborhood or work whom they believe might enjoy the fellowship. In conversations with people you interact with on a casual basis (like your hair dresser or service station attendant), keep in mind that an invitation to community group might be a way to extend a helping hand to one who might be in need. Finally, challenge your community group members to be ready at every assembly, ready to invite a visitor they meet to their community group. If at the start of the assembly, when you greet each other, you meet someone who is new to Belmont, ask them on the spot if they would like to visit your community group. Invite them to come early. Offer to call them with directions. A visitor is likely to respond positively to a personal invitation. If you notice someone filling out a Community Group Referral Card, remember to ask them after the service if they would like to visit your community group. Hang around the Welcome Desk. If you notice someone picking up a Welcome video, they're likely a visitor. Go up and introduce yourself and invite them to your community group. Be as offensive as possible!

Question: Our community group has kids, lots of kids, kids of varying ages. And, we've just added more kids with some new members. Any suggestions on what we are supposed to do with our kids in community group?

Signed, Hold Down The Fort

Answer: Dear HDTF,

Our only guideline for dealing with children in community group is that everycommunity group have a plan. We believe that the best people to make the decisions about what to do with children are the parents and other adults in the community group. We would encourage every community group with kids to take a whole community group meeting (or more if necessary) to discuss the issue openly, calmly, frankly. As the leader you, or someone you ask, can facilitate the discussion with the goal of reaching a decision and crafting a plan. Be creative. Encourage everyone to participate. Ask God for a solution. Ask other community groups what they do. We know of several community groups that pitch in a buck at the start of the meeting to hire a babysitter. Others plan a Kids' Night per month where the focus of worship and sharing is on the children. Other cells community groups make good use of resources like the backyard and VCRs.

Question: I'm glad that one of the pastors in each assembly mentions the blue card for getting into community group. I think this is good because it let's people know that we are a community group church. What I want to know is what really happens to the cards after Sunday? How do people actually get into community groups?

Signed, Every Card Counts

Answer: Dear ECC,

Thanks for the question. It deserves a thorough answer. I sense your interest and concern to not loose one visitor or person who has expressed an interest in joining a community group. That's the same way we feel in the Community Group Life office. We want to do all we can to serve those inquirers who complete the blue Community Group Referral Card. Here's what happens in what we call our Assimilation Process.

1. Cards are completed by persons desiring to connect with a community group and put in either the offering plate, or dropped off at the Welcome Desk.
2. All cards from the three assemblies are collected first thing Monday morning and sorted by zip code. Our default assumption is that people would prefer connecting to a community group as close to them as possible. The result of this sorting is three piles, one for each district.
3. Debbie Esterline copies the cards and begins entering name and address information into the computer. She then gives the three district pastors the cards of person in their district.
4. After the district pastors read the cards and note any special comments, such as, "I would like a community group with children as I have three", or "I'd prefer a community group with mostly college age members".
5. The district pastors select one or two possible community groups that might work or be close. Then they call the person on the card, greet them, thank them for their interest in community groups, give them thecommunity group leader's name and phone number, tell them to call the community group leader for directions to their next community group meeting. (This puts a measure of responsibility on the inquirer to call a community group leader for directions.)
6. After calling the inquirer, the district pastor calls the community group leader(s) and gives them the name and phone number of the inquirer, and asks them to call the inquirer and invite them to their community group. (This puts a measure of responsibility on the community group leader, or a person in their community group who loves to call visitors). By Monday evening, the inquirer should have received two calls, one from their district pastor with community group leader information for them to call, and another from a community group leader (or designee in the community group) inviting them to the community group.
7. When inquirers visit community groups, the community group leader notes their name on their weekly community group report. When Debbie receives this report in the office, she updates the inquirers file.
8. Two weeks after the card was turned in, the Community Life head calls all the inquirers and asks if they've made it to a community group, if they have questions about community group or about Belmont in general, and gives them information on the next Kingdom Journey.
9. One month later, if the inquirer's name has not showed up yet on a community group Report (turning in those reports are vital), the inquirer receives a follow-up letter, asking them to contact us if they are still interested in connecting with a community group. If all calls are made on Monday, if all community group Reports are turned in and note visitors, if all two-week follow-up calls are made, the inquirer has had at least three personal calls. We believe this represents responsible steps we can take. We also believe giving the inquirer community group leader names and phone numbers and asking them to call is a reasonable way to share the responsibility of getting into a community group. Prayerfully, they will get connected as both parties serve the other.

Question: I've been a community group leader for almost a year now. I'm in church every week and hear Jim plug community group and say a community group leader will call them on Monday. I've never been asked to call an inquirer or visitor. How come?

Signed, Left Out

Answer: Dear LO,

Only if every member of Belmont would be so eager to see visitors welcomed! Don't be discouraged, though. If you've not been called on a Monday and given the name of an inquirer, it's because we haven't had inquirers from your area of town. We do our initial sorting on zip code. If your community group meets in Burwood or Pegram, for example, we do not have a lot of visitors from these parts of town. The further away from the church you get, the fewer the visitors we receive.

Question: Most organizations evaluate their progress, at least annually, if not more often. Why don't we ever do this as community group leadership?

Signed, Hit the Target

Answer: Dear HT,

Your question brings joy to our hearts. It's obvious you believe, as we do, that if you aim at nothing, you hit it every time. As you may recall, (depending on when you joined community group leadership), at the 1998 Cell Leader Retreat, in addition to implementing changes in our cell group structure (adding Area Pastors), we also outlined, for the first time, detailed job descriptions, and some pretty ambitious equipping goals. You are correct to ask if there will be a review and report of our progress toward these goals. FYI, review has been going on within the Community Life office on a weekly basis as we look to improve the way we "do community groups" for the Glory of God. The reporting/updating side is coming. The issue is not "if" we will have a review of our progress as a cell group church, but "when".

Question: Recently a guest speaker gave three different messages in one weekend. As a result, I cancelled the "word" portion of community group because my members did not hear the same thing. Did I do right?

Signed, Toe the Line

Answer: Dear TTL,

Well, yes and no. First, let's review the reason we process the Word in community group each week. The reason for the word portion isn't to re-teach, review, or summarize the weekend message—though a quick encapsulation of the main points may be helpful. The aim of the word portion is to share what the Lord spoke to us from the message. What speck of truth from the sermon, regardless of which message you heard, blessed you, and how can you apply that blessing to your life?

Question: I've heard that the job description for community group leaders is being simplified. I'll certainly look forward seeing it when it's finished. It never hurts to know what you're supposed to do. My question though is about community group members. Is there anything you have for me to understand what to expect of the members of my community group? I have a few members in my community group who, judging from their actions, lead me to believe they expect me to be like a mother Robin, feed hungry chicks in a nest. What are the expectations?

Signed, Same Page

Answer: Dear SP,

Expectations are a powerful force in all our lives. Having expectations is universal. We all have expectations about everything, whether stated or unstated. Expectations form by our past, guide our present, and shape our future. What happens when expectations are not stated or clarified? Many things, including confusion, misunderstanding, unintentional hurt, surprise, and disappointment, to name a few. What are proper expectations of community group members? See if you can identify with these. A community group member is a person who is: willing to attend community group on a regular basis, willing to participate in the meeting, willing to ask God to use them to minister to the needs of others, share with those who attend, willing to share how they are doing, willing to join in community group outreaches, and willing to share hosting, snack, and childcare responsibilities. The operative word in every expectation is willing. In an ideal world a community group member is willing to do all these things and more. The important thing as a community group leader is that you accept people where they really are, and that you communicate on a regular basis what the expectations of a community group member are. Your job, with God's help, is to close the gap between where they are and where they need to be. Are these the expectations that came to your mind? Did you think of others? Can you see why expectations need to be communicated to your community group members in order to avoid disappointment?

Question: Thank you for the recent emphasis on building relationships instead of just doing the 4Ws. The freedom to be flexible has resulted in my cell growing closer and taking more interest in outreach. Should we focus on the Word in cell, or just on how each member is doing, or on outreaches?

Signed, Seeking Balance

Answer: Dear SB,

Balance should be the order of the day. Having the flexibility and freedom to adjust your meeting each week based on what you sense the Holy Spirit is wanting to do, should not result in any extreme of doing the same thing week after week. The starting place for maintaining balance is to review (with your cell members) the purpose for cell. The reason you are spending time in cell is to build community by edifying each another and equipping yourselves for the work of ministry that takes place outside of cell. Remember, we've defined building community as being intentional about sharing how we are doing with the Lord, sharing concern for each other, and sharing concern for the lost or those outside of cell. It's appropriate to spend some time worshipping God at cell and then reflect on what He is saying to you, through the worship and/or through the sermon? Absolutely. Must you do that every week, in the same way. It is good to spend time ministering to each other. Must you do these things every week? Of course not. Be innovative. Observe the needs of your people and listen for what the Lord is telling you.

Question: To be honest, sometimes I feel like a one-armed, paper hanger. I have too much to do and too few hours. What is the point of the Leadership Summit each month? You say it's required for those in community group leadership. I can agree if it has some useful purpose.

Signed, Too Few Hours

Answer: Dear TFH,

We feel your pain! When life seems too full, it's important to steward your time and energy wisely. Community Life is working hard to make every minute of the Leadership Summit count. Our hopes for the Summit is that it will provide a "cup of cold water" to the weary, as well as a place where relationships can be renewed and a vision for building community rekindled.

Question: Our community group seems to have hit a plateau. We meet regularly. We are doing about an outreach a quarter. We discuss the sermon. When we do, though, the sharing seems to stay at a surface level. As I pray for my people and see them at community group, I sense some are going through some real struggles. Our time in community group does not seem to make much difference in the level of victory some are walking in. What do I do?

Signed, Yearning for More

Answer: Dear YFM,

Great question and one that if answered well, not just in theory, but in practice, can transform a community group (almost overnight) from being just a bunch of folks who get together each week, into a loving, caring, concerned community. In one word, what you might want to be thinking about is how can you cultivate an atmosphere where men and women can be vulnerable and transparent with each other. It will take time. It is a learned process. You might try one of two things to get you started. First, you might spend a portion of each meeting dividing into men and women's groups. This will work well when you discuss the sermon. Let the men meet with the other men, and the women with other women. After you have discussed the word, ask if there are any struggles, temptations, situations, or issues the group can pray about. Alternatively, you might use one or two of the Wesley Questions (see below) to prime the pump. The second suggestion is go first, meaning, be the first to share what is going on with you. Many think those in any kind of leadership have no problems. Lead the way in your group by dispelling that myth. You people will model, to some extent, what they see you doing.

Question: Our community group has a new intern. I'm so excited that I can hardly stand it! For the majority of my time as a community group leader, I've not had an intern. At times, let me be honest, I've felt kind of alone. Having someone to assist me is such a blessing. It's also cool because they get to grow in their leadership gifts. What can they do in order to feel apart of the community group leadership at Belmont?

Signed, Happy with Help

Answer: Dear HH,

In the past few weeks there have been a number of persons who have stepped forward into community group leadership at Belmont. We are thrilled about that, both for community group leaders like yourself who now have someone willing to share the ministry load, and for the individuals who will be enriched for their participation in leadership. Answering your question is very important for building, facilitating, and enhancing our corporate identity and culture. How do we, the existing community group leadership, encourage new community group leaders and interns? What can they do to capture the heart, passion and vision for community group sooner, than later? Here are some ideas for starters:

• Contact their community group leader or district pastor each week to build relationship
• Attend Kingdom Journeyso they get the big Belmont picture and how community groups work
• Come to community group leadership training when training resumes
• Start community group leadership training via the web or by tape
• Attend the monthly Leadership Summit meetings
• Call the community group Hotline (244-8739, ext. 333)
• Come to the Cell Leadership Retreat

Question: I'm struggling to fit it all in and even wondering if I should try. I think I'm supposed to be a role model of sorts for those in my community group. To be honest though, I'm not sure I'm using my time well enough to want anyone to copy me. There always seems to be more to do than days and hours to do it. How do I prioritize my time at Belmont and still have a life.

Signed, Weary and Wasted

Answer: Dear WW,

I bet you're not the only one at Belmont who asks that question from time to time. And time is the issue, isn't it? If your weary from the game of life, and feel like you want to fold, we'd suggest you play an ACE/m! This is a simple acrostic to remind you of the three basic areas you should consider involvement in at Belmont.

1. "A" stands for Assembly. You're probably already attending church on the weekend. Great, you're on the right track. Reflect on the assembly you attend and your reason for going. There may be several reasons: you want to worship God, you want to see your friends, you want your children to attend class. You might want to think of attending an assembly on a weekly basis as a cornerstone in your schedule.
2. "C" stands for Community. This is a no-brainer for community group leadership. For other members at Belmont, our suggestion is that everyone plug into a community group. As you know, community groups are nothing more than the "structure" we've employed to help us see that everyone is pastored. The goal isn't ccommunity groups for community groups sake. The goal is a church where everyone is receiving a basic level of pastoring and care; community groups simply help us do that.
3. "E" stands for Equipping. Belmont would encourage every member to be involved in some area of equipping. Belmont Team Training is a great place to start. If you've completed that, there may be a conference you can attend. Keep in mind, however, that equipping should be for a purpose.
4. Notice the small "M" beside the "E". That "M" stands for Ministry. Basically, either be equipped (for some ministry), or be involved in ministry of some sort. Ministry can be anything from being a community group Leader, to volunteering once a month at the Welcome Desk, to discipling a new believer. Ministry can be in church or out. We believe that if a person plays the ACE/m and commits to an Assembly, joins a community group, and is involved in equipping or ministry, they will be best positioned to not only grow spiritually, but also able to live a "paced" lifestyle with plenty of margin for their family and the unexpected.

Question: Our community group has about 17 adults, not counting kids, that come every week. It's pretty crowded. Not everyone has a chance to share. I guess we need to multiply but I'm not sure how to go about it in a positive way. We've grown really close in the last year. Help!

Signed, Torn Asunder

Answer: Dear TA, I'm glad you're not afraid to use the "M" word. Multiplication is a very important term as it encapsulates the fruit of growth. When a community group reaches 12 adults who attend community group on a regular basis, it is time to start thinking about multiplication. When a cell has 14-16 adults who attend on a regular basis, it is time to start the multiplication process. Multiplication is never the goal, rather, it's the fruit of a healthy community group. And, it's necessary for your members if continued growth, health, and vitality in their walk is of importance. There are at least two aspects that need to be understood with multiplication: the "why", and the "how". The key is preparing your community group by sharing the benefits for multiplying. Here are several:

• Greater intimacy with one another is facilitated by smaller group size—now there's time for every person to share if they want;
• Room for assimilating for new believers and interested visitors to church, who are requesting to get into a community group;
• More ministry opportunities are created in areas of leadership, leading worship, using your gifts; and
• New opportunities to meet new brothers and sisters and pass along the Belmont DNA.
  
  You can begin preparing your people by sharing these benefits, as well as encouraging them that:
• They are able to hear God's voice—they are sheep who know the Shepherd's voice.
• The place God has for them that will result in their continued growth and fulfillment of their destiny.
  Keep in mind that multiplication is not saying goodbye to friends who go to the other community group. It's more akin to passing and spreading life around. Multiplication is about helping every member learn to hear God's voice. It's about helping every member grow to maturity in Christ. It's about seeking God together about who will function best in conjunction with other community group members so that everyone matures and grows in fulfilling their God-given destiny.

Question: When should I consider a visitor to my community group a member of my community group and how many times a month does someone need to attend to still be considered a member?

Signed, Unsure

Answer: Dear Unsure,

A general guideline would be to include someone as a member of your community group after they have expressed a desire to be in your community group, and have attended regularly two or three times. If they say they want to join your community group, go ahead and add them to the list. Until they make that decision, however, you should include them as a visitor on your community group report. If someone is not attending and is not responding to phone calls, remove their name them from your list. Call or leave them a message that they are welcome whenever they are ready to come back to your community group. If someone says they still want to be in community group but do not come but once every 2 or 3 months, do would not include them as an active member. Still keep in touch with them as long as you think is necessary. As for married couples, remember that just because one spouse is in a community group does not make the other spouse an automatic member. Both should be attending community group for both to be considered members. Remember, these are general guidelines. Be sensitive. For example, a person's schedule might not allow them to be at community group but once a month. If they stay actively involved with people in the community group by phone and do things other days of the week besides community group night, that is wonderful! What happens outside of community group night is as important as what happens in community group. Please remember to circle visitors on your community group report form and to include address and phone number of any new members. Also, indicate on the comment line when someone is no longer a member of your community group.

Question: Our community group has a bunch of kids, lots of kids. I get irritated sometime because it seems that the parents of the kids have different standards for discipline. Some are strict, some don't seem to mind if the kids run wild. What do we do to have a peaceful community group . . . with our kids?

Signed, Exasperated

Answer: Dear Exasperated,

Relax, breath slowly, and remember that God is in control. Next, we would suggest that your community group talk about, and adopt some house rules. Having some house rules that are agreed upon by parents and children can clarify expectations for everyone.

Here are some suggested House Rules for community groups with children:

1. We will walk, not run, inside the house.
2. Since we care about others and their belongings, we will not put our feet or jump on furniture.
3. We will not turn on the television, stereo, computer, or play musical instruments without permission.
4. We will ask to play with someone else's toys. If some-thing gets broken, we will apologize and replace it.
5. We will respect treasured objects and decorations that belong to our host family and we will not touch or play with them.
6. We will respect the privacy of others by not entering areas where the door is closed. Closed doors mean that the area is off limits.
7. We will ask permission to enter bedrooms or the kitchen. We will not open the refrigerator, cabinets, or any closets without permission.
8. We will listen carefully and obey the host family's request when food and drinks are served. In some homes, we will be asked to eat and drink in specific areas.
9. We will be polite and help put things away at the end of the cell family meeting.
10. We will thank our host family for sharing their home with us.
11. When community group meets in our house, we will communicate clearly specific rules that are not included above.

Clarifying expectations for behavior will go a long way to building consistent behavior from house to house. If the parents are involved in establishing the guidelines, and enforcing them, there is a good chance for peace to be the order of the day. Don't forget that each community group must decide how the house rules will be enforced. You might decide that after two warnings, disobedient children will be returned to their parents for the remainder of the evening.

Question: I know of the District Pastor's suggestion that every community group have an intern. My problem is I have two or three people in my community group who I think would make great community group leaders. How do I choose one and not hurt the others?

Signed, Sensitive

Answer: Dear Sensitive,

You are very correct in understanding that the district pastors encourage you to have an intern. One of the greatest things a cell leader can do is to have an intern to share the load. You may be surprised to know that you never have to choose only one intern if in fact you have several in your cell who might be willing and able to serve in an intern role. If you have more than one intern possibility, share with your district pastor. The district pastors want to see as many interns as your cell has willing and able people.

Question: As a district pastor, when I receive an email copy of a community group referral, am I getting a "FYI," or should I actually be making a referral call?

Signed, Jot & Tittle

Answer: Dear JT,

A copy of a community group referral report emailed to you is first of all just that, a copy, an FYI. But let's back up and ask the "why" question. The main purpose for the community group referral process is to insure that those interested in community groups get a call and invitation to a community group meeting as soon as possible. If you know one of your community group leaders does not have email, for example, you should call the community group leader with the info. If, on the other hand, the referral has not been assigned down to the community group level then you should make that assignment and let Debbie (ext. 239) in the community group office know who you've assigned the referral too. (You can tell this by looking in the "To" line. If there is no community group leader name, you need to assign it.) Many DP's call all the referrals regardless. Remember the purpose. An extra call from a DP communicates to an inquirer that Belmont is interested in helping them get plugged into a community group.

Question: What do you think is the biggest reason that community group don't want to multiply?

Signed, Cautious

Answer: Dear Cautious,

There can be any number of reasons why a community group doesn't multiply, not just one reason. Some community group don't multiply (or even get the discussion started) because they do not have an intern ready to step up into leadership. (Some community groups don't even have an intern!) Othercommunity groups don't multiply because members are afraid that if they multiply they will no longer be able to spend time with their friends in the other community group. This is a real concern. Having a quarterly get-together with your sister community group from the multiplication might help this hurdle be crossed. Finally, some community groups don't multiply because of a belief that their relationship might not be as deep as before. While this could be the result, typically members in community groups that multiply often are grateful for the new friendships that are formed and new levels of intimacy built over time.

Question: What's the real purpose for community groups? I say they're for winning souls and taking Nashville for Jesus. My friend thinks I'm wrong. He tells me that community groups are for pastoring people. I think he's not so committed and that if he wants to be pastored, he should go to church. Who is right?

Signed, Focused

Answer: Dear Focused,

You're right, and . . . your friend is right. You both understand one of the key components of community group life. Community groups exist to fulfill the purpose of Belmont Church through edification, equipping, and evangelism in the context of covenant community. While it's true that one of the emphasis in community groups is on evangelism, that's not all community groups are for. Community groups also exist to assist people during transition times, during hard time, during life.

Question: What's the big deal about multiplication? Who cares as long as people are getting together for fellowship.

Signed, Slightly Cynical

Answer: Dear Slightly Cynical,

Community group multiplication is not a goal to be pursued; rather, it's what happens (or should happen) as new members assimilate into the community group. Multiplication of community groups with more than 16 adults makes it possible for community groups to stay small enough to really minister to one another. Not only that, multiplication gives all kinds of folks the opportunity to use their gifts and talents, where they might not have been able to in a larger group. A focus on multiplication misses the point of community group, however. The focus should be on helping each community group member to reach their God-given destiny.

Question: What's the big deal about including comments on the referral report I send back to the office? Can't a simple 'delete' or 'joined community group' suffice?

Signed, Dazed and Confused

Answer: Dear Dazed and Confused,

Taking a minute or two to summarize a note on your referral report provides very valuable input for the community group department. In fact, your input is a practical thing you can do to facilitate overall health of the church, and insure folks are not lost through the cracks. You cannot imagine how many times a comment on a referral report has solved a problem. Your comments are valued and necessary.

Question: What do I do if I finally have a person willing to be an intern, but they haven't gone through community group leader training yet? I don't want to break any rules.

Signed, Worried Beaver

Answer: Dear Worried Beaver,

Relax and do not worry. If you have someone willing and able to step up as an intern, bless them. Have the community group pray over them. Inform your district pastor (maybe with an invite to community group the night you pray for them). If they have not attended Community Group Leader Training, you are not breaking a rule by starting them as interns. They can participate in Community Group Leadership Training at a later date, which will give them some practical tools and insure they are on the same page as the rest of the leadership.