This past week a team of five from The Church at LifePark attended the ReGroup Conference at the Buckhead Church in Atlanta.  The Conference was inspirational with plenty of energy and great times of worship.  The teaching sessions were filled with practical content that was taught by practitioners involved in ministry.  Jeff Henderson delivered the first plenary talk encouraging the attendees to remember their calling, especially when times get difficult.  He presented three strategies for an organizational “battle plan”:

1.  Start with “what is”

2.  Ask “what if?”

3.  Pray “why not?”

We then had the opportunity to attend breakout sessions that were led by one or more Groups staff members who have expertise in that topic. We had approximately thirty minutes of presentation and wrapped up with thirty minutes of Q&A.  I attended the following breakout sessions:

A Week in the Life of a Community Group Director

We looked at the Community Group Directors vital role in working with the volunteer group leaders,   This involves shepherding, coaching, and equipping them for effective ministry.

Clearing the Path for Community

There are many barriers to joining a group, engaging in a group, and multiplying a group. This session discussed how to overcome the barriers at every stage so group members are able to pursue healthy relationships and spiritual growth.

Spiritual Growth through Group Life

This session looked at the assumptions, beliefs, and  theology of spiritual growth with a special emphasis on the need to be connected relationally for growth to occur spiritually.

Developing Leaders Who Lead Well

The effectiveness of small group ministry is directly related to the health of the leaders. This session discussed how to develop and train leaders for success.

Leveraging Web Tools for Community

This session explored the strengths and weaknesses of the Groups Ministry.  Specifically we examined how the web can help one to vet leaders, train leaders, and expose them to new group resources.

The final plenary session was conducted by Andy Stanley as he brought home the point that “circles are better than rows” in helping people become more like Christ.  Overall it was a great conference and I’m thankful for the opportunity to attend and bring back some helpful ideas to enhance our ministry at LifePark.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University