set first meeting date/time/place; call group members
find and maintain an apprentice within the first couple weeks
call people who miss a group meeting (make sure everything is OK)
refer anyone in need of special help to minister(s)—they will inform Caring Committee if necessary
organize the group’s response to aid members in need (cards, visits, food, etc)
make sure each group does one service project each year
attend monthly group leader meetings
In group meetings:
- keep discussion moving and on-topic; do not let one person dominate discussion (allow everyone to speak once before someone responds)
- work with the group to establish group norms and policies/procedures, including
- encouraging people to make I statements
- encouraging active listening, i.e. not listening to formulate a response
- discouraging advice giving but rather letting people speak into the holding silence of the group
- choose opening and closing words (or work with apprentice to make sure that they’re doing this—this is a good way to train/empower your apprentice)
Responsibilities of all group members (basic group norms):
1. Confidentiality
2. Openness
3. Attendance at group meetings