You may be feeling jitters about starting something new. Maybe the emotions are reminiscent of the first day of school or starting a new job. Excitement, anticipation, expectation, and of course, good old-fashioned nervousness.
These are all typical and understandable responses to trying something new. So as the first day of your new group starts, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your time!
First, Remember to show up
Maybe this seems obvious, but don’t overlook this vital principle. The best things in life are the result of simple steps.
You may find yourself thinking ”It’ll be lame,” or “I won’t have anything in common with those people,” or even, “I have too much to do or am too busy to invest time into a Group long-term.”
To really make the most out of your first group meeting, push past the excuses and get there. Showing up is half the battle.
Your Group has the power to be something special, fun, and transformative, and you may find yourself wrestling with these excuses each week. Don’t give in; keep showing up.
Next, feel free to join in
In today’s world, it can be easy to fall into the trap of being present somewhere without actually being engaged.
The secret sauce to getting the most out of your experience is going all in. If you take part in an activity group, then learning a new skill, sharing in the joy of your passions, and throwing yourself in with abandon should be a given. If it’s a study, don't worry about saying something wrong or looking silly. The goal is to learn and grow; participating is the way growth and change will happen.
Learning is never passive, when we pump ourselves up to get involved, we won’t regret it.
Remember to be authentic
There is such a temptation in our culture to put up a front. We are encouraged to pretend to have all our stuff together and impress others.
But it’s helpful to remember that no one is perfect. We don’t have to air all our dirty laundry; we’d actually advise against that for your first meeting! However, people will be willing to help you foster an authentic environment if you lead authentically!
We shouldn’t be afraid to be vulnerable and admit if we don’t know something or if we are wrestling and need some help. It is amazing to see how fast a connection can happen when we are willing to share our stories with others!
If you're hosting...
Make a lasting impression on your Group by setting up an environment where they feel welcome and comfortable. Arrange your furniture and add some extra chairs to ensure there’s a spot for every person. De-clutter the meeting space and light a candle.
Go the extra mile and tie a balloon to your mailbox, or put a sign out to make finding your house easier. Ask your Group to bring their favorite snack to share!
Before everyone arrives, take a moment to pray that God will bless the time together, and create a life-giving experience for everyone.
We may be feeling excitement or anticipation, but once we take the time to show up, join in and be real, we may find that all those feelings turn into real growth and life-long friendships being built right before our eyes!
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!